When outside temperatures of over 80 degrees, there is a shuddering which gets worse when braking?

TBEINC

MEMBER
1992 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
128,000 MILES

First let me say I'm mechanically inept so I don't do any auto maintenance. I've had my car to the dealer several times, but this problem still persists.

At outside temperatures of over 80 degrees, I get a sort of a shuddering which gets worse when I brake.

Rotors, sway bar, new tires, anti-lock wheel sensor and a rebuilt engine were put in about a year ago.

On the trip into town (about five miles) everything seems to be fine but about halfway back home the problem starts again when temperatures are above 80F.

Also getting a slight lurch when accelerating sometimes.

This is driving all of us crazy so if you can suggest additional steps to carry out it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Thomas

11 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,650 POSTS

Hi,

The idea that it gets worse when you use the brakes, it does sound like a brake rotor. Even though they were replaced a year ago, they could have warped.

Keep in mind, the warmer the temperature outside, the more metal expands. So, you could have a slight drag on the brake which causes it to get hotter as you drive.

I have a couple of questions. First, where do you feel the shuddering most? Is it in the steering wheel or the seat/floor of the vehicle?

Next, I want you to check something. After driving the vehicle, a distance and experiencing this, see if there is excessive heat coming from any of the wheels.

Let me know,

Joe

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Saturday, July 16th, 2022 AT 5:30 PM

TBEINC

MEMBER
8 POSTS

Hi Joe,

Thanks for your prompt reply.

I'm retired and don't drive a lot which is why I don't consider a newer car besides I love the one I have.

Let me ask this before proceeding. The shocks haven't been replaced since 1999 but the shop seems to have no problem with them. I'm thinking I need to replace them no matter what they say. After all that is 23 years of wear.

What do you think?

Thanks,

Thomas

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Monday, July 18th, 2022 AT 9:37 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,650 POSTS

Hi,

It certainly wouldn't hurt. If you feel the ride isn't as firm as it once was, replace them. You know the vehicle better than they do.

Were you able to check for excessive heat from any of the wheels after driving?

Let me know.

Joe

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Monday, July 18th, 2022 AT 9:53 PM

TBEINC

MEMBER
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I did your heat test today, put my fingers on the rear wheel and it didn't become uncomfortable for about 15 seconds.

So, I checked the front wheel, and I couldn't touch it for more than one second before I started feeling a burning sensation.

As to the shocks, the car still rides as good as when I first bought it back in 1994 I think it was. Don't notice and bouncing of the front end.

Thanks again for the help,

Thomas

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Tuesday, July 19th, 2022 AT 4:34 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,650 POSTS

Hi,

If you are still getting shuddering, here is what I suggest: We need to lift one front wheel at a time and see if they turn easily. It would be best to do this when they are hot. If they do turn easily, have a helper apply the brakes to stop the tire. See if there is a delayed release when the helper releases the brake pedal.

For the shocks, if they aren't leaking and there is no excessive bouncing, that is likely why they say you don't need them. However, even though they feel good to you, they had to have worn and changed. It happens over time and slowly and that's why you don't notice.

If you want them replaced, that is your call. It won't do anything except improve the ride and handling of the vehicle.

Let me know what you find out about the brakes.

Take care,

Joe

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Tuesday, July 19th, 2022 AT 7:37 PM

TBEINC

MEMBER
8 POSTS

If there is a delayed release what does that indicate as the problem?

I'll be taking it in for annual maintenance in the next month most likely so I will convey your instructions so they can do it. I have no way of doing it on my own.

Will give you results.

Thanks Joe.

Thomas

P.S. Would appreciate an answer to the question above before I do that.

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Tuesday, July 19th, 2022 AT 8:00 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,650 POSTS

Hi,

If there is a delay in releasing, that tells me the brakes are likely hanging up which causes excessive heat. The more it's driven, the hotter it will get. That likely caused the rotors to warp.

Joe

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Tuesday, July 19th, 2022 AT 9:39 PM

TBEINC

MEMBER
8 POSTS

Got my car out of the shop today. They replaced the Calipers, both front rubber brake hoses, pad and rotors.

Time will tell if this fixed the problem, but the car seemed to drive much smoother on the 5 miles home.

Thanks for all your help, I feel this has finally fixed the problem.

I will keep you posted in the following weeks/months.

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Friday, August 19th, 2022 AT 1:18 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,650 POSTS

Hi,

Thank you for the update. I feel this will take care of the issues. If anything changes, let me know.

Also, please feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions. You are always welcome here.

Take care,

Joe

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Friday, August 19th, 2022 AT 10:56 PM

TBEINC

MEMBER
8 POSTS

Hi Joe,

Car is still running smoothly, no further shimmies so I sure appreciate your assistance in getting this problem solved.

Now, a new question. My keyless entry stopped working. I press the combination and nothing. Can these be repaired, or does it just require a new one?

If it can be repaired and suggestions on what to tell them to look for would be appreciated.

Hope you and your family had a great Christmas and I wish you all a very Happy New Year!

Thanks,

Thomas

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Friday, December 30th, 2022 AT 11:49 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,650 POSTS

Hi Thomas,

It likely can be fixed. However, I have a favor to ask. We try to keep the threads specific to one topic so that it is more helpful to others. Would it be possible for you to copy and paste your new question to a new post?

Here is the link to start a new one:

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

I truly hope you understand. I will watch for it.

Take care and I hope you and your family have a great holiday season as well.

Joe

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Friday, December 30th, 2022 AT 11:02 PM