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  #1  
Old 05-18-2009, 07:15 PM
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Front End Shake - Possible Sway Bar Links

Over the last few days I have developed a steering wheel shake when braking at high speeds. There brake pedal doesn't give off any pulsing - just a slight side to side shake of the steering wheel. The brakes and front rotors are only 5K miles old and were done by the dealer - I reached under the car and there appears to be a lot of play on the sway bar links - could this cause the vibration? Do I need an alignment after changing them out? I would hate to have to do the brakes again..
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Old 05-18-2009, 08:49 PM
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Odd, mine does the same thing. I havent been under the car, well because I dont need to be, I will let them deal with it. Let me know what you find.
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Old 05-18-2009, 08:58 PM
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sway bars and/or thrust arm bearings
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Old 05-18-2009, 09:01 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by anerbe View Post
sway bars and/or thrust arm bearings
I would say maybe both in this case, just did the thurst rod bushing on mine, world of difference...
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Old 05-18-2009, 09:11 PM
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most likely its the thrust arm bushings. the swaybar links will cause a clunking sound and will not affect braking as much as thrust arm bushings or warped rotors. Warped rotors could be a possibility if its not the thrust arm bushings.
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Old 05-18-2009, 09:20 PM
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Originally Posted by jst2878 View Post
most likely its the thrust arm bushings. the swaybar links will cause a clunking sound and will not affect braking as much as thrust arm bushings or warped rotors. Warped rotors could be a possibility if its not the thrust arm bushings.
Warped rotors? Doubtful, I thought whole notion of a "warped" rotor has been dismissed, but I guess some people will still call it that. A bad rotor would have a pretty obvious feel through the pedal, he saying he doesnt feel much.

Ive got the same issue, its not bad too. Its at high speeds, when I tap the brake you can feel a bit of steering shake. Nothing serious, but its there.
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Old 05-18-2009, 09:58 PM
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No way is it sway bar links.

It is likely the thrust arm bushings. Could be pad deposits on the rotors if you've just done some 'enthusiastic' driving, like say take it out on a track for a session or three.
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Old 05-19-2009, 10:40 AM
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i had the exact problem - felt like the steering wheel was going to shake apart when braking over 40 mph.

it was the thrust arm bushings - replaced by dealer. everything is gravy now.

just saw i put bearings in my previous post by mistake. it's the bushings.

replace these and report back. the sway bar would cause clunking on bumps and sloppy handling.
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Old 05-19-2009, 12:00 PM
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I believe technically they're called thrust-ROD bushings. Anyway, I had mine replaced recently also. By the looks of this thread, looks like it is a common item to need replacing. Typically they develop a hairline crack, which the $tealer should be able to see.
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Old 05-19-2009, 12:16 PM
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Can this be a job for a competent DIYer? Or is there special tooling needed for the job? Just asking as mine seems to shake a little upon normal braking at high-ish speeds... nothing major but noticeable.

Are the bushings easy to get at to check? Are there any obvious tell-tale signs they need replacing (other than the hairline crack)? Anyone got any pics, or a clear description of where they are, what they look like? Cost? Thanks
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