This doesn't happen all the time and since putting the x back on the road after sitting 6 months I have noticed it twice over the past 8 weeks. First my brake pedal effort is normal, not soft or hard. The car brakes without locking up or shuttering or pulling. HOWEVER, the other day the car was bouncing down the road in "drive mode" at 45mph and after braking a few times I smelled brake fluid. I didn't see any drips or leaks on the drive or by the wheels in front or rear. Two days later I take the car to the shop and it drives perfectly. No issue but there was a very, very slight brake fluid smell. The shop has the car two days and said it drives fine no issues. Secondly, there is a vibration in the steering wheel when the car is idle after warming up and sitting at a light. It is very noticeable. When I drive from stop to 55 there is no vibration in the wheel until I stop again. Can these two be related? Bouncing front end, steering wheel vibration?
How do you know when your motor mounts are bad and will they effect steering wheel vibration? This X had a complete front end rebuild, new Bil' shocks in front, all bushings, and drive shaft boot replacements. I have never had any vibration in the steering wheel, I've owned the X for 9 years. 178K . The Bilstein shocks are stiffer than the OEM, but I can't imagine they would bounce the front end while driving forward at any speed.
The last time the car was at the shop 8 weeks ago with this similar issue they explained that the bouncing effect may have been caused by the brake on the left side sticking in braking mode and when the car was on the lift sure enough the wheel was hard to turn freely, after a few forceful turns it was turned freely. They mentioned it may be the brake lines. But the problem never reappeared, it has since clocked 1500 miles, oil change and window clips and then the problem showed itself three days ago, almost 8 weeks after the first occurrence. On a very limited budget so I can't just throw parts and service at it. When do you replace brake lines? This X has had brake fluid flushes every 2 years while it was in Pacific NW. It has only been in FL for 8 months.
Thanks in advance.