OK, i've searched this topic through and through and still dont have a good answer...or maybe just a lot of them. I'll tell you my problem:

2006 w/102k. Used to have somewhat severe shake at highway speeds when braking hard along with lesser shake when braking at lesser speeds. Wheel also shook when cruising but it wasnext to undetectible for people like my wife (but it was there). Replaced front rotors and pads. Braking problem got better (especially at high speeds) but the little shake it still there, especially when I slightly apply brakes. A very hard braking almost eliminates it. VERY slight shake is still there at cruising. So here's what I've read it could still be:

-Inner Tie Rods
-Outer Tie Rods
-Ball joints
-Lower control arm

Less Likely?
-Rear brakes
-Front Calipers

I'm handy so I'm not adverse to replacing most of the suspesion stuff in the firsts group and it would still seem cheaper for me to do it all than to take it somewhere and have them do one thing.

But is there any way to comprehensively check it out myself to figure out what it definitely is?

Thanks...

FWIW - I put the car in neutral when driving/braking and the same thing happens. Also in manual (slap shift) mode. No difference, if it matters.

 

"Severe shake at highway speeds when braking hard" = I would say from my experience it is your rotors. They are probably warped.

 

+1 ^^^^^ Warped Rotors, known issue. Time for new rotors.

Get some D/S rotors

 

been researching and i would like to know as well...i'm having the same problem here esp. after the drop...except mine's vibrates crazily

 

Warped rotors.

 

Get ATL rotors, have them since early summer, soooo much better than rotorpros and cheaper.

 

I had the same problem on my 300Z and 3 series. It was control arm bushings. Check all your bushings in the front end. Take it to a Midas and have them checkout your front end. Its usually free for them to tell you whats wrong. And then just do it yourself.

 

If its when you are breaking, then your rotors are warped. Get them replaced or shaved.

As for highway shaking it could be several things. People have found that front end alignment, wheel bearings and a load of other things are fixes for steering wheel shake while driving. Although one may or may not help you.

 

Again - A bit of slight shake when driving (sometimes worst when it has sat overnight if that makes sens) and then when braking it gets a bit worse. I replaced front rotors and pads - got a little better but it can't be the front rotors. I will try bushings.

 

Rotors are warped. Replace all 4 of them and not just the front two.

 

I agree, warped rotors. I got the same problem before. After changing rotors, got a smooth drive again!

 

Why would the car shake when not applying brakes?

When I put the front ones on, stepping on brake wasn't nearly as bad as before but was still there. I guess I can relpace rear rotors too but can I get away with just having them turned and putting on new pads?

I still have a feeling its something else though. However I will fix the rear rotors and get an alignment. I'll let you guys know...

 

i cant say my car was shaking as you would say yours does... but when i got my front lower control arm and lower control arm bushings changed, my ride was noticeably smoother... im on kyb-eibach setup with d/s rotors and monroe pads....

 

Warped rotors. Also, unfortunately, even if you just put new ones on it still does not mean that they aren't already warped...

 

I had the same shaking problem. I first replaced all brake pads and rotors, then the shaking was reduced SOME...about 5k miles later...replaced both front HUB assemblies and problem solved. The ride was smooth as glass. Unfortunately, I have had a bent OEM 18" rim. That caused a wobble feel on that wheel position, which was easy to diagnose because it was the front driver's side. That was before my hubs wore out.

As I think back... I think too much highspeed braking in curves on california roads led to the quickly worn hubs. I was at 63k when I had them replaced.

 

I believe a warped wheel could possibly give you the same symptoms. Hit any potholes etc lately? I believe they can tell you if a wheel is warped when balancing them. Maybe get a cheap balance job done to rule that out. Couldnt hurt. Good luck.

JB

 

Many times people post its the rotors but I can tell you from experience that its not always the case. Mine was the tie rods/bushing/hub/bearings. They wear out and create worse wobble when braking. That's why those less experienced always point to rotors.