ASE A4 Suspension and SteeringWheels and Tires Diagnosis and RepairEasy
A technician is inspecting a vehicle with a severe vibration that occurs only during braking. The vibration is felt strongly through the brake pedal and steering wheel. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?
- AWorn wheel bearing
- BImproperly balanced wheels
- CWarped brake rotors
- DLoose lug nuts
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Warped brake rotors
A vibration that occurs specifically and only during braking, felt through the brake pedal and steering wheel, is the classic symptom of warped brake rotors. The uneven rotor surface causes the caliper to pulsate, transferring vibration.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A worn wheel bearing would cause a constant noise or vibration that changes with speed or turning, not just during braking.
- B. Improperly balanced wheels would cause a vibration that is speed-dependent, but not typically exclusively during braking.
- D. Loose lug nuts would cause a severe wobble and clunking, usually not isolated to only braking.
Warped Rotor Symptoms
Warped brake rotors cause a pulsation or vibration that is felt through the brake pedal and/or steering wheel, specifically and only when the brakes are applied.
- Vibration occurs only during braking.
- Felt in brake pedal, steering wheel, or vehicle body.
- Caused by uneven rotor thickness or lateral runout.
- Requires rotor resurfacing or replacement.
Memory trick: Brake pedal shakes? Rotors make the mistakes!