The steering wheel shakes when driving at higher speeds and pressing the brakes?

GERI ERICKSON SWEAT

MEMBER
2005 CHEVROLET COBALT
168,000 MILES

When braking at low speeds, there are no problems car ride smooth, no shaking, but when driving at higher speeds and having to apply the brakes the steering wheel shakes. Also, when driving around and hitting a little small bumps, there’s a slight little rattle noise coming from the front end. I just purchased this car and drove it around the neighborhood. There were zero problems, but on the way home that’s when I noticed that shaking when I used the brakes. The slight rattles, I just noticed driving around our neighborhood.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Hi,

If you are feeling the shaking when the brakes are applied, the front brake rotors are likely warped and need to be replaced. Also, at the same time, I would recommend replacing the brake pads as well.

Here is a link that explains how in general, it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-front-brake-pads-and-rotors-fwd

If you look below, I attached the directions specific to your vehicle for replacing brake pads. To also replace the brake rotors, once the brake caliper is removed from the brake caliper mount, there are two bolts on the rear of the steering knuckle holding the caliper mount to the knuckle. Remove those as well and the mount will come off. At that point, you will be able to remove and reinstall a rotor.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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