Steering wheel vibrates when I brake..

[Joshua]

My Mazda 3 2008's steering wheel vibrates when I brake on the highway... at high speeds. I had all brakes rotors changed last year. So it can't be that. I also hear a clunking noise... when I slowly brake in traffic for example. Any ideas what may be going on?

[Stathakos]

Try re-torquing your lug nuts to the correct spec

[kankerface]

we had a caliper that was sticking and it made clunking sounds

[mikey32235]

nope.. u need rotos.. get them warrentied.

[BlackIce]

I have this problem too, I replaced my rotors and pads and i still had that problem. Turns our my suspension is damn near limp! it has to do with your suspension that its vibrating a lot. I normally feather my brake pedal to reduce the vibration. Also anyone have any suggestions for good coil overs that are fairly cheap? All i know about are BC coil overs, any other decent brands for decent prices?

Sorry to thread highjack btw.

[sky_active]

My Mazda 3 2008's steering wheel vibrates when I brake on the highway... at high speeds. I had all brakes rotors changed last year. So it can't be that. I also hear a clunking noise... when I slowly brake in traffic for example. Any ideas what may be going on?

I am having the same problem like u, especially at high speed. As far as I can see from my brakes, the front rotors are scored. Not sure if the calipers are sticking or not. I think I have to get them checked soon and get you updated.

[hex]

Warped rotors?

My girlfriend's mom's car does this too. It shakes violently when brakes are applied at highway speeds, it's insane.

[r4BBiT]

My Mazda 3 2008's steering wheel vibrates when I brake on the highway... at high speeds. I had all brakes rotors changed last year. So it can't be that. I also hear a clunking noise... when I slowly brake in traffic for example. Any ideas what may be going on?

Sure it can be rotors again. If you didn't fix the root cause of the problem last time (sticking caliper for example) and just put the new rotors on, the issue warped your new rotors. Just saying ;)

[sky_active]

My Mazda 3 2008's steering wheel vibrates when I brake on the highway... at high speeds. I had all brakes rotors changed last year. So it can't be that. I also hear a clunking noise... when I slowly brake in traffic for example. Any ideas what may be going on?

Joshua, does the sticking caliper cause the warped rotors in most cases? One reason caused the warped rotors is mainly the quality, but still cant figure out why the rotors become warped if the pads still have lots of life left. Unadjusted / Unbalanced pistons?

[kiloaway]

Hi Joshua, did you find out what's going on with your car? is it Rotor or Caliper? I'm having exactly the same issue and will bring my car in this weekend to check it out..

[Stathakos]

does having painted calipers void warranty?

[p-o-g-i]

I would think warped rotors as well.

If the shaking didn't only happen when you were braking, I would think in balanced wheels.

[greyseason]

does having painted calipers void warranty?

I can't think of a way it would void it. Brakes are wear and tear anyway

[jay93]

warped discs! in most cases it's the reason why the steering wheel would vibrate from braking at a high speed e.g. 100km

[stock3]

I would try the brake bed in procedure. I know it helps in my case whenever I start feeling vibrations when braking. I usually take the car to an empty road in the evening and do 10-15 progressively harder "stops" from about 100km/h, but I don't stop all the way, just slow down. The last few stops are all full force on the verge of breaking traction with the front wheels. I will smell the brake pads at that point. I then take a 10-15 minute easy drive to let the brakes cool down.
If the rotors are not rusty and pads are in good shape and wearing evenly, this procedure so far worked 100% of the time to get rid of vibrations.

[Jackal]

I would think warped rotors as well.

If the shaking didn't only happen when you were braking, I would think in balanced wheels.
Yes. Check for warped rotors first before you do the procedure below. They may only need machining but if you do the below bedding procedure, you may end up making it worse.


I would try the brake bed in procedure. I know it helps in my case whenever I start feeling vibrations when braking. I usually take the car to an empty road in the evening and do 10-15 progressively harder "stops" from about 100km/h, but I don't stop all the way, just slow down. The last few stops are all full force on the verge of breaking traction with the front wheels. I will smell the brake pads at that point. I then take a 10-15 minute easy drive to let the brakes cool down.
If the rotors are not rusty and pads are in good shape and wearing evenly, this procedure so far worked 100% of the time to get rid of vibrations.

[DLYDRVN]

*facepalm*


Rotors don't warp. At least.. not often...

http://www.stoptech.com/technical-support/technical-white-papers/-warped-brake-disc-and-other-myths

http://backfires.caranddriver.com/posts/837-brake-rotors-don-t-warp

http://www.examiner.com/article/there-s-no-such-thing-as-warped-brake-rotors

http://www.hendonpub.com/resources/article_archive/results/details?id=1787

http://www.tirerack.com/FAQ/results.jsp?category=Brakes

[Jackal]

You can find anything on the internet to back any claim and post a link. *facepalm*
Rotors do warp and here's my link to prove it and therefore it's true.
http://www.tirerack.com/FAQ/results.jsp?category=Brakes

Case in point.
Obama is a muslim. My proof and link therefore it's true.
http://www.renewamerica.com/columns/swank/110209

Obama is a devout Christian. My proof and link therefore it's true.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0810/41265.html

[cwp_sedan]

Rotors do warp and this is most likely the issue.

Proof - Personal experience. Multiple times on multiple vehicles.

[bukjoe]

this vibration happens to me too. I replaced all pads and rotors at 100k and now Im at 186k and the vibration happens only when Im braking from 120km/h .... I have Raybestos Rotors and Hawks pads all around... so Im thinking it could be my worn out shocks but maybe not. Does anyone have the same experience using Raybestos rotors? I paid a pretty penny for them and I was hoping they would last....