Steering wheel shakes when braking. 2002 Accord

RYSIEKS

MEMBER
2002 HONDA ACCORD

Once again.2002 Honda Accord EX 4-Cyl 72K miles.

Well when I had this problem originally, I worked on my front brakes in hopes to resove the problem. I got new rotors and pads for the front. Seemed fine for a while. No problems, then I decided to do the back end's brakes (turned rotors and new pads). After a while, more shaking. Got the semi-NEW rotors turned, used same pads. And the problem was fixed for a while. It was some point around now that I learned about bleeding brake lines. So I did that too.

After all this work, my steering wheel still shakes. I am a rookie when it comes to auto repair, and I was very proud of my work etc. That was until all this. Now discouragement. Is there anything I can do. I am ready to take it in to the shop.

Thanks!
Rich

4 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Are you a hard driver? Do you wait til the last second and slam on the brakes? If there is repeated warping of the rotors then something may be hanging up or the brakes are being overheated

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Tuesday, January 30th, 2007 AT 4:43 PM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

I need to back you up a bit to understand.

The problem existed before your work and hasn't changed at all?

This problem happens when braking

or

Regardless of braking.

Is there any circumstances that make it worse than at other times?

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Tuesday, January 30th, 2007 AT 5:56 PM

RYSIEKS

MEMBER
13 POSTS

Well to answer the first question, I don't think of myself as a hard driver. I do however drive in rush hour traffic up to Chicago and sometimes HAVE to slam on the brakes becasue of chain reaction quick braking. Not very often though, and I usually do good maintaining good distance so I don't have to do that.

Second answer: The problem was existant before I first started working on the brakes. After the work. They were fine for a while. Then the shaking gradually came back. Apparently repeated warping of the rotors. I dont undersand why.

The shaking only happens DURING braking. The severity of the shaking has to do with the speed I am traveling and how hard I am braking. But it is usually always felt. I try to brake lightly these days because it annoys the hell out of me.

I hope that answered the questions. --- In terms of something hanging up the brakes or making them overheat.I know for a fact when I did my back axle that the rotors did seem to be in constant contact with the pads. Light contact, but contact nonetheless. But the problem feels like the front axle. Also, I never did add anymore grease to those long bolts on the calipers. I did see that there was a light coat of a dark grease on them. Do they need more? I am wondering if this may be the hangup. Any opinions on that?

Thank you.

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Wednesday, January 31st, 2007 AT 11:42 AM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Okay, Now I got something to work with. The rotors are most likely bad in front. They may have gone bad for a few reasons. Poor cleaning and lubrication may be one reason. Anywhere you have movement, I like to aggressivly wire brush those surfaces, They must be clean where the pads move. I then coat the surfaces with high temp disc brake lubricant. I like permatex, it;s in a green and white bottle. The slide pins also need to be lubricated with them same.

The rotors may have been defective, it happens. After you machined them it made them thinner and they can't handle the heat, thus warp.

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Wednesday, January 31st, 2007 AT 4:47 PM