Front end shaking bad

[alexth1]

My front end shakes really bad, only when braking, and it seriously feels like my steering wheel is gonna disassemble. I looked around here to diagnose the problem but most people's shaking seems to be at a certain speed; that is not my case. I replace controlling arms, tie rods, links, thinking that it would take care of the problem but it didn't. I'm supposed to jack my car up this afternoon so any ideas of what to look for is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

[KVF]

From what you explain, rotors & pads would be #1 on my list.

[BraveUlysses]

If you're only feeling it while applying the brakes, that should be the first thing you look at. Warped rotors or uneven pad wear are common causes of this condition.

[alexth1]

For some reason I fail to think its the rotors just based on the fact that the shaking travels more to the steering wheel and not the break pedal but I will deffinitely consider it.

[jlevie]

This could be from worn out strut inserts, aggravated by a minor problem with front brakes. Worn wheel bearings are also a possibilty.

[alexth1]

This could be from worn out strut inserts, aggravated by a minor problem with front brakes. Worn wheel bearings are also a possibilty.

Interesting. I'm assuming that strut inserts are made of rubber...?

[jlevie]

The strut inserts are the front shocks.

[alexth1]

Would steering column be a problem?

[KVF]

It wouldn't have any reason to shake under braking. Something is giving significant vibration to your front end under braking.... Rotors/pads, struts, strut mounts, control arms, wheel bearings... One of, or a combination of those are out of whack.

[Rothinfeuer]

swap your brakes out. I had this issue recently after the rotors were turned down and some cheap pads. Under light braking there wasnt much of any vibration but under heaver braking 60 down to 15 lets say off the freeway the car would shake violently. I swapped out to some new rotors and some nice stop tech pads so far braking is perfect. Im thinking either the rotors were warped or uneven pad transfer.

[alexth1]

Ok I think I came to a conclusion and my left bearing is bad and I suspect the struts too, just waiting for parts to be delivered. Hopefully this works.

[jlevie]

Replace the upper strut bearings along with the strut inserts.

[alexth1]

A late follow up on the story: brand new rotors and pads, brand new bearings all around and my problem was fixed! Also the quality of my overall suspension is much better and I didn't even replace struts! Thank you all for your input.

[nickmcc92]

Dude same thing happened to me after I came back from a mechanic. Car would shake when I was coming to a stop light, my wheels felt like they were going to fall off. Scariest feeling ever!
The ball joint nut that connects to strut housing was loose. Make sure everything's tight!
Rotors don't shake that bad unless they're just fu**ed up. It's not anything with the braking system. Something has to be loose