Shaking wheel diagnosis

[CanadianDirty30]

Hey guys,

Im looking for some help figuring out what the problem is with my e30 is. It seems like it could be many things so i just need to narrow down the list to figure it out. So when i drive everything is smooth, but as soon as i start braking my steering wheel (and also wheels) begin to shake or vibrate. It isnt a super violent shaking but definitely noticeable , and it has gotten worse.

I figure it could be my pads (so i bought some new fronts), or warped rotors. I took a look today and nothing stood out to me as a cause of the problem. I read it could be my control arm bushings so i looked at those and they didnt look noticeably broken or worn down. At this point im kind of stumped because nothing looks too worn, but then again i havent had much experience with this area of a vehicle.

Any info or suggestions would help!
Thanks

[Maddog]

If it's just when you brake, most likely warped rotors.

You should check for worn ball joints by putting your car up and holding your tire at 3 and 9 o'clock and seeing if it has any play; itpfnit has play, worn ball joints

[CanadianDirty30]

If it's just when you brake, most likely warped rotors.

You should check for worn ball joints by putting your car up and holding your tire at 3 and 9 o'clock and seeing if it has any play; itpfnit has play, worn ball joints

Alright awesome, thanks for the advice man. I'll check that out tomorrow!

[Das Delfin]

You want to replace your pads and rotors and clean off any rust on the wheel hub with sandpaper. Rust deposits can cause the rotor to not rotate on its axis properly and can cause the vibration you're feeling. If you don't know when the rotors were done last, or if they look crusty and gross, get new ones

[CanadianDirty30]

You want to replace your pads and rotors and clean off any rust on the wheel hub with sandpaper. Rust deposits can cause the rotor to not rotate on its axis properly and can cause the vibration you're feeling. If you don't know when the rotors were done last, or if they look crusty and gross, get new ones

Good idea, they are looking a little old. I'll get some new ones and see if that solves it!

[EyExR]

Also, check your brake pistons and carriers to see if anything has seized up. This was the cause for poor braking, shaking and steering wander on my car.

Warped rotors tend to give a pulse feeling at the pedal. Is this happening?

[roguetoaster]

Also, check your brake pistons and carriers to see if anything has seized up. This was the cause for poor braking, shaking and steering wander on my car.

Warped rotors tend to give a pulse feeling at the pedal. Is this happening?

When you inspect the brakes, look for uneven brake dusting on the wheels across the axle as it can often indicate which brake may be dragging.