For a few weeks I've noticed that when braking I get the steering wheel wobble as if the rotors were warped. However, it doesn't wobble every time I brake, so I'm confused as to whether or not it is really the rotors or something else. It appears to be coming more from the left side (maybe just because I'm always driving), but I lifted that side recently and didn't feel any play on the tie rods or bearings.

Has this happened to anyone? If so - is it possible that its still the rotor even though it doesn't always happen?

 

If it only occurs under braking, whether it be every few times, it will most likely be the rotors no matter what.

Mileage? pads ever replaced? Rotors been changed/machined?

 

I had steering wheel/front-end shudder when braking. It was slightly random at first, but got worse over time (or I figured out that it wasn't random). After the brakes get heated up, and braking from any speed above 60kph resulted in shudder.

If the brakes were cold and/or the speeds were low, there was no shudder. Replacing the 2 front rotors with 2 new OEM rotors made braking perfectly smooth again.

To definitively determine if rotors are bad, measure the disc thickness at 8 points around the disc, 10mm from the outside edge. Subtract the smallest thickness measurement from the largest. If the variation is > 0.0008" (0.02mm), resurface or replace the rotor. Do this on the rear 2 rotors too if you suspect the problem isn't purely front-end.

Also try removing the wheels and torque each lug to 76ft-lbs in a star pattern. Never use an impact wrench to tighten. Improper or uneven torque can distort the rotor.

Maybe also check that your tires are wearing evenly, that the pressure is set the same all around, and that when you brake or drive normally without holding the steering wheel, the car tracks straight.

 

I'd have someone check the lug nut torques all around. Many/most shops will over torque the lug nuts and this can cause temporary or permanent rotor warping. I torque to 85 ft-lbs but I think the oem number is around 76 ft-lbs. I've found my wheels torqued to closer to 150 ft-lbs after a tire rotation at a local Goodyear store - never again.

 

Wow, I never knew about the effects of over-torquing on the rotors, but this makes sense. I should buy a torque wrench and check my lug nuts. My brakes are perfect right now, and I want to keep them that way. Good tip!