Steering wheel shimmys when I brake.

[falconut]

I bought my 2007 PT Cruiser about 1-1/2 years ago with about 17K miles. It is just the base model, front disc - rear drum - no anti-lock. I drive about 27 miles each way to work, 5 days a week. About a month ago, I had started to hear a little ticking noise when I passed the concrete barriers. Sounded like something was stuck in the wheel. I checked every tire and looked at the front brakes, everything was fine. I don't hear the noise normally, just when there is something to deflect the sound back to me.

Recently, I have noticed that when I brake my steering wheel shimmys. From what I've read on the web, this is warped rotors. I'm just wondering if this sounds correct? I only have 35K miles. My car is under a bumper to bumper warranty with the dealership. Would this be covered or would this be considered a normal wear and tear item?

If I do them myself, I can't remember, are the wheel bearing in the rotor? To where I would have to pull them out and reset them in the new rotors. Also, I would assume that I'd have to replace the pads too or would they still be good to use?

Thanks,
Craig

[falconut]

I just looked at my manual and it sounds like the wheel bearings are not located in the rotor. So it would be a simple removal of the old rotor and install the new one.

Now I found PBR rotors for $27 each with free shipping. Are these rotors any good? The price is right, but has anybody ever hear of PBR?

But most important, does it definitely sound like the rotors are my problem?

[Hooligan]

I also had a ticking sound in my front wheels when I braked. Took it to the dealer who determined that the "anti rattle clips" were the cause. Replaced them and had no more problem.

[mopar_man]

I would say that the cause of your shimmy is very likely the rotors and with that amount of miles, it sounds like you had a two-foot driver. Anyway, I would take your rotors off and try to get them turned. They likely still have the thickness left in them and that's cheaper than new (it should be $10-15/rotor to do this). The parts store will measure and tell you if the rotors can't be turned. If they can't be, get a quality brand name. I've never heard of PBR (unless you're talking about the beer). Rock Auto has Raybestos rotors for $31 + shipping.

As for the clicking, Hooligan has the right idea.

[falconut]

I called the dealer to confirm this with them and they say it sounds like the rotors are warped. It is apparently pretty common. It is only covered under the initial 12,000K of the car.

I have found that Auto Zone carries Duralast rotors for $33/ea. From the searches I have done, they seam to be a decent product. I'm guessing, I'll be getting a pair this weekend.

[quicksilverdon]

I wouldn't even think of getting the rotors turned - they're thin enough, and turning them would leave even less metal to dissipate the heat and would warp more readily.
I would say get ceramic pads while you're at it and kiss brake dust goodbye!