sometimes, when i go to brake, my steering wheel shakes like crazy. it happens when there is no load on the steering componets. I was thinking it was ball joints. its an 88 trans am 5.0. what else is a common thing to wear out iwith the steering. it has 120000miles on it. thanks for your help

 

Warped brake rotors.

 

nope, i forgot to say, but it only happens at high speeds

 

warped rotors and maybe possible tie rods. but sometimes wapred rotor won't show themselves until lots of heat build up comes (i.e. high speed braking) could also be wheel bearings and the races in the rotors.

 

In that case, it could be many, many things. Out of round tire, bent wheel, wheel out of balance, worn struts, worn tie rods. There are many things that you need to just start sorting through. First thing first, take it in to get the tires balanced. They will be able to tell you if your tire is out of round, or if the wheel is bent. Do that first, that way you knock out 3 things off of your list at once.

 

i will balance the tomorrow during auto, but why would it be that if it only shakes when braking?

 

I dunno, but my car used to shake just a touch when I would brake from 75+. I went and got my tires rotated and balanced and it cured my prob. But also know that just because your at high speeds, that doesnt rule out warped rotors. In fact I would almost put $$ on that being your problem. If you have a Tires Plus or a Wheel Works where you live I suggest taking it to them and haveing them do an inspection. Its only 20 bucks and they will tell you whats up. But like I said, I'd put $$(if I had any) on your rotors being warped.

 

while i guess it could be, id put money on it not being the rotors. my mom does it all the time in her car, and it doesnt feel the same. its kinda hard to explain. thanks for your suggestions and i will try it tomorrow

 

you were right, my tires were out of balance. judging by the new and old weights, there was a signifigant difference. thanks

 

No problem, I was glad I could help!