Hi

I took my Volvo 850 in for new tires about 2 weeks ago. The tires on the back were fine so I just changed the front ones. I had the brakes checked at the same time, the rear rotors were warped, but the front ones were fine. I then drove the car about 4000 km, and now there is a Violante shimmy in the steering column. I read somewhere that over torquing the tires on could cause the front rotors to warp. Is there any truth to that.

thanks
Dan

 

Yes, improper torque on lug bolts/nuts may cause the rotor warpage. This is especially true when the torque is not equal on all the lug bolts.

 

They might not have something on correct.
Sometimes when they take the rims off then install they can be a little off as well.

 

It is true over torq can cause it to warp but I thought that was something that happens right then not over time?

it started the "Shimmy" after the 4,000KM? and does it happen all the time or just in braking?

 

Hi

It started after the 4,000 km, and only happens when braking.

thanks

dan

 

Rotors are the most likely problem then. I'm not a tech and I've been told a good rule of thumb when giving someone help on their car it's a good idea to give them a list of things it could be However, since this is a forum and you aren't taking it to me to fix I'm going to just simply say rotors.

The reason I say that is because the shop said your front rotors are fine and it just started happening. If it was the tires you would feel the shimmy all the time but since it's only in braking then its' your rotors cause you only feel it in the steering wheel when the calipers grab the rotor. Uh, depending on how much metel is on the caliper it could either be a simple lathe or it could be a replace.

 

That is the Very bad thing about Rotors.

You can be driving all day long and have the Brakes pretty hot. Then you hit a Puddle after a rain storm. DOH the rotors could have just warped.

They are a thin disc and get hot. Then if cooled fast they will warp.