Shaky steering wheel when braking

[rrebeccag]

Hi all. Just wondering if anyone has experienced their steering wheel shaking horribly when coming to a stop and sometimes hearing some thuds as well? If so, what was the outcome?

[OhioVueBoy]

You most likely have warped rotors, and probably bad swaybar links.

Mine did this up until Weds, when I put new brakes on it. I knew the rotors were warped badly, and my swaybar links are about shot. I no longer get the jiggly steering wheel when braking, but when these rotors warp, I'll bet it returns.

For those of you who haven't experienced it - this isn't a tugging at the wheel like a warped rotor does - the whole thing feels like it is jiggling loosely.

~D.J.~

[rrebeccag]

THanks for the prompt reply. So, does this mean I'll be spending an arm and a leg to replace them?

[OhioVueBoy]

If you are under warranty, no.

The rotors can most likely be turned, but warpage will probably re-occur down the road. It's kind of a fact of life with most GM vehicles.

The swaybar links - I'm not quite so sure... one of the techs will probably chime in later and know. I'd like to know as well... mine are bad, and my strut mounts are once again groaning.

~D.J.~

[GearGuy]

Hi all. Just wondering if anyone has experienced their steering wheel shaking horribly when coming to a stop and sometimes hearing some thuds as well? If so, what was the outcome?
What year?
FWD or AWD?
The more info you provide the better.

[wackochic]

that happened to me earlier in the year.. warped rotors. They turned them and it fixed the problems. I think I paid $60 to fix it..

[KoolVue]

I agree, sounds like warped rotors to me.

[rdalton]

My Ion had that problem, my rotors were warped all to hell. I'll also agree with OVB on the swaybar links, that was another thing my ion liked to go through. Always resulted in a clunking/ratteling out of the front end.

[burlyvue2]

The rotors on the Vue (stock/factory) are pretty flimsy. This is an ongoing issue with the Vue with MANY owners having problems. It seems to be a combination of poor quality rotors and the torque of the lug nuts which can deflect the rotor out of spec. Heating, cooling and hard braking wreak havoc with the Vue's rotors.

I replaced with Saturn Motorsports Stillen rotors and pads. Braking improved and no more issues with warping. If you get this make sure you follow the break in procedures. If ANYBODY touches your wheels make sure they use a torque wrench and proper techniques to reinstall your wheels. The Vue has been the most picky I have ever driven about the brakes. Beware of the Pneumatic Wrench !!!

:flag:

[dant98]

Rotors aren't going to be covered under warrenty because they are a wear item. I had this problem on my 2000 Taurus at about 30K miles. I had both the warrenty and a service plan. Warrenty didn't cover cause it was a wear item. Service didn't cover it cause the pads were fine. I just put dimpled and cross drilled rotors on the taurus, then they had to replace the pads at about 45K. After the service plan was up, I put ceramic pads on it.

The slotted rotors made "cricket" noises though on the taurus.

-Dan

[runerx]

I put the only rotor that was avliable at the time
(may have been raybestos??) from advance auto and new aftermarket pads on my VUE about 20k ago and they are just fine even with hard use. I had mine turned at 15-20K and they were shaking like hell againg by 30K or so. Knock on wood mine are shake free for about $170

Dave:hothead: