Brakes shake/wobble at high speed braking

[19Glendale]

I replaced the rotors and pads approx 2 years ago. Currently have 120k on '98 XLS. At a high speed (over 50mph) when significant braking pressure is applied, there is a noticable wobble/shake in both the foot pedal and the steering wheel. The alignment seems fine as without braking, it runs smooth as butter. Any suggestions or ideas?

[Jigg007]

Your rotors could be due for replacing/resurface, It all depends how many miles you've driven on it, but more importantly how hard you tend to stop. On average front bakes should be checked out every 30K, rear at 60K. You changed them 2 years ago, and sense the average commuter drives 15K a year well...

[Tom in Tacoma]

Chances are your rotors are warped. Could be cause by any number of reasons. One thing to check before you get them taken care of (by either resurfacing or replacing) - check your lug nuts with a quality torque wrench to make sure they're all tightened correctly. I've seen rotors cause a wobble when a couple lugs were over tightened.

[fourwheeler]

I agree, your brakes are warped. You can either have the rotors turned (if there is enough surface left) or replace the rotors.

1. Check the wheel bearings. Bad wheel bearings can cause brake warpage.

2. Check for rust on the hub where the back of the rotor sits against. A buildup of rust on the backing plate can cause brake warpage.

3. Like Tom in Tacoma said, brakes can also warp due to improper torquing of the lug nuts.

4. Check your slide pins on your calipers. If the calipers don't move freely, they can cause the brakes to warp.

5. If you replace the rotor, use a quality, well known brand name rotor.

The family Handyman magazine in their last issue just had a very good and detailed write up on brakes and how to not get ripped off. You can find the article at: www.familyhandyman.com.

[turbofrank@verizon]

This happened to me after changing brakes and rotors. Changing the complete caliper unit solved it for me. Autopart store want to sell peicemill to make more money. Online sells complete caliper.

[bob2]

what is the torque for the lug nuts?

i rebuilt my calipers. piece of cake if you have an air compressor. (i borrowed one) takes patience.

sand the interior of the bores lightly, until there is no more rust in there. flush with brake clean. soak with clean brake fluid. install the new seals, then the pistons and finally the dust boots. use the air to gently and carefully move the newly assembled pistons out of the caliper (and big pliers to move them back in) until they are moving freely. always have a piece of wood in the caliper to prevent the pistons from popping out and flying up, into your face...!!

[fourwheeler]

Usually cars with aluminum rims are around 90 ft/lbs.

[Jigg007]

I just make sure its centered, and hit it with an snap-on impact @ 90psi in a star pattern, two times. No problems yet! And trust me, the wheels on my car are always getting removed!

Maybe I'm just a bad example