Sometimes vibration?

[88LTDCV351]

OK, car has 146,700 miles. Recently, I was pulling into my parking spot and felt a vibration as I was pushing down on the brake pedal. But it quickly went away. My first thought was power steering as I was turning into the spot and it kind of felt similiar to when you feel the power steering do its thing.

But I have noticed that the vibration has been returning and not while I'm turning. It happens sometimes when I'm braking. Just as the car is about to stop and the brake pedal is being depressed, I feel the vibration and then it goes away. Doesn't always seem to do it and I can come to a slower stop and the vibration doesn't happen.

So my other thought was brakes. But seems like I had the brakes done maybe 20,000 to 15,000 miles ago. Motorcraft. They were on sale at my stealership. Considering that my original brakes lasted well over 100,000 miles, I wanted to go with the same. So I wasn't expecting the problem to be the brakes.

Or is it somethign else? Suspension related perhaps? I do need to put my new front tires on.

[fastblackmerc]

OK, car has 146,700 miles. Recently, I was pulling into my parking spot and felt a vibration as I was pushing down on the brake pedal. But it quickly went away. My first thought was power steering as I was turning into the spot and it kind of felt similiar to when you feel the power steering do its thing.

But I have noticed that the vibration has been returning and not while I'm turning. It happens sometimes when I'm braking. Just as the car is about to stop and the brake pedal is being depressed, I feel the vibration and then it goes away. Doesn't always seem to do it and I can come to a slower stop and the vibration doesn't happen.

So my other thought was brakes. But seems like I had the brakes done maybe 20,000 to 15,000 miles ago. Motorcraft. They were on sale at my stealership. Considering that my original brakes lasted well over 100,000 miles, I wanted to go with the same. So I wasn't expecting the problem to be the brakes.

Or is it somethign else? Suspension related perhaps? I do need to put my new front tires on.

Where do you feel the vibration? Brakes, seat, steering wheel?

[jwibbity]

well i sorta had a vibration this week, thought the car was running rough due to the colder than normal weather but turns out my front left tire was rubbing on the inside, it eventually popped on me the third day, but new tires fixed the front vibration

this was while driving and braking, not just breaking like yours........

[88LTDCV351]

Mine is just while braking. I feel it through the brake pedal.

[88LTDCV351]

I've also smelled some burning a few times recently. Not sure if that is related or if its just having to start using the heater with the colder season.

[Mike M]

Warped rotors

[1 Bad Merc]

Get your rotors turned (trued) or put new rotors on. Sometimes new rotors can be warped right from the factory.

[Mr. Man]

I'd go with turning the rotors first as that seems a likely cause since that is the only time you experience the vibration and you feel it going straight and while turning.

Might want to replace the pads at the same time.

[88LTDCV351]

Drove to dentist and now, the ABS light came on, traction control light on dash is staying on, as well as the traction control button lit up as off.

[RF Overlord]

Sounds like the ABS is engaging. Get the code(s) read. It may be as simple as a bad wheel speed sensor.

[88LTDCV351]

Sounds like the ABS is engaging. Get the code(s) read. It may be as simple as a bad wheel speed sensor.

That is good to know. As I started it up after the dentist appointment, the ABS light stayed on. I started to leave but the first stop I felt the vibration when pushing the break and then the tracking control light by the fuel gauge and also the button by the steering wheel lit up.

Was able to get all the way home as the brakes still seemed to work.

[Mike M]

Also check the wheel bearing in the front wheels, see if there is a lot of play in the frt wheels.

[88LTDCV351]

OK, got the verdict from Big O Tires. They showed me the oil on the rear wheels. The problem is the axle. Its got a lot of play. He talked about the speed sensor and the bearing and the axle. Might need a new rear end once he gets tore into it.

[88LTDCV351]

OK, good news is they think the rear end is ok. But they are doing a new axle, bearings, seals, speed sensor, resurface the rotors, gear oil, and alignment.

[vegasmarauder]

Yea, Sounds like the bearing went out and the axle moved enough to make contact with ABS sensor. It operates by moving a wavy drum over a magnetic sensor. If they contact it thinks the wheel has come to a stop and activates the system Once it figures out thats not the case the warning light goes on.

By the way, sometimes there is a buildup of mettalic brake dust on the sensor and it intermittantly bridges the gap between sensor and axle causing sonfusion to the system. A lot of brake shops dont check for this build up and clean it off when they do a brake job.

[lifespeed]

OK, good news is they think the rear end is ok. But they are doing a new axle, bearings, seals, speed sensor, resurface the rotors, gear oil, and alignment.

You should not change one axle only. To be honest, this is something that is best done by an axle expert - not your local chain tire shop.

[88LTDCV351]

To be honest, this is something that is best done by an axle expert - not your local chain tire shop.

That's a good point. I usually take the car to Tracy Ford for big things but convenience was more a priority right now since this came up suddenly and I need my transportation back somewhat quickly for the upcoming weeks. I have been to this Big O many times and have some trust that they are reputable or will make it right. I'm probably too far in with them right now anyway to go elsewhere.

After the next few weeks, if it gives me anymore trouble, I'll even consider taking it to Tracy Ford if any rework is needed.