Hi,
I have a head scratcher here.
On this 2006 RX330 FWD, 65k miles, sometimes when I brake, the steering wheel shakes violently. But sometimes, it's really smooth. I've noticed it shakes more often if I'm slowing and ther's a slight turn of the steering wheel.
At slower speeds, I can feel a type of pulsation from the whole car when I apply the brakes. The pulsation feels like the deceleration rate increases and then decreases and increases again. It almost feels like there some type of sway front and back as the car slows down. I've replaced both front and rear with new struts and also the connecting rods recently. The suspension is quiet otherwise.
I checked the tie rods for play and there isn't any. The lower ball joint also doesn't seem to have much play, although I can't tell if some are leaking grease. The lower control arm bushing is a little worn, but I've never heard of a bad bushing caushing steering wheel vibration.
Usually when the front rotor is warped, the shaking is there all the time and if you step on the brakes hard enough, the shaking reduces. There is also no pulsation from the brake pedal. So I don't think it's warped rotors front or back.
The tire wear is also pretty even on all 4 wheels.
Any ideas?
Thanks.
Alex
