Front wheels "shimmy" and steering wheel wobbles when applying brakes - Recent new tires, all new front end. Only when applying breaks (how do you diagnose warped rotors).
Asked by roboron Oct 15, 2013 at 03:09 PM about the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LS Extended Cab Stepside RWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
Front wheels "shimmy" and strong wobble in steering wheel when brakes are applied - the harder the brakes applied; the stronger the wobble. Mechanic just replaced most of the front-end parts, break job, and new tires last month. Would like to be more knowledgeable before taking truck back due to this breaking issue. thanks.
6 Answers
Warped rotors. The mechanic did a brake job but ask if he put new rotors on the front.
Oh, you asked about that..sorry. Take the calipers off and put a straight edge, a spirit level or something you know is straight on the rotor and it should lay flat with no gaps anywhere between rotor surface and straight edge tool and not rock either. Do this on several places on the rotor(s) going around it moving the straight edge just a little, checking the entire surface, if possible on both sides of rotor
Yup sounds like the rotors weren't replaced or turned properly or turned at all
What you are describing is warped rotors. I would recommend going back to the mechanic and ask him to make good on your rotors. If you tighten the lug nuts too tight or in the wrong pattern it will Warp your rotor.
Thank you for all the responses - rotors were checked and turned correctly - the problem of the "shimmy" was completely resolved.
I am happy to see your problems with fixed. Keep on trucking. lol
