I have noticed that the steering wheel has started to shake when applying the brake. so replaced rotors and tie rods, driver side caliber but still have the shakes. did a test to notice movement when I move wheel at 3 and nine oclock position and now think inner tierods. my question is as I move the wheel I see some movement where the rod meet the rack and the steering u joint turns, could this mean replace the whole rack. has anyone else had this problem?

Had this same problem. Left side shaking was due to the fact that the PO had the rotor attached to the hub with the bearing jam nut less that finger tight. The rotor would wobble occasionally under braking. then sometimes not. Replaced the bearing, rotor and hub, since I figured that I'd take care of it while it was all apart. That problem solved.

When it started doing it on the right side, the problem was not the bearings. It was the front tire that had a blown belt. The wheel would wobble slightly at slow speed. It would wobble upon braking (but no pedal pulse like you get with a warped rotor), but it would calm down upon high-speed freeway driving. New tires solved that issue. And since I needed tires anyway, it was a net-net win for me.

B

I wonder, does it shake only at low speed?

Try coasting to a stop without applying the brakes. If it shakes the problem is almost certainly one of the driveshaft u-joints.

As odd as it sounds, when this occurs it can shake whole the car in such a way that you feel it in the steering wheel. And it tends to happens at low speed, i.e. just after braking. But it has nothing to do with steering, suspension or brakes.

If left unremedied it will get worse and probably start happening on acceleration.


--
'80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon

at low speeds there no shaking in the steering only pronounce noticable at around 45mph and above.during hard braking less notiable. with the steering lock should there be much movement where the inner tierod and rack meets? and should the u joint move.

popdaddy asked---"with the steering lock should there be much movement where the inner tierod and rack meets? and should the u joint move."
There should be absolutely NO movement/play at the inner tie rod joint. A good tight one will remain horizontal when disconnected at the outer tie rod end -- while a worn inner joint will allow the tierod to droop under its own weight. If the u-joint in the steering shaft is moving I think that would only indicate that you've applied enough movement to make the rack start to "steer". When checking for play at the outer or inner tie rod joints I like to have an assistant do the tire wiggle part--allowing me to concentrate on the relative positions of the parts being checked. Play will make itself known with a minimum amount of tire wiggle. -- Dave

You should replace both front rotors and pads at the same time.

You want to look for play at the ball socket for the inner tie rod.

Dan

Sorry I see that you have replaced both rotors and pads.
Dan

Hi Dan,

Haven't sorted my records to verify, but I feel as if I've replaced close to every tie rod (aka inner tie rod) on our high mileage 240s. I have not replaced one twice yet. My choice in replacement parts has always been to select by "value" - or as some might say, "cheap."

The only rack I've ever changed was on a car that came to me with fluid in the boots. I take care of any ripped boots as soon as I see them, and so much favor the ZF racks which do not need to be disconnected from the tie rod ends to do this boot replacement maintenance.

But for OP, check those suspension ball joints too. Shaking wheels always require the complete analysis: wheel bearing play, ball joint, steering joints, and control arm bushing.

I hear it is cold in Florida!
--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

A plateau is a high form of flattery.

Good points Art.

I have only had to replace one "inner" tie rod, needed it quickly so I got one from NAPA. It has so far lasted at least 5 years. I have replaced many outer TR ends, a few boots, and so far never a complete rack.

Cold is relative, but yes we are suffering in the upper 30's. So far no ice balls like seen on the Great Lakes in MI! Last week it was in the 80's when I did a bunch of PM type work on my daughters car that won't get home long or often enough over the next year or so.

Dan