Just picked up my 03 Outback LL Bean, the biggest worry I have with it is the terrible shaking when I brake. I assume I need to either replace or turn the rotors. I have read that the OEM rotors are slotted, is there an overheating issue that requires that or can I go with standard rotors? The slotted are of course much more expensive. Also, can this problem also cause steering wheel shake during highway speeds? Thanks guys for having this forum available.
Your diagnosis seems sound. Warped front rotors are a likely cause of steering-wheel shake whilst braking.
I am not sure if the OEM rotors are slotted. Any quality rotors should work fine.
Beware there are several reasons brake-rotors can warp:
*) Cheep Chinese rotors (poor castings)
*) Over (or unevenly) torqued lugnuts
*) Dragging brakes (causing heat)
*) Deep water puddles (causing sudden cooling)
On my 03 Outback I have a few issues besides the shaking. The radio reception is nearly nonexistent, the AC isn't throwing cold air and the auto darkening rear view mirror is non-functioning. Any ideas for me to fix these? I thought I would start with charging the AC system, I've done that on other cars with success before, but I have no idea how to get the radio out or the mirror off. I like the idea of the auto darkening rear view mirror but the cheapest replacement I found was $250.,too much for me. Not sure if a junkyard replacement would last any better than OEM though. Thanks again for your help!
I'm doing the brakes on my outback right now. Rotors don't really "warp". You probably have the same problem i had, which is rusted/sticking bottom slide pins on your brake calipers causing lateral runout. I'd be will to bet this is a pretty common phenomenon
vibrating while braking is classic and common rotor issues.
i pull them and the shop across the street turns them for $12 or $15 a piece.
or buy new rotors.
they are not slotted.
1. turn or replace rotors
2. clean the slide pins
3. throw away the pin bushings
4. use Sil Glyde or other high quality grease of your choosing that doesn't swell the bushings if you decide to keep them. even still Sil Glyde is far superior than standard Permatex brake grease.
I did pads and rotors all around on my wagon last fall. Same thing, I had that nasty steering wheel shake while braking. Then I replaced a bunch of worn front end stuff...tie rods, inner and outer. Ball joints. Sway bar links and bushings. On my way home after the alignment I still had a nasty shake that would come and go with speed of turning left right ect. Ended up being Lower control arm bushings. I was in a bit of a time crunch so I just got the OEM ones from the dealer. Ouch! I know! Smooth as butter now though. The bushings looked fine but one side had just started leaking which raised a red flag.
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