vibrating steering wheel

[avus9]

i knew i was getting a heated steering wheel, which has been great this winter - but, this vibrating is not great...
almost every time i come to a complete stop, with the LR4 in gear, the steering wheel vibrates rather noticeably.
any one else have this issue?

 

[Count Laszlo]

I'm not an expert, but usually when you get vibration during braking your rotors are warped. If the wheel is vibrating at non-braking, higher speeds, then it's usually wheel balancing. But in your case, it does sound like warped rotors.

How many miles does she have? Have you replaced the OEM pads with dust-free ones? Any more info would be helpful.

PS - I avoid using the parking brake as much as possibly, only when it's necessary, i.e. inclines etc.. If you're prone to using the parking brake (unnecessarily) every time you park, especially after the rotors have heated up quite a bit from heavy braking, then hot rotors will cool around the clamped pads, which in turn leads to early brake rotor warpage. And another cause for early rotor warpage is prolonged resting periods (for weeks outside with fluctuating temps) and the parking brake is applied unnecessarily. Just a tip, hope this might help in the future.

 

[lexman34]

I'm not an expert, but usually when you get vibration during braking your rotors are warped. If the wheel is vibrating at non-braking, higher speeds, then it's usually wheel balancing. But in your case, it does sound like warped rotors.

How many miles does she have? Have you replaced the OEM pads with dust-free ones? Any more info would be helpful.

PS - I avoid using the parking brake as much as possibly, only when it's necessary, i.e. inclines etc.. If you're prone to using the parking brake (unnecessarily) every time you park, especially after the rotors have heated up quite a bit from heavy braking, then hot rotors will cool around the clamped pads, which in turn leads to early brake rotor warpage. And another cause for early rotor warpage is prolonged resting periods (for weeks outside with fluctuating temps) and the parking brake is applied unnecessarily. Just a tip, hope this might help in the future.

Thanks for the advice on the Parking Brake. I was told years ago to always use the parking brake but i think it is a waste of time unless you need the vehicle to stay PUT. Gosh we don't need for these expensive Rotors to wear down any earlier than needed.

 

[Gregorio]

I'm not an expert, but usually when you get vibration during braking your rotors are warped. If the wheel is vibrating at non-braking, higher speeds, then it's usually wheel balancing. But in your case, it does sound like warped rotors.

How many miles does she have? Have you replaced the OEM pads with dust-free ones? Any more info would be helpful.

PS - I avoid using the parking brake as much as possibly, only when it's necessary, i.e. inclines etc.. If you're prone to using the parking brake (unnecessarily) every time you park, especially after the rotors have heated up quite a bit from heavy braking, then hot rotors will cool around the clamped pads, which in turn leads to early brake rotor warpage. And another cause for early rotor warpage is prolonged resting periods (for weeks outside with fluctuating temps) and the parking brake is applied unnecessarily. Just a tip, hope this might help in the future.

Using the parking brake every time you park is using it unnecessarily? Are Land Rover brakes that poorly made that they cannot be used as intended? Really? You've said in another post that it should not be accellerated like a sports car (or something like that). What's next - don't drive it in the rain because the hot rotors will warp? What does this say about the prowess of the mighty Land Rover? Any car sold to be used on the street should not come with these kinds of caveats. If they cannot be used as they are built, we should be demanding they be fixed or we should buy a $60,000 vehicle that can use its brakes fully.

The idea that hot brake rotors will warp from having the pads clamped to them as they cool should not apply to any vehicle designed for highway use. This problem can be common in race cars and off road vehicles with brakes designed to give maximum stopping power with minimal weight. They do not have enough material thickness to resist warping as the area not covered by the pads cools faster.

Also, the rear brakes where the parking mechanism is located are much cooler than the fronts no matter how hard you use them. Due to weight transfer, most of the braking force is taken by the fronts hence the reason they are often much bigger in both diameter and thickness on most vehicles.

If you have a vibration in the steering wheel as the brakes are applied, certainly check the rotors. Also check the suspension links, tie rods, wheel bearings, motor mounts and more. However, if the manufacturer or its representative tells you that the problem is because you are using the parking brake too much, tell them to refund your money and move on.

Greg

 

[Count Laszlo]

Geez, Greg, you sure do have it out for Land Rover, don't you! Cheer up! It's New Years.

 

[psc]

The LR3 and LR4 parking brake does not clamp the disc surface. It works on a "drum" inside the disc hub.

 

[avus9]

*clarification*

the vibrating of the steering wheel occurs when the vehicle is at a complete stop - not when braking - and in Drive.

dealer is saying its 'normal for this vehicle' - i don't buy it...

i've heard some people like to have fun with heated vibrators, but on a steering wheel?

 

[Gregorio]

Geez, Greg, you sure do have it out for Land Rover, don't you! Cheer up! It's New Years.

Sorry for sounding like I'm down on LR. I do love the vehicle overall but am really dissapointed by a few minor things that I have come to take for granted on a $60,000 vehicle.

Sounds like the OPs problem is not brake related at all. Vibrations through the wheel are not normal. Ask to drive other vehicles and see for yourself.

Happy New Year!
Greg

 

[suvowner]

Ill put my money on brake rotors.......why they are warping is hard to say, but most likely that is the problem......if less than 12,000 miles can probably get landrover to replace the rotors and pads......



oops I didn't see the clarification post........in that case BSOM !!!!

 

[Count Laszlo]

If the steering wheel vibrates as described that's not normal at all. I'd do what Greg has suggested. Try another dealership as well.