Hi, I have a 2010 Dodge Journey with 10,000 miles. Around 4,000 miles, the steering wheel began shaking when I was braking -- I figured it was the rotors, but I never thought they would go that fast. Fast forward: I've since had the front rotors replaced, and about 800 miles later had them resurfaced, and then the rear rotors resurfaced, and the wheels rebalanced and the two front tires replaced. Now the steering wheel shakes when I drive on asphalt.

The dealership manager said that's just what happens on asphalt (the really smooth blacktop they use everywhere around here). I've never had that with any other new vehicle nor with my husband's new car.

Any ideas? If you did have this problem, how did you resolve it?

 

Actually you are replacing poor quality rotors with poor quality rotors. Find you some after-market ones from an auto parts store and your rotor/brake issues will stop.

I've seen posts where rotors were totally shot by the Journey's 1st oil change. I cross my fingers, but my mom's Journey has 5000 miles on it and the rotors still look/feel fine, but I'm sure I'll be replacing them myself before too long.

Dodge cut a MAJOR corner on the rotors and isn't owning up to it short of extending the warranty period (with a co-pay of course) but the replacement rotors are still the same crap rotors, or at least have been...

 

All true! Check google for journey brakes and you see thread after thread about the crappy brakes.

 

Do you think the rotors would affect the steering wheel on asphalt?

 

If your rotors are warped, then I can see this happening. But again, that points back to crappy brakes.

 

It can even when not applying the brakes if they are real warped.

I drive my mother's every thursday when I go over to take her shopping, banking, etc. She is in remission from cancer, but is still feeling the effects of the chemo and isn't comfortable driving yet. I have to admit, the vehicle handles VERY well IMO, I've felt no vibrations at all. Good acceleration from the 3.5 V6 as well. Fuel economy is so-so, I'm seeing about 19 mpg in over-all, combo driving which is about the same I got with my V8, 4x4 Grand Cherokee before I put a modest lift and larger tires on it. IMO it should do MUCH better than a stock V8 4x4 Grand Cherokee that weighs in at 4300 lbs...

 

The front rotors are brand new, and the back ones have just been resurfaced, so it's all very confusing. I've also noticed the steering wheel shakes the most when I'm driving about 54 mph, and that's on any type of road surface. I'm really most worried about something dangerous happening with my car, which I use to drive around my young son.

 

michelle I think it's time to take the car to the dealership and have them check tires (when were they rotated last?), allignment, and front end in general. I hope you get it taken care of.


Omar

 

Yep, if you are that uncomfortable driving it, it's time to have it professionally looked at. Could be as simple as needing an alignment...

 

So totally true, when the rotors warped on our 09 with 9k on the clock, I did not even bother with taking it to the dealer. I spent a little extra and replaced both front and rear with some aftermarket rotors. We are at close to 48k now and have zero issues with the brakes since then.