Intermittent steering shake

mddecker · #1 03-08-2009, 04:30 PM

So last week I am on the freeway, doing 60-65, when the steering wheel starts shaking/shimmying pretty badly. At first I just figured it was the road, but when I hit the brakes the shake intensified. It did this for about 3-5 minutes then just went away while I was still on the freeway.

My first reaction is that is either tires are out of balance (same tires for 3 years) or my rotors are warped (I did put new pads on last summer, but did not replace the rotors) – however the problem had gone away. Until today, again on the freeway, and the steering started shaking for a couple minutes – but then went away again!

Any thoughts? Thanks!

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luke72 · #2 03-08-2009, 06:43 PM

i had the same problem, it was front left brake caliper

panzercommander · #3 03-08-2009, 07:04 PM

me too. right front caliper. 85 bucks at carquest and 30 minutes of your time.i can talk you thru it if you're unsure just let me know

panzercommander · #4 03-08-2009, 07:12 PM

more specifically the rotor is sticking I see you're in a salt prone area(winter weather). chances are the rubber seal around the piston tore and corrosion set in. eventually it will stick for good. the one i bought has a good warranty and comes with the mounting brackets and hardware.

mddecker · #5 03-09-2009, 12:10 PM

Good stuff! So how can I tell if its the right or the left?

Thanks!

anerbe · #6 03-09-2009, 04:10 PM

after driving while experiencing this shake, pull over and whichever wheel is hotter should be having the problem.

X5girl · #7 03-09-2009, 07:37 PM

It could also be the thrust arm bushes giving these symptoms. If the calipers feel ok, then check the bushes next.

X5Girl, xxx

Rafael Gonzalez · #8 03-09-2009, 11:31 PM

Also check The Center link,it's cheap and could also be the problem.BMW's suffer from that also.

cowboynj · #9 03-10-2009, 03:11 AM

I'm having the same problem, but now it's happening whenever I hit brakes. I replaced destroyed lower control arm yesterday...still shaking, but no thud entering my driveway. Now I'm on to the brakes. It's 3am and I can't get the damn rotor off. I've been whacking it with a rubber mallet for 10 minutes. I'm beat.

Always take it to the dealer for the diagnosis if nothing else. I'm an idiot.

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