steering wheel shakes - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

93blackcorolla · 06-26-2008, 03:24 PM

93 camry with 150,000 miles. Steering wheel shakes badly when applying brakes going over 40 mph. Took to mechanic who said car needed new struts (never have been replaced) and estimated cost of $1500. I have read elsewhere that it could be rotors. Am I being taken or does this sound right?

Mike Gerber · 06-26-2008, 03:47 PM

It is more than likely warped front brake rotors, since you only get the vibration when braking. If the struts were that bad you would be feeling the vibration all the time, not just when braking. Find another mechanic.

Mike

93blackcorolla · 06-26-2008, 04:19 PM

Thanks for the reply. It's my fiance's car, I have been driving it since mine is also in the shop. The mechanic told him that I couldn't even drive it home from work today because it was too dangerous. Hopefully I can convince him to get a second opinion, but who knows if he will listen to me.

jwwphoto · 06-28-2008, 05:35 AM

I hope you are concerned about the fiance' desire to seek a second opinion. Remember the mechanic works for you. Tell the mechanic you are getting a second opinion.

Everytime my wife takes to care to the mechanic, they always try to get one over on her. In defense of mechanics, I know they aren't all like that, but I am convinced many are.

JWWphoto

Stevemr2t · 06-28-2008, 11:55 AM

My 4 runner did this. Was due to the tires being too worn down.

***BMR*** · 06-28-2008, 01:02 PM

Yup, most likely warped rotors.

$1500 for new struts?!!? Either he's trying to rip you off, or there's a lot more being replaced than just struts. Even if they're including new strut mounts & strut bearings, it shouldn't cost that much.

At that milage, chances are you'd notice an improvement in ride and handling with new struts. But too dangerous to drive home?!?!... That's complete utter BS, unless your struts are completely falling apart.

FWIW, I've still got the original front struts in my '92 with 273k on 'em. Sure, it doesn't ride like new, but it's not on the verge of exploding into a ball of flames either.

ThurzNite · 06-29-2008, 01:26 AM

Could be couple things, but rotors are the 1st thing I'd think of. Check out Autozone troubleshooting
http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...arameters=info