3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
My car is 99 Camry. Recently, I feel the steering wheel vibration when I step on the brake pedal on freeway at speed around 60mph. I did some research, I thought I should have wheel alignment to fix the problem. However, I went to a local auto shop, the mechanic told me I need to resurface the rotors. I am not sure if I misled him. I told the mechanic that I can feel "the wheel shaking" instead of "the steering wheel vibration". Sorry, not a native speaker so did not realize the difference of both terms at that time. I am totally confused right now if I need to do resurface or wheel alignment.
Just let me state my symptom clearly. When I step on the brake pedal on freeway at speed around 60 mph, I feel the vibration of steering wheel and front-right wheel. Could you guys do me a favor to figure out what kind of service I need? TIA
Your rotors need to be resurfaced. If they're old you're probably better off buying new ones at AutoZone. They were 26 dollars a piece for the ValuCraft rotors.
A bad alignment wouldn't shake the car, it would just wear the tires unevenly and faster.
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1996 Toyota Camry | 4 Cyl. 2.2L | Black Paint with Tan Interior | All Stock | DEAD at 155k. Broken Crankshaft/Main Bearing
Last edited by Retrospekt; 09-01-2009 at 03:21 PM.
^ Correct. That vibration in the steering wheel when braking at highway sppeds, is a classic sign of warped front brake rotors. They need to be resurfaced (cut on a brake lathe) if there is enough meat (thickness) left on them, or new rotors need to be installed. This has nothing to do with wheel alignment.
I'm not trying to hijack this thread but, I have a similar issue. When I brake at highway speeds I noticed a vibration which I assumed was the rotors. Along with this, I am also noticing a wheel vibration once I reach 90 km/h on the highway. Could the rotors be causing this (ie. warped rotors hitting the calipars)?
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1999 Camry, 3 litre V6 Auto- 330 000 km
I'm not trying to hijack this thread but, I have a similar issue. When I brake at highway speeds I noticed a vibration which I assumed was the rotors. Along with this, I am also noticing a wheel vibration once I reach 90 km/h on the highway. Could the rotors be causing this (ie. warped rotors hitting the calipars)?
Sounds like your front tires need to be balanced.
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Tom
2004 Prius Touring Edition
2003 Corolla Luxel
2000 Camry LE - Lunar Mist Metallic
I'm not trying to hijack this thread but, I have a similar issue. When I brake at highway speeds I noticed a vibration which I assumed was the rotors. Along with this, I am also noticing a wheel vibration once I reach 90 km/h on the highway. Could the rotors be causing this (ie. warped rotors hitting the calipars)?
Yes, it could be the rotors (or rotor) causing both problems. Since you know the rotors are warped I would replace them or turn them first and see if both problems go away. If only the pulsation when braking goes away, then next consider the wheel balancing to eliminate the vibration at 90km/h when driving at a steady speed and not braking.
personally i turn my rotors as long as they are above min thickness but thats because its free at work and then there is no doubt in my mind they are flat because when i sold parts i had a decent amount of rotors come back warped right out of the box.
personally i turn my rotors as long as they are above min thickness but thats because its free at work and then there is no doubt in my mind they are flat because when i sold parts i had a decent amount of rotors come back warped right out of the box.
Please explain - Do you mean you had NEW rotors returned to the store you worked at, that were apparently warped in manufacturing? (I have a vibration during higher speed braking, got new rotors - helped some but still have brake pedal vibration so that's why I'm asking). Thanks!
Please explain - Do you mean you had NEW rotors returned to the store you worked at, that were apparently warped in manufacturing? (I have a vibration during higher speed braking, got new rotors - helped some but still have brake pedal vibration so that's why I'm asking). Thanks!
You could also have a problem in the back with warped rotors (or drums) depending on what your car has in the rear. We normally think of the front brakes, since they do most of the stopping and therefore are expeosed to the most heat, as the ones that usually warp. You could also have a problem with rust on the front hubs that you installed the new rotors on. Uneven rust can sometimes cause the rotors to not sit straight on the hubs. This too will cause a vibration when braking. In addition, new rotors or drums can be warped right out of the box. Happened to me some years ago with new drums. The best thing I can suggest is find a shop with a dial indicator and have them check all 4 rotors or front rotors and rear drums. It may cost you an hour of labor, but that may be the best way to get your problem straightened out.
It's likely that the right front rotor is warped. This can be verified by the mechanic using a dial indicator, as mentioned. Raybestos rotors about $22+shipping on rockauto should work fine: http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=391462
If you want to spend more you can order Raybestos Advanced Technology (~$39) or Brembo rotors (check TireRack or Amazon).
It is also possible that the square-cut rubber in the caliper has deteriorated and causing the caliper piston to rub lightly against the rotor, heating it and causing it to warp. Has the brake fluid been flushed (replaced) every 2 years? Have you ever flush the brake fluid?
My car is 99 Camry. Recently, I feel the steering wheel vibration when I step on the brake pedal on freeway at speed around 60mph. I did some research, I thought I should have wheel alignment to fix the problem. However, I went to a local auto shop, the mechanic told me I need to resurface the rotors. I am not sure if I misled him. I told the mechanic that I can feel "the wheel shaking" instead of "the steering wheel vibration". Sorry, not a native speaker so did not realize the difference of both terms at that time. I am totally confused right now if I need to do resurface or wheel alignment.
Just let me state my symptom clearly. When I step on the brake pedal on freeway at speed around 60 mph, I feel the vibration of steering wheel and front-right wheel. Could you guys do me a favor to figure out what kind of service I need? TIA
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