Vibration in steering wheel when braking at higher speeds

[metallic]

I have a 2007 MS3 with close to 18000 miles on it. Recently, I have been getting this vibration in my steering wheel when I brake at freeway speeds. I have been rotating my wheels and getting my brakes checked at regular intervals. Any idea what it could be and what I should have the dealer check when I take it in for service this weekend?

Thanks!

[Kain]

Loose lug(s) or wheel is not centered on the hub. Either can give you the shimmies, usually between 60-80 mph. Rolling on stock wheels?

[metallic]

Yup, still have the stocks on.

[SpooledupRacing]

warped brake rotors

[Rubasu]

warped rotors happens alot on the TL that have the brembo brakes on them and should be repaired under warranty as long as your pads are not warn past 50%. At least that is how it is at the acura dealer I work for

[SuperStretch18]

warped brake rotors

What he said. If it only happens while braking, then it's probably warped rotors...

[metallic]

So I'd have to get my rotors replaced (if that's the case)? Any idea how much it costs for the MS3?

[Olestra]

Could get it resurfaced.

If the rotors are warped it may be a warranty item, can someone chime in on this?
This is just one suggested possibility though.

One other possibility is the wheel balance was thrown off if a wheel weight became dislodged.

I had this shimmy on my Mz3 for a long time. It happens when I'm at 100km/h (60mph). Dealer says it's "normal" or can't reproduce.

[Rubasu]

it should be warranty issue but knowing mazdas crummy warranty who knows. they might be able to be resurfaced but there are some makes that do not rec resurfaceing rotors at all. You should def. complain about it when you go in for service...

[chief_wiggum]

I'd be suprised if it's a waranty item -- most likely considered a 'wear and tear' item. Have them checked and hopefully you can get them turned instead of replaced.

[GoFast]

the rotors can not be resurfaced because they are very close to min. thickness as is. new rotors are a must. the dealer might warranty this depending on mileage

[Kain]

Whoops, didn't register the part about braking...







... due to the misspelling.

[metallic]

Whoops, didn't register the part about braking...







... due to the misspelling.



Oops, my bad. Fixed it now! :)

[bacarl]

I'd be suprised if it's a waranty item -- most likely considered a 'wear and tear' item. Have them checked and hopefully you can get them turned instead of replaced.Yeah there's no way a car with 18k will have rotors replaced under warranty. Maybe at 1800, but even then not necessarily.

[Rubasu]

we do them at much higher mileage depending on the pads thickness if the pads are worn way down then the it is not covered if the pads are still pretty thick then we cover the pad replacement and turning of the rotors. 18000 is not alot of miles on a set of brakes unless you are out burning them up everyday and worn them down to nothing already

[metallic]

So it turns out it is my rotors and its not covered by warranty. The dealer said they will resurface them and charge me $95 to get them done. Thanks everyone for your help.

[Nliiitend1]

Everyone here needs to read this:

http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp_warped_brakedisk.shtml

And FYI, brake rotors are typically covered for 12 months/12K miles.

Proper bedding of your brake pads when new, and occasional HARD use will cut down on your likelihood of ending up with uneven friction material deposition.