The largest online repair guide library for every car

About us
Contact support
FAQ
Sign up
Sign in

Steering Wheel Shakes When Braking - 2017 V60 Cross Country

0

Chris P. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:13 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Volvo V60 Cross Country T5

Hello everyone,

I'm experiencing a concerning issue with my 2017 Volvo V60 Cross Country T5. Whenever I apply the brakes, especially at highway speeds, the steering wheel starts to shake quite noticeably, and I can feel a pulsation through the brake pedal. It's not a violent shake, but it's definitely there and getting worse.

The car has about 70,000 miles on it. I had the tires rotated and balanced recently, and that didn't make any difference. Could this be a brake issue, or something else with the steering or suspension?

Any advice on what might be causing this and how urgent it is to fix would be great. Thanks!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:13 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

The symptoms you're describing – steering wheel shake and pulsating brake pedal during braking – are classic indicators of warped brake rotors. Here's a detailed explanation:

  1. Primary Cause: Warped Brake Rotors:

    • How it Happens: Rotors can warp due to excessive heat, rapid cooling (e.g., driving through a puddle after heavy braking), or uneven clamping force from the calipers. When a rotor warps, its surface becomes uneven.
    • Symptoms: As the brake pads press against the uneven surface of a warped rotor, it causes the caliper to push back and forth, which translates into a pulsating feeling in the brake pedal. This pulsation can also be transmitted through the steering system, causing the steering wheel to shake, especially at higher speeds when the wheel is rotating faster.

  2. Other Potential, Less Common Causes:

    • Worn Suspension Components: While less likely to cause a pulsating pedal, worn ball joints, tie rod ends, or control arm bushings can exacerbate vibrations.
    • Loose Wheel Bearings: A loose wheel bearing can cause vibrations, but typically it would be present even without braking and might be accompanied by a humming noise.
    • Sticking Caliper: A caliper that isn't releasing properly can cause uneven pad wear and potentially lead to rotor warping, contributing to the issue.

  3. When to See a Shop:

    • Urgent Attention: This issue should be addressed promptly. While you can still brake, warped rotors reduce braking efficiency and can increase stopping distances. More importantly, the vibration can prematurely wear out other suspension and steering components.
    • Safety Concern: Any issue affecting braking performance is a safety concern.
    • Diagnosis: A technician will inspect your brake rotors for runout (the measure of how much the rotor deviates from being perfectly flat) and check the thickness. They will also inspect your brake pads for uneven wear and ensure your calipers are functioning correctly. In most cases, warped rotors will need to be replaced, or in some instances, they can be machined (turned) if they are thick enough and the warping isn't severe. Given the mileage and symptoms, replacement is often the recommended solution for optimal safety and performance.
Menu

Help & account