1992 Turbo R - Steering Whee Rattles when breaking down hill

[LeonardinLA]

I've had this problem for about a year now. I live on a somewhat steep hill (about 800 feet high). When I break going down, the car's steering wheel rattles (probably not just the steering wheel, but the whole car - it seems). Pretty significant rattling - quite uncomfortable.

No one seems to find the problem. The breaks are fine. Last month, the mechanic said it was the ball joints. I had the ball joints replaced. No difference.

Any ideas?

Thanks a lot!

[V8 FOU]

I would guess front subframe mounts. These are large voided bushes and can deteriorate over time. If the rattle is very metallic I would check the steering column u/j's that can make some noise like that.

[graemel]

I had a similar issue with Hatty except the shudder through the car and the steering wheel was there every time you used the brakes.
All four wheel bearings were shot and replaced. Then the brake discs were skimmed on the car. All cured

[meistro]

Seems to me the front rotors are suffering from lateral runout. I have experienced this kind of phenomenon on other cars. If the rotors have enough "meat" on them you might be able to resurface them; otherwise you have to get new ones. In either case, I suggest you have the lateral runout checked with a dial indicator.

[Byteme]

LeonardinLA said:

I've had this problem for about a year now. I live on a somewhat steep hill (about 800 feet high). When I break going down, the car's steering wheel rattles (probably not just the steering wheel, but the whole car - it seems). Pretty significant rattling - quite uncomfortable.

No one seems to find the problem. The breaks are fine. Last month, the mechanic said it was the ball joints. I had the ball joints replaced. No difference.

Any ideas?

Thanks a lot!

Run out checks on the discs may provide some useful information however in many cases a visual check will confirm poor surface condition due to intermittent use and acid based wheel cleaners.

I used to look after a lot of cars that accumulated very low annual mileages and this became more problematic over time. In some cases a simple pad change resolved the issue, in others discs were also necessary.

In my opinion re-facing is rarely worthwhile.