Serious shaking when braking!

Skuxx

Hi guys,
I have a mk4 4 tdi golf and when I brake I get a serious shaking in the steering wheel.
It has been like that a while but just havn't had the time to get it looked at. I was thinking maybe a warped brake disc, or maybe air in the brake lines??
Anyone experience this or have any suggestions to the cause?

Thanks!

biko

There are a few reason the steering wheel can shake during braking - warped rotors/discs, imbalance in components in the front, tie rod ends, bushings, wheel bearings.

Firstly make sure tyre pressure is correct on the front wheels.
Does brake pedal vibrate/pulsate too?
Does car pull to one side when braking?
Inspect rotors and pads, might be time to swap them.
Has any work been done on the front? Swapped tyres, alignment, stuff like that.

shedweller

Check your brake discs. They are either warped or have a piece missing.
Air in the brakes would just lead to spongy brakes as far as i know.

GERMAN ROCKS

could be bushings gone in the steering

Voodoomelon

I'd go for warped disc(s) too.

Skuxx

Thanks for replies lads, I'll get the discs checked. The only work that has been done on the brakes was the servo and master cylinder were replaced. Shouldn't be anyway connected though I'd imagine!

Voodoomelon

Its something in your front end anyways, when the discs are being checked, they can check the suspension components too.

C4Kid

Mine is doing the same and it's got warped discs, it's very slight and I'm going to leave it for the time being. Everything else is fine at the front end (Serviced 2 weeks ago).

I've heard of a few cases of warped discs on mk4's some still within warranty and repaired by VW. Seems to me that the quality of the discs in terms of resistance to heat and warping could have been better in early models like mine.

I find it hard to believe that my 1.4 developed warped disks, it's not driven hard like a GTI or anything but high milage over time has probably taken it's toll on the discs.

Stained Class

Most likely warped discs, but worth checking the anti-roll bar bushings too.

A common problem with Sierras & Capris in the past.

beanie10

Could be loose wheel nuts.

Tropheus

Could be some of the reasons above, but IME it's nearly always warped discs.