This one has me puzzled?

[diesel don]

The problem is with my 83D-T

When applying the brakes, I have a very bad vibration (seems like the front end) that makes the car unsafe. It started small and grew in proportion.

So far I've done the following but no luck:

1. Removed all brake pads and check for calipers that were frozen. All are in working order and clean.

2. Replaced a suspect tie-rod. This eliminated creaking noise when turning the wheel in a stationary position, but did nothing for the vibration under braking.

3. Shook every conceivable joint under the front end of the car with brakes applied and without brakes applied.

4. Checked all caliper bolts and surrounding bolts.

5. Checked for horizontal looseness on the front wheels.

Help, what am I overlooking? This is driving me crazy and my daughter needs her ride.

Thanks

Don

[leathermang]

I think your discs have warped.. perhaps from overheating...

Edit... I meant brake discs... ( more usually called rotors ) LOL

I don't really know, but you made no mention of checking
for warped rotors. I suppose the wheel bearings are
ok since the horizontal looseness test passed. I would
jack the front of the car up, while an assistant applies
light pressure to the brake pedal you can turn the tire
by hand and look for uneven resistances as the tire
turns. This is what I would do, I'm not suggesting it
is the proper method. You can also remove the rotors
and have them turned, which is what you might end
up doing if you find warped rotors. Good luck.

[diesel don]

Thank you and I find it interesting that you both suggest the same thing. Could warped rotors increase in severity and could they cause such radical vibration (ABS times ten)?

Thanks

Don

[BIGRED]

Rotor warping causes a gradual pulsation of the pedal and a soft rhythmic pulse to how the car stops. It continues to get worse. It doesn't go from being fine one day to radical pulsation.

If it is as bad as an ABS pulse times 10, then something has come apart or broken (in my opinion) in the suspension or brakes.

Good Luck

[diesel don]

I'm somewhat limited in knowing its progression since my daughter drives it 95% of the time.

I'll switch rotors tomorrow and see what comes of it. I really appreciate all the suggestions.

Don

[diesel don]

The collective wisdom of this forum is truly amazing.

It was the rotors. In addition, upon dis-assembling my new parts car ($200), I found new rotors, calipers, pads and packed bearings. Very cool. The tires were new as well which convinced me to buy it.

Thanks for all your help.

Don

[W Black]

Yep, warped rotor(s), been there, done that too.

W Black

[Mike123]

I had a very bad vibration when braking on a 450SEL. My rotors were fine.....The wheel bearings were not. I was only going to repack them until I got a look at them. Whoever had packed them the time before either used the wrong grease, got dirt in there or not enough grease....or all three! Replaced the bearings and the vibration was gone. I still had the same rotors. I assume you had checked the wheel bearings before hand. Anyway, I'm glad your problem is fixed......and I'm sure you are.

[kjsabat]

I have an awful creaking noise in the front end of my 190 e. What did you do to eliminate yours?

[diesel don]

It ended up being the right tie rod. I could move it up and down about a quarter of an inch. Had to be close to breaking.

Crawl underneath and start yanking on all the tie rod stuff and you may find something.

Don