Ok...

So I redid the four brakes (new: calipers, rotors, SS lines, USED: break pads (but very near new).

I noticed a couple times (rarity... once a day during driving) when I would touch the breake pedal, I found feel the steering wheel thump. Not really knocking me off course, but definately enough to be felt on the steering wheel and pedal assembly.

Thats gone on since I installed the brakes-- I never thought much of it-- probably the rotor isn't held tight to the hub or something stupid.

I didn't have four set screws when I installed the rotors, only the back brakes have set screws.

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So today I slow down to turn into the neighborhood...
The second I push the brake pedal down the steering wheel thumps repetitively (probably 5 times in a second). It had never done this previously. So I engine brake into the neighbor hood.

I pull into the driveway and press the brakes... they work fine. Pull in and out of the driveway 10 times to test them, and they worked fine every time...

Any ideas?

 

For a start, I'd get rid of those used pads right away. A new set of Raybestos pads for the front from Pep Boys is under $20. Mixing and matching used pads with rotors other than the ones the pads were used on isn't a good idea. If you still have the vibration after changing the pads, get back to us and we'll do some more digging.

 

Well, if they are new rotors, they shouldn't be out of round. Check to be sure the calipers are releasing from the rotors, eg an exceptionally hot rotor. I've seen brake lines break internally and hold the piston out created that problem.

 

check you calipers on both sides if the bolts are tight.....

I had the same problem vibration, and the thump on the steering wheel when I brake.

 

This is my bet too-- perhaps one of the calipers is coming loose.

 

Wheel bearing maybe?

 

For a quick clearification:

The brake pads were bought new, installed, and the tranny went two weeks later. The car sat in the garage for about 7 months, in which time I replaced all the brakes and used the same (2 week old brake pads).

Wheel bearings were removed, checked, and repacked when I did the brakes. I was a bit confused on how tight to have the wheel bearigs, so I doubt they are torqued to spec. It is a possibility, I will look into it. Anyone know the toque on the front bearings/hub nuts?

 

should be like 23 lb/ft but you have to double check that. I know you have the fsm in that white binder and a Hanyes manual

 

lol actually its in like 10 different binders, entire thing