why does my Toyota Camry's steering wheel shake when I brake

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather tools and safety gear, including gloves and safety glasses.
• Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
• Disconnect the battery if working on electronic components.

2. Inspect and Replace Brake Rotors

1. Remove Wheel

   • Loosen lug nuts while the wheel is still on the ground.
   • Lift the vehicle using a jack and secure with jack stands.
   • Completely remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.

2. Check Rotors

   • Use a dial indicator to measure rotor runout; replace if warped beyond manufacturer specifications (typically more than 0.002 inches).
   • If rotors are in good condition, clean with brake cleaner and re-check for surface irregularities.

3. Replace Rotors (if necessary)

   • Remove caliper bolts using a socket set.
   • Slide caliper off the rotor and secure it to prevent strain on the brake line.
   • Remove the old rotor and install the new rotor, ensuring it is seated correctly.

3. Inspect and Replace Brake Pads

1. Check Brake Pads

   • Inspect the thickness of the pads; replace if less than 3mm.
   • Check for uneven wear or glazing.

2. Replace Brake Pads (if necessary)

   • Remove the caliper bracket if needed to access the pads.
   • Slide the old pads out and insert the new pads in their place.
   • Use a C-clamp to compress the caliper piston if necessary.

4. Reassemble and Torque

• Reinstall the caliper and tighten bolts to the manufacturer’s torque specifications (usually around 20-30 ft-lbs).
• Reattach the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to the specified torque (typically 75-90 ft-lbs).

5. Test Drive

• Conduct a test drive to ensure that the steering wheel no longer shakes during braking.