Violent Shake; Rotors? Tie rods?

[92wH22]

I have a seriously violent shake happen when I hit the brakes at higher speeds (highway). It seems to be getting worse and worse. I mostly feel it on the driver's side. I'm assuming it's my tie rods, but not sure if the rotors are the culprit as well. I'm not getting any brake pedal vibration, only at the wheel. I'm on my second set, as the first ones wrapped seriously quick. I'm sure rotors are a possibility also.

I already order new sets of inner and outer tie rods, and hoping I can just turn the rotors, rather than have to replace them.

Any input from you guys is much appreciated...

[blackcb7]

if you brake and they vibration occurs, its most likely that your rotors are warped, replace them with new ones, also check out ur suspension components while your at it

[91accord2dr]

if you brake and they vibration occurs, its most likely that your rotors are warped, replace them with new ones, also check out ur suspension components while your at it

x2

[Otto]

Yeah...mine are pretty messed...wheel moves back and forth on the highway and vibrates pretty bad under hard breaking (nonABS). Everything else is tight, new wheels, tires, suspension. All that's left for a smooth ride is to replace rotors, and I'll be doing the pads and fluid at the same time. You can see it on the rotors.

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

[91whitecb7]

you have warped rotors. you could resurface them or get new ones. also try balancing your wheels/tires. could help lower the vibration as well

[Maple50175]

Warped Rotors.

[92wH22]

So the consensus says it's the rotors. Well, I'm sure it's not going to hurt to replace all the tie rods, considering the car is close to hitting 250,000 miles!

But now I'm wondering why I'm going on my third set of rotors. Could it be shitty quality rotors(bought at local auto parts)? I'm running them with regular semi-metallic pads and breaking them both in accordingly. Should I cough up the extra dough and get some brembo blanks? This is simply my daily driver and don't need no cross-drilled/slotted rotors.

Any recommendations?

I'm also curious as to why I'm only feeling most of the vibration on the driver's side, and not getting any of the vibration through the brake pedal, which has been the case in the past when I've had to replace wrapped rotors.

[91whitecb7]

lug nuts could be improperly torqued.

[91accord2dr]

lug nuts could be improperly torqued.

the lug nuts are supposed to be torqued to 80 lbs go to harbor freight and buy a torque stick they are very cheap.

[Otto]

I do the best I can with my dad's electric impact gun. Tighten in criss-cross pattern and don't overdo it.

Also, there was a bunch of nasty, rusty crap on the wheel and hub where they meet...I cleaned them up good to make sure the wheels were sitting flush against the hub. Did help a little with the vibration, also don't notice that slight shudder on hard acceleration.

[92wH22]

Lug nuts are definitely not an issue, as I've made sure they are torqued correctly a few times. Became very concerned with this, due to the severity of the shaking. Felt like my wheel was going to come off!

So what do you guys thinking about buying the brembo blanks, compared to the no-name auto parts rotors? Think it may help out my situation any?

[sandman61377]

Lug nuts are definitely not an issue, as I've made sure they are torqued correctly a few times. Became very concerned with this, due to the severity of the shaking. Felt like my wheel was going to come off!

So what do you guys thinking about buying the brembo blanks, compared to the no-name auto parts rotors? Think it may help out my situation any?

Jack up the front of your car, and take the wheels off. On each side take ahold of the rotor at the top and bottom, and pull back and forth. If you can shift it even a little bit while the knuckle assembly stays put, your hub on that side is the problem.

[F22-GURU]

lug nuts could be improperly torqued.

I agree, Improperly Torqued Lug Nuts or Alloy Wheels that do not have CBL's or Plastic Hub Locating Rings fitted can be a cause of High Speed Braking Vibrations.
To check for Play in the Tie Rods or Steering Rack Ends, jack the front of the vehicle up with your hands at 9 & 3 try and move the Tyre from side to side. If there is any play, then the Tie Rod Ends or Rack Ends could be stuffed and can contribute to braking vibrations.
If the Vibration is as violent as you say and the Rotors were warped or had high spots then you would get at least some noticeable Brake Pedal Pulsation.
If you are going to do the brakes, Check the Calipers Slides for Sticking and/or wear and also check for Sticking Caliper Pistons on one side.
Check the Profile Wear of the Brake Pads. Uneven wear indicates binding caliper components.
One other thing to check would be the front Caster Rod Bushes.