Steering wheel vibration when braking

Tiny
SUNGEUNA
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE
  • 100,000 MILES
My 2004 Porsche Cayenne S has steering wheel vibration issue. It occurs only when braking at medium pressure, at 40 ~ 30 miles/h speed. The front rotors have been replaced 3 times with the genuine parts in the past 6 months but the problem is not solved. For a few days after the rotors were replaced, the vibration has gone but recurred within a week. I am driving this car mostly on the highways at normal speed. The mechanics told me that they don't think there is brake pad sticking issue. Considering all above, I wonder the problem is really caused by the warped rotors. However, whenever the rotors were replaced with new ones, the vibration disappeared at least a few days and came back. Could you help me to get out of this?

Tuesday, July 19th, 2011 AT 11:18 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
AMAUTO
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Hi, did they replace the pads aswell? Sounds like a caliper issue to me. Slide pins maybe?
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Wednesday, July 20th, 2011 AT 12:07 AM
Tiny
SUNGEUNA
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yes, they did replace the pads. Also they said the pads are worn evenly. However, I have never heard about the slide pins. Can you explain how those pins can cause vibration?
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Wednesday, July 20th, 2011 AT 12:48 AM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 POSTS
It's not uncommon for new rotors to warp. A simple machining usually takes care of that. Before they are removed though, your mechanic should set up a dial indicator on the hoist to determine exactly what is warped, then look for the cause. A piece of debris could be stuck between the hub and rotor. You might not feel that right away, but it will show up with the dial indicator before the brakes and wheel are fully assembled. The hub could be bent too although that's not real common.
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Wednesday, July 20th, 2011 AT 12:59 AM
Tiny
SUNGEUNA
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Caradiodoc, Amauto, thank you for your advice. I scheduled with my mechanic to check the rotors with the dial indicator again. However, last time after checking with the dial indicator (checked just front rotors), he told me that the rotors were not warped. Just assuming that the rotors are not warped, what other things can potentially casue the problem?
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Wednesday, July 20th, 2011 AT 1:18 AM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 POSTS
Worn inner cv joint, bent wheel, bent hub, or broken tire belt can all cause a vibration but not just during braking. You might feel a bent hub more during braking but the vibration should be there all the time. That's pretty rare though.
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Thursday, July 21st, 2011 AT 9:50 PM

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