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Why does my steering wheel still shimmy?

Ok, let me explain the work I've had on it already. It's a 1998 Toyota Avalon. At high speeds(70 mph) when I hit the break my steering wheel shakes, it's not bad but it's noticeable. I can also feel it when I break at low speeds to, say coming to a stop sign. Approximately 1 year ago I had a front end alignment and two new tires placed on the front. I had the two front tires switched to the back since there was more tread on them. The tires have been balanced and rotated within the past 6 months as well. The break pads have not been replaced since I've owned the car, almost 2 years now. The tires tread is evenly worn on all the tires, too. The only other explanation I have for this is that the rotor's need to be turned to remove any warps or defects. Or is it possible that the break pads need replacing? Obviously I'm not a mechanic but I am inclined when it comes to problems but I can not figure this one out for the life of me. Any ideas/suggestions?

Public Comments

1. Get a break job and balance your tires if they haven't been done.
2. Bearings might be going...happened to my car too
3. Definetly replace the pads. And yes, turn the rotors.
4. sounds like your brake rotors are warped and need to be machined
5. I had the same problem with my '03 Pontiac Vibe. If it only happens when you apply the brakes, you can bet your rotors are warped. Turning them may fix the problem. Have a shop measure the "run-out" of your rotors to see if they have enough material to remove the warpage. I replaced mine 3 years ago and haven't had the problem since. Good Luck!!!
6. I agree with the 'warped rotors' theory, but before you go getting them turned or replaced, try this: Have your wheels taken off, and have them re-torqued using a real torque wrench. Sometimes the mechanics get lazy and use the air wrench at whatever torque setting it was set at before, and that warps the rotors slightly. Sometimes re-torquing them will correct it.
7. Your brake rotors are bent. Get them turned (ground true) or replaced.