Help Diagnose Front End Shudder

two40 · Postby **two40** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 7:13 pm

2004 SE 55k regularly serviced.

I've noticed a shudder coming from the front end. It only happens when I'm pulling up in the very last couple of seconds and only when I turn the wheel in those last seconds. Say I'm pulling up at a curb parking the car. I hear it more than I feel it and it reminds me of rubber scrubbing a wheel arch but a bit more rough. It certainly isn't a wheel rubbing. The power steering fluid is full. Not sure where else to look. Finally, it only happens once in a while and I can't reproduce it. Just happens...

Any ideas?

Old Dude · Postby **Old Dude** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 8:35 pm

How is the car driving, I had a clunking noise when i did the same thing after I had a wheel alignment, took it back and apparently it was moving slightly
(they hadn't tightened it up enough), anyway they retightened and its been Ok since.
in short check your suspension bolts are tight.
cheers
Dale

Charlie Brown · Postby **Charlie Brown** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 10:22 am

Sounds like your rotors could be slightly warped and the pads may need replacing.

two40 · Postby **two40** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 10:46 am

Charlie Brown wrote:Sounds like your rotors could be slightly warped and the pads may need replacing.

Discs were replaced 22k ago and pads 13k ago. The front pads are still meaty.

Say the rotors are warped, why would it only shudder on a turn at very low speeds and even then only sometimes?

CT · Postby CT » Tue Dec 15, 2009 1:39 pm

If it only happens when you brake - its your rotors. If it happens when cornering but not under braking, it could be wheel rub or loose/worn suspension components. If the car is lowered, it's probably wheel rub on the forward inner guard.