Question When applying brakes there’s a vibration felt through the steering wheel.

[corvetteman]

When applying brakes on my 2004 convertible, there’s vibration in the steering wheel. Car is hardly used and only on sunny days. Checked brakes and rotors, all appear to be fine and lots of life left. I read somewhere that Corvettes are famous for the brake vibration especially in the C 5’s . Has anybody experienced this and how did you overcome the vibration , thanks to those who respond.

 

[Zedaholic]

Check to see if the front rotors are warped.

 

[OL Yeller]

I have had my car for 5 years and never felt anything abnormal with the brakes. I agree with Zed...might be warped rotors.

 

[Murray20c8]

I'd bet almost certainly the rotors are warped. Use sometimes doesn't matter. Have they ever been replaced? I've purchased cheap rotors before that warp when they feel like it. lol.
Put the front on jacks, spin the wheels and listen for the pads rubbing. If the sound is not even that would confirm warped rotors.

 

[Afterimage]

Who last removed and installed the wheels and did they torque the wheel nuts to the proper spec or were they air gunned on??

 

[Black 03 Z06]

Wonder if it could be rust from its long winter nap? Maybe picked up a stone or other road debris?

Just a thought, never had any issues with my C5 brakes.

Good luck with finding the issue.

 

[Afterimage]

My previous cars were parked during the winter months, lifted up and sometimes surface rust would develop on the rotors and once I get the car out and use the brakes a few times that surface rust is scrapped off. At no time have I ever experienced any braking vibration or steering wheel shake when the car is back out from winter storage.

straight edge on the brake pads..............dial indicator on the rotors as you turn them by hand, that will ultimately confirm whether the rotors are straight and your pads are not unevenly wearing.

 

[Murray20c8]

.............dial indicator on the rotors as you turn them by hand,

Can I borrow yours?
I prefer my backyard mechanic method since I don't have a dial indicator kicking around.

 

[Afterimage]

I don't have one also, if I need to use one I borrow from my mechanic friend.

 

[Dave91TM]

Just to clarify gents... rotors do not "warp". They may feel light that but the reasons are related to wear, dirt , corrosion etc. not warp.
Read this article: Why Do Brake Rotors Warp? | BuyBrakes.com Blog

 

[Murray20c8]

Just to clarify gents... rotors do not "warp". They may feel light that but the reasons are related to wear, dirt , corrosion etc. not warp.
Read this article: Why Do Brake Rotors Warp? | BuyBrakes.com Blog

So for all intents and purposes you can say they WARP! LOL!