Wobble Under Hard Braking

[oblique]

I can't see anything like this on here already. When i break hard particualy at speed i get a wobble through the steering wheel. Is this likly to be just a worped disk or could is be some part of the suspention/hub that is worn? I only get it under breaking and i get no assosiated noise the only other problem that could be assosiated is the breaks feel a little squishy and under powered disbite just being bled.

 

 

Thank you

[Smilge]

I think you answered your own question there. A wobble through the steering wheel is usually worn suspension joints, steering rack and possibly tyres. With warped brake discs, yes you may feel a slight vibration through the steering wheel but the main symptom is feeling the brake pedal vibrate or pulsate depending on how warped the discs are. First of all I would check the condition of the tyres and more importantly their pressures and then looking at the suspension.

[oblique]

Where and how is the best way to check the condition of the suspention joints?

[Smilge]

The best way to check the front suspension joints is to jack up one front side at a time to raise a front wheel off the ground. Get someone to help you check it out, and basically with a torch, look at the suspension travel as your mate "levers" the bottom of the wheel straight up and down using a crowbar or something similiar. There should be a little bit of resistance obviously from the spring/shock but also from balljoints and other suspension components. Basically, you are looking for excessive play.

 

Next, have your mate hold the wheel with one hand at the 12 o'clock position and the other at the 6 o'clock position. Have them rock the wheel back and fourth while you look for play. This is checking the upper and lower balljoints. If there is excessive play at either the top or bottom then one of the balljoints is worn out.

 

Lastly, have your mate hold the wheel with one hand at the 9 o'clock position and the other at the 3 o'clock position (don't forget to lock the steering by removing the ignition key and moving the steering wheel until it locks). Have them rock the wheel back and fourth while you look for play, this is to check the steering components, again look for excessive play.

 

Let the jack down and repeat for the other side.

[oblique]

Thank you, i will have a go at that.

[oblique]

i have done that and can't find any play in the hubs or any of the rod ends. could in be anything else? Wheel/tyre bent or out of ballance?

[Neils TDi again]

Wheel imbalance, tyres underinflated, or indeed a failing CV joint would all give the wobble at speed.

[oblique]

It is only when i apply the brakes at speed, not while just driving normaly at speed.

 

Tyres are dfinatly inflated to corect pressure.

[NikpV]

It is only when i apply the brakes at speed, not while just driving normaly at speed.

 

Tyres are dfinatly inflated to corect pressure.

 

 

warped discs then? uneven pad wear?

[MrT]

On my Mk1 2.8 Gal I had two sets of front disks replaced under warranty (1997) in the first year due to wobbling at hard high speed braking. At the time I was told it was a known problem with the discs and it happened predominantly on autos as drivers braked hard and stopped, then they tended to hold the car stationary (against the autobox drag) with the footbrake pressing hard against hot disks, whilst on a manual you would have dipped the clutch and/or used the handbrake. Not sure if that is the real reason but it sounds feasible.

[NikpV]

not suffered warped disc on our auto but sounds like a feasible reason Mr T