Automobile question

[KimDW]

I have a 2005 Nissan Altima with around 28,800 miles on it. Not alot of interstate driving - mainly in town. My tires need to be rotated (they've never been balanced) and I've noticed that the steering wheel shakes back and forth mainly when I step on the brakes. Does this sound like a brake problem? Isn't it odd at 28,800 miles for the brakes to have problems? I'm taking it to NTB and going to have the guys check it out when I get my tires rotated to see what they say. I can not afford brakes right now and we are leaving in 2 weeks to drive from Missouri to Las Vegas. What do you guys think?

Kim

 

[LauraMax]

I think it sounds like an alignment problem, not a brake problem. Could be even the tire rotation will cure it. You MUST get the car in for servicing if you're taking a long trip--don't take any risks! God forbid you get stuck in the desert.......

 

[CollinsMom]

My boyfriend is a mechanic, I read him your story, and he said that you need to take your car to the dealership, have them check the front breaks, turn the front rotars, they will tell you if you need your tires balanced or rotated.

Also, he said that usually around 30k miles, a car will need breaks. You may be okay for a few more miles, or they might need to be replaced.

If they tell you you need break pads, do NOT buy aftermarket pads -- pay the extra $$ for the Nissan ones.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[KimDW]

Well NTB told me that the front rotors are a little warped and that is probably what is causing the steering wheel to shake. They said that I have about 80% left on my brake pads and the brakes themselves look fine. I'm taking it in Saturday and they are going to do an alignment check and maybe turn the front rotors.

Kim

 

[gars2boys]

Kim,
I don't know if you will look at this again but if you do..........
I have a 2005 Pontiac G6 This is not a stretch of the truth I have
done something to my front or rear rotors every 4,000 miles I have
36,000 miles on my car. They have replaced the front ones 3 times
and the back ones once. They have turned them in between. So I am a rotor
expert! Ha Ha anyways thats the way my can acts when there is a problem.
So I think if they want to turn the rotors you should have them do it. Do the brakes make a squeeling noise?
Garilee

 

[KimDW]

There are no brake noises when I step on the pedal - just the steering wheel shaking a little. I've got an appointment tomorrow morning at the dealer to have them look at it to see what they tell me and how much they charge for turning the rotors.

Kim