Originally posted by Big Jim:
It would most certainly be a brake ptoblem. Most likely warped rotors. Another prospect would be binding caliper slide pins so that the calipers don't "float" properly. Start with the rotors and while you have it apart check out the caliper slide pins.



You're probably (all) right, however I have the same problem and can dismiss my rotors or calipers as an issue since these have been checked. In my case I suspect an alignment issue -- probably too much toe out -- or a shifted belt on one of my front tires. The alignment is likely an issue since I had to replace a steel rim (!) and a tire a month ago when I hit a really big pothole at a great rate of knots. I will rotate the tires to be sure, thought I *do* feel a slight shimmy at speed through a *range* of speeds so don't think it's balancing either.

A shifted belt, though rare in modern passenger tires, will cause symptoms virtually identical to warped rotors. A good way to troubleshoot this is, if you have a standard transmission, perform a sudden downshift (without blowing up your engine!) to perform engine braking. If the sudden deceleration at the axles causes a "fluttering" in the steering then it could be a belt or even a loose tie-rod end.

/Eric

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada '96 Mystique GS, ATX