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2018 Charger R/T - Pulsating Brakes and Steering Wheel Shake

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Ryan M. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:41 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Dodge Charger R/T

Hey everyone,

I've got a 2018 Dodge Charger R/T with about 75,000 miles on it, and I'm experiencing some pretty noticeable issues when braking. Specifically, the brake pedal pulsates quite a bit, and I get a significant shake in the steering wheel, especially when I'm slowing down from highway speeds.

I had the front pads and rotors replaced about 15,000 miles ago, but the problem seems to be getting worse recently. It's not just a slight vibration; it feels like the car is really struggling to stop smoothly. Any ideas on what could be causing this? Could it be the rotors again, or something else entirely?

Thanks for any help!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:41 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Pulsating brakes and steering wheel shake during braking are common issues, especially on performance vehicles like your Dodge Charger R/T. This usually points to a problem within your braking system. Here's a breakdown of potential causes and what to do:

Common Causes:

  • Warped Brake Rotors: This is the most frequent culprit. Rotors can warp due to excessive heat, improper installation, or uneven tightening of lug nuts. When warped, the rotor's surface isn't perfectly flat, causing the caliper to grab unevenly, leading to pulsation.
  • Sticky Caliper Pistons or Slide Pins: If a brake caliper isn't moving freely, it can cause uneven pad wear or prevent the pads from fully disengaging, leading to localized overheating and rotor warping.
  • Uneven Brake Pad Wear: While less common for pulsation, severely uneven pad wear can contribute to an inconsistent braking surface.
  • Worn Wheel Bearings: Though primarily causing humming noises or loose steering, a severely worn wheel bearing can introduce play that exacerbates brake pulsation and steering wheel shake.

Diagnostic Steps:

  1. Visual Inspection: Carefully inspect your brake rotors for any visible scoring, grooves, or discoloration (blue spots indicate overheating). Check your brake pads for even wear.
  2. Rotor Runout Check: A professional technician can use a dial indicator to measure the 'runout' (wobble) of the rotors. This is the definitive way to confirm if they are warped.
  3. Caliper Functionality: Ensure the brake calipers move freely on their slide pins and that the pistons retract properly. Sticking components can lead to rapid re-warping of new rotors.

When to See a Shop:

It's highly recommended to have your Charger inspected by a qualified mechanic, especially since you've already replaced components recently. They can accurately diagnose the root cause. While brake pulsation itself rarely triggers an OBD-II code directly, if your ABS light is on, codes like C0031-C0051 (related to wheel speed sensors) could indicate an ABS system issue that might indirectly affect braking feel. However, for pulsation and shake, it's almost always a mechanical brake component issue. Addressing this promptly is crucial for your safety and to prevent further damage to your braking system.

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