Steering wheel makes noise and tires feel like they are bouncing when slowing down

Tiny
SHELLY BOTTOMS DOMENICI
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 PONTIAC G6
  • 2WD
  • 134,000 MILES
When I drive over 50 mph then start to slow down it sounds like my steering wheel is going to fall off. It also feels like my front tires are maybe bouncing? The steering wheel doesn't shake or anything it just sounds loose or like it's going to fall apart? Please help the sound is annoying.
Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 7:02 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

Does the shaking only happen when you apply the brakes? If it does, then it sounds like the brake rotors are warped. That may also be giving you the feeling that the tires are bouncing or shaking.

Also, if possible, could you record what is happening and upload it for me to see and hear? It may help me diagnose.

If we do determine the rotors are the problem, here are the directions for replacing them. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

_____________________________

2005 Pontiac G6 V6-3.5L VIN 8
Brake Rotor Replacement - Front
Vehicle Brakes and Traction Control Disc Brake System Brake Rotor/Disc Service and Repair Procedures Brake Rotor Replacement - Front
BRAKE ROTOR REPLACEMENT - FRONT
Brake Rotor Replacement - Front

Tools Required
J41013 Rotor Resurfacing Kit
J42450-A Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit

Removal Procedure

pic 1

1. Caution: Refer to Brake Dust Caution in Service Precautions.
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3. Install a C-clamp over the body of the brake caliper, with the C-clamp ends against the rear of the caliper body and the outboard disc brake pad.
4. Tighten the C-clamp until the caliper piston is compressed into the caliper bore enough to allow the caliper to slide past the brake rotor.
5. Remove the C-clamp.

Pic 2

6. Notice: Support the brake caliper with heavy mechanic's wire, or equivalent, whenever it is separated from its mount and the hydraulic flexible brake hose is still connected. Failure to support the caliper in this manner will cause the flexible brake hose to bear the weight of the caliper, which may cause damage to the brake hose and in turn may cause a brake fluid leak.

Important: Do NOT disconnect the hydraulic brake flexible hose from the caliper.

Remove the brake caliper and the caliper mounting bracket as an assembly from the steering knuckle and support the assembly with heavy mechanic's wire (2), or equivalent. Ensure that there is no tension on the hydraulic brake flexible hose.
7. Matchmark the position of the brake rotor to the wheel studs.
8. Remove the brake rotor.

Installation Procedure

pic 3

1. Important: Whenever the brake rotor has been separated from the hub/axle flange, any rust or contaminants should be cleaned from the hub/axle flange and the brake rotor mating surfaces. Failure to do this may result in excessive assembled lateral runout (LRO) of the brake rotor, which could lead to brake pulsation.

Using the J42450-A, thoroughly clean any rust or corrosion from the mating surface of the hub/axle flange.
2. Using the J41013, thoroughly clean any rust or corrosion from the mating surface and mounting surface of the brake rotor.
3. Inspect the mating surfaces of the hub/axle flange and the rotor to ensure that there are no foreign particles or debris remaining.
4. Install the brake rotor to the hub/axle flange. Use the matchmark made prior to removal for proper orientation to the flange.
5. If the brake rotor was removed and installed as part of a brake system repair, measure the assembled lateral runout (LRO) of the brake rotor to ensure optimum performance of the disc brakes.
6. If the brake rotor assembled LRO measurement exceeds the specification, bring the LRO to within specifications.
7. Remove the support, and install the brake caliper and the brake caliper bracket as an assembly to the steering knuckle.
8. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
9. Lower the vehicle.
10. If the brake rotor was refinished or replaced, or if new brake pads were installed, burnish the pads and rotors.

____________________________

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 7:16 PM
Tiny
SHELLY BOTTOMS DOMENICI
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
My steering wheel doesn't shake. Yes, I will record the sound hopefully you can figure it out. Thank you
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 AT 4:47 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
First, you are very welcome. Can you let me know if the steering wheel shakes when you apply the brakes?

Thanks,
Joe
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 AT 6:01 PM
Tiny
SHELLY BOTTOMS DOMENICI
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
My steering wheel does not shake and I don't have to push my brakes.
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Thursday, October 29th, 2020 AT 6:55 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

If it isn't related to the brakes, it's likely related to a suspension component. Is it possible for you to record what it is doing and upload it so I can see and hear it?

Joe
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Friday, October 30th, 2020 AT 1:27 PM
Tiny
SHELLY BOTTOMS DOMENICI
  • MEMBER
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Hope this helps.
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Monday, November 2nd, 2020 AT 10:44 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

I did hear it. It does sound like something in the column or the column itself. I attached some pics below. The first two show the column mounting bolts. First, check to make sure they are tight.

Next, pic 3 shows the intermediate shaft. Note there is a universal (highlighted). Make sure there is no excessive play in it and make sure the shaft is tight at both ends. Note: The shaft comes through the firewall and attached to the rack and pinion. You will need to look low on the firewall to locate it. It will be on the driver's side.

If you look at pic 4, it is the intermediate shaft as well. In blue, I circled the end that attaches to the rack and pinion, and in red is the end which is in the vehicle and attaches to the column. Grab that and see if there is back and forth play. Note: Make sure there isn't tension on the steering wheel in the lock position. We need it to be unlocked. Don't take it out of park and make sure the parking brake is applied.

Let me know what you find. I have a feeling it has to do with the intermediate shaft, but can't be 100% sure without being there to check it.

Take care,
Joe
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Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020 AT 6:45 PM
Tiny
SHELLY BOTTOMS DOMENICI
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thank you. I will be checking everything you have suggested and will let you know. Thank you again.
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Wednesday, November 4th, 2020 AT 9:52 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
You are very welcome. Let me know the results when you get a chance.

Take care,
Joe
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Wednesday, November 4th, 2020 AT 6:20 PM

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