2003 Ion Brake Shaking/Shuddering

I have a 2003 Ion 3, with about 35k. I've had a few random issues with
the car since I got it in October of 2005. Ignition switch, seatbelt
replacement, DRL problems not covered by the recall...

A couple of weeks after I got my car, I notice a shuddering/shaking
sensation. I was coming off of the freeway, in a light rain. As I was
braking, I noticed a shaking sensation that was clearly coming from
the front wheels. It happened sporatically a few times here and
there... usually in the rain, and always coming from higher speeds
like a freeway offramp. I took it into my preferred mechanic (NOT
Saturn) for an oil change, and had them take a look at the brakes.
They said my brakes looked great. These guys have never ever steered
me wrong. So I was a bit miffed, but put it at the back of my mind, it
only seemed to happen when it was raining, but even then it was very
rarely. Which being in Seattle, is pretty typical.

The last several weeks this has become a more regular occurance. The
shaking/shuddering is far more intense than it used to be. And I've
even noticed the steering wheel shaking right along with it. It
happens regardless of weather, and seems to be consistent if I'm
braking from 35mph or higher. I don't recall if the steering wheel
shook before or not.

I haven't taken it in anywhere yet. I wanted to look for information
and try to get some insight from other Saturn drivers before I do. I
am really trying to avoid going to Saturn period, but I wanna give my
other guys a little more to work with in terms of a description. I
thought I'd try here, all of my 'random' issues, aside from the
seatbelt, I've found info about other people experiencing the same
thing on here, and have gotten the dealer to fix them for free.

If you have any insight, or have experienced this, your input is
greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

If the shuddering feels like pulsing when the brakes are applied and stops
if they are released, then you most likely need to either re-surface the
rotors and/or replace the rotors and the front disc pads too. Warpage of
the front rotors is a pretty common occurrence in many makes and models of
vehicles these days, Saturn included. In addition, even if the rotors are
good, the surface of the pads themselves can become irregularly shaped from
the severe heat they dissipate and cause this to occur as well.

If the brake pads and rotors "looked" good, then it may have been possible
that someone saved a few bucks by only replacing the pads and not
re-surfacing the rotors causing the situation you are seeing. At 35K and 4
years of age, and assuming some local driving (not all expressway), I'd have
expected the front disc brake pads to be in need of replacement...the fact
that the mechanic said they looked OK tells me they were likely replaced
recently.

Good luck and post your findings.

Bob

 

just leting you know I have a '03 Ion too,while I ve not had
shuddering of my rotors,I've had other issues,the tires get the crap
beat out of them,theres 57k on mine now,the engines been
good,electrical good,has a raccoon hit your front end & break almost
everything up there? GD lil rats~!.

 

So they have finally figured out that my rotors are warped. How they
got warped is a mystery, but they're warped.

 

Jackie,

How they got warped should not be a "mystery" to anyone.

Front brake rotors get warped due to excessive heat due to stopping
immediately followed by the pressure placed on them by the hot disc pads at
stop. This is "normal" for any vehicle made since about 1980 since the
automotive engineers have reduced the thickness of the rotors in an effort
to shed weight and increase MPG. I do not recall you saying how many miles
you had on the vehicle, if it is an automatic transmission, if you live in a
mountainous area, or possibly tow anything since any of these will tend to
increase the strain on the brakes. In addition, uneven and super high
torquing of the wheel lug nuts which occurs regularly at most service
garages also accelerates this phenomenon.

Bob