Strong front end vibration?
 

Hi All,

I have a 2005/6 A8 3.0tdi. Recently, I have noticed the following:

When braking from 60mph+, moderate brake application result in a lot of vibration in the steering wheel and the front end generally. I think I can also feel the brake pedal pulsating a little.

When braking from 60mph+, heavy application of the brake pedal results in less vibration in the wheel and front end.

Slow speed braking is fine.

My mechanic changed the pads from Red Stuff (fitted by previous owner) with Pagid ones. It has not really made much of a difference. I suspected the rotors, but the mechanic, who has not taken them off, reckons they are ok and that a wheel bearing may be worn.

I suspect that the front rotor/rotors are warped. Does anyone have any ideas??

Thanks in advance.

I would suspect rotors also...you described classic symptoms. I have never heard of bad bearings causing those symptoms...bearings usually tell on themselves in cornering.

If the rotors were gone, wouldn't it vibrate at all speeds. At slow speeds, there is no vibration...

Thanks

+1

Classic warped rotor symptoms.

Although you are feeling a difference at varying speeds, the description points directly to rotors.

Usually, if the rotors are still thick enough, they get turned on a lathe to true them up again when the pads are replaced. If they aren't thick enough (or if you just prefer, as I do) they get replaced along with the pads.

Let us know the outcome.