Old Library

Yes, the rotors could be warped, you could have pad imprint from improperly 
bedding in your pads, or you could have hub runout.  I check these conditions 
with a simple dial indicator, looking for more than .002" runout.  If so, 
check your hub.  Rotating the disk in relation to the hub can solve the 
problem.  The goal is approx .002" total runout.  Also, with crappy VW hubs 
which corrode easily, keep the corrosion in mind.
Some other things which can cause braking vibrations (but not necessarily 
just driving):
-Loose lug bolts (true!  It's happened to my on my car with the stock rims... 
I torqued them down all right, but some rust/corrsion was in there between 
the rim and hub- driving produced no vibration, but braking it did as the 
lugs worked loose.  I presume if I let it go any longer, it would've vibrated 
at speed).
-Bent rim (you can also check total runout here as well)
-Loose pads (usually cracked, broken, etc- usually due to improper pad bed in)
-Loose calipers
-Loose front end components (generically speaking, ball joints, upper strut 
mounts, subframe mounts, a-arm mounts)
-Failing wheel bearing (usually you'd also complain of a sound)
-And probably other's I've missed.

Best of luck finding the source.  Keep in mind that it IS lessening the 
braking torque and therefore increasing stopping distance (maybe not much, 
but it is).  Anyhow, if you can't find it, take it to a shop- better safe 
than sorry!!!

Hope I've helped,
Mark Rosenkrantz
&#77;arker510&#64;aol<img src=/i/dc.gif border=0 width=35 height=15>

[...] 35 lines deleted

Alright everyone, something is very wrong with my brakes. I installed
new rotors and pads (due to a previous post in which I deemed the rotors
warped from over torqued lugs). Not 1 day after I installed the new
rotors/pads, I get this violent shake in the steering wheel with a loud
shudder coming from the front of the car. Any suggestions, a few
inexperienced pokes in the dark have to do with wheels and alignment(but
there is minimal vibration when accelerating, highway or city driving). 
In case you need it, I have a 2000 GTI VR6 manual, with no aftermarket
suspension, brake or any other performance mods. 
Only 35K on odometer. I am taking it to the dealer today, but wanted to
see if someone was interested at venturing a guess.
 
2000 GTI VR6 crap ass brake series
 
Ray

Ray,
       A shudder under braking can be caused by several things:

Wheel/tire/brake/hub assembly out of balance or excessive runout.  Any of 
those things could be a culprit individually, despite little or no vibration 
while not braking.

Bad parts, or incorrectly installed.  Did you check lateral runout after 
installing the new rotors?  I almost never do, either... but clocking the rotors 
to better match the hub often cures new brake shudder.

Pads not bedded in properly to the rotor or grease contamination on one side. 
 Goes back to installation.... can cause uneven brake pull.

Calipers not sliding on their pins, lack of grease, installation, etc.  
Again, uneven braking torque... can also be manifested as a pull.

Caliper bracket not installed correctly or warped.

Generally speaking with VWs, the likely culprit is total runout of the hub 
and rotor assembly in this case.  Pulling the wheels, snugging the rotor to the 
hub with all 5 bolts (use regular bolts or a lot of washers for spacers), and 
checking lateral runout is an easy thing to do.  This, BTW is the reason for 
on the vehicle lathes.

Best luck,
Mark Rosenkrantz
&#77;arker510&#64;aol<img src=/i/dc.gif border=0 width=35 height=15>