Recently started getting a judder when braking, usually when I've been driving for more than 15 mins or so, you can feel it through the steering wheel. At first I thought it was worn brake pads but upon inspection they are like new. Checked the wheel spin to see if the hubs were warping but again they are perfect. I am assuming the problem is at the front of the vehicle because I can feel the effect through the steering wheel when driving. Is it possible that the fault lies not with the braking but with the ball- joints? I drive a 91 Lite-ace, 2.0 TD, 4x4, auto. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks. Neil.

- (#3803) Eagleneil, 14 Jul 02

warped discs. Either measure the gap between disc and caliper with a feeler gauge as you rotate the wheel, or apply a dial gauge to the disc and rotate... Check also for thickness variation. Doesn't take much to cause a problem- you won't see 0.5mm, but you'll sure feel it...

- (#3805) david miller, 14 Jul 02

Thanks David, would that explain why it feels like the brakes are gripping and releasing very quickly? The best way I could describe the effect would be like a knocking effect you can feel through the brake pedal and the steering wheel? Also, would it be likely to be just one disc or both? Finally, the scoring on the discs seems to be very fragmented, that is to say it is not a "clean" disc but it is showing lines on the disc. Thanks again David! Neil

- (#3842) Eagleneil, 16 Jul 02

description sounds right from my experience. One or both, no matter, you have to replace the pair. Measure them up and see how much runout and DTV they have.

- (#3843) david miller, 16 Jul 02

Thanks for all your help David!

- (#3851) Eagleneil, 17 Jul 02