light braking/wheel shake??

[Russell]

When I first apply my brake lightly, I get a mild steering wheel shake. Goes away when I apply the brakes hard. Rotors are ATE with 20,000 miles with Raybestos QS pads. Boge struts have about 20,000 miles and Lemforder upper thrust arms with 750i bushing have about 12,000 miles.

Not sure where to start. I may have the rotors turned and see if that helps. I keep the lug bolts torqued at about 75 pounds. Any thoughts? TIA

[winfred]

theres a hair of run out on the rotors, harder braking puts enough tension on the bushings to stop it

[Russell]

So turn the rotors or replace? There is only a very small indication of a lip on the rotors. Thanks

[RallyD]

i had the same problem.
replaced front rotors and the shimmy went away.

[winfred]

i don't turn euro rotors i replace them but you can give it a shot


So turn the rotors or replace? There is only a very small indication of a lip on the rotors. Thanks

[Russell]

seems odd they do this after only 20,000 miles. Perhaps washing the car with hot brakes may be the issue.

[632 Regal]

maybe the wheels are slightly off balance, 20k miles is a lot without a rebalance. I was so sick and tired of these vibrations I had M/5 bushings pressed and cant get any vibration anytime <- this was the cure all.

seems odd they do this after only 20,000 miles. Perhaps washing the car with hot brakes may be the issue.

[Alexlind123]

Hmm, i had that problem and solved it by replacing the thrust arm bushings. But surely yours arent bad yet. I would listen to what the wise ones have said.

[632 Regal]

I can blow out a 750 bushing on the first test drive.

Hmm, i had that problem and solved it by replacing the thrust arm bushings. But surely yours arent bad yet. I would listen to what the wise ones have said.

[Russell]

thanks, the tires were rotated and balanced about 7,000 miles ago. They are due. Will do that before I do anything.

[Russell]

Also a good point, i will check this weekend as I am going to replace coolant. Will check then.

[winfred]

hmmm wonder who said that :D


I had M/5 bushings pressed and cant get any vibration anytime <- this was the cure all.

[525ikicker]

i have had the same shimmy under light braking and have come to a conclusion that the idler arm bushing is so wore out that when i moved the tire side to side while watching the tie rods i noticed that the tie rods werent going just side to side, but up and down on the passengers side. so i havent replaced it yet because of time and money, but just imagine ur going 60mph and u lightly hold the brakes and the idler arm is not holding the centerlink firm, the whole steering system could shake, therefore i believe that the idler arm bushing would be the part to blame. after i replace it with a quality bushing i will let u know if the shimmy is still present... i might be wrong, but thats why its just an idea

good luck everyone
j c

[Russell]

Have new idler arm. The shimmy was before this. Did not notice any change from shimmy after arm replacement. However, steering felt a bit more precise. Thanks for the thought. I could still have center link and/or tie rod issues.

[632 Regal]

or a torn thrust arm bushing.

Have new idler arm. The shimmy was before this. Did not notice any change from shimmy after arm replacement. However, steering felt a bit more precise. Thanks for the thought. I could still have center link and/or tie rod issues.

[Russell]

Hope not, they are Lemforder/750i less than a year/13,000 miles old.

BTW, rotated and balanced tires today on a Hunter and I think the shake is gone or reduced. Of course that was a short in-town drive in heavy rain.

Nto even later after another drive can I find shimmy. Bet I had a piece of crud somewhere that kept a front wheel from mountng flush. At least I hope so.

This is one of the best cars (not the cheapest) I have ever owned. Even better than my station wagons and mini-vans. :) Even so, I dearly loved my 2002 and 528e.