Shakey Brakeys

[Bob_Spidell]

My BJ8 shakes the steering wheel when I apply moderate braking (less with hard braking). This isn't the pulsing pedal that 'warped' rotors might give, but more like an intense version of scuttle shake. I have the nominal 1" of play in the steering wheel, steering is precise--well, as precise as a Healey's steering can be--and I've manhandled the linkage and couldn't detect any play (my tie rod ends are fairly new).

Thoughts?

 

[GregW]

Checked the shocks?

 

[Keith_M]

I think if it only happens when you brake, it pretty much has to be the rotors. My mechanic told me several years ago that slightly warped rotors cause pulsing pedal; badly warped rotors cause the steering wheel to shake.

 

[johnea]

Perhaps excessive play in the wheel bearings . . . .

 

[Randy Forbes]

I think if it only happens when you brake, it pretty much has to be the rotors. My mechanic told me several years ago that slightly warped rotors cause pulsing pedal; badly warped rotors cause the steering wheel to shake.

Perhaps excessive play in the wheel bearings . . . .

You can quickly check for both conditions by slapping a dial indicator on there...

 

[John Turney]

I have a van (motorhome) where that happens some of the time, but goes away after driving, and braking, after most of the day. I've concluded the rotor surfaces are affected while it's parked for long periods. I have to re-bed the brakes when I take it out.

 

[steveg]

You can quickly check for both conditions by slapping a dial indicator on there...

Let's see...I think there's one in the kitchen drawer with the pliers and little hammer with the decoupaged flowers.

Ha ha, love the image of just "slapping" a dial indicator on it!

 

[bob hughes]

Mine had a 3mm warp in them, discovered after examining them with a dial guage. My symptoms were a knocking on the front wheels as I drove along and a steering shake when the brakes were gently applied. Changed the discs and everything was sorted.



Bob