When I put the brakes on hard, the steering wheel shakes up and down like mad but the rest of the car is largely unaffected. The brakes pulse a little but I can't tell if it is a result of the shudder or if it is the brakes causing the whole thing.

Replaced front rotors 6 months ago, replaced brake pads last month. While it is not impossible that the rotors warped again, I'm really hoping that's not the case.

What besides rotor warpage could be causing this?

Friend of mine thinks maybe the toe-in is off or the tires worn funny.

Could worn out bushings cause a verticle shake in the steering wheel?

Also, assuming rotors to be the cause, is it any cheaper to have your rotors resurfaced than to buy new ones?

Thanks,
Sean

Both from IPD, I believe. I go so long between ordering things and actually putting them on the car that I'm never too certain, but I'm pretty sure the rotors were Brembo and I know the pads were PBR Semi-Metallics because there's another set in the shop.

I'm not that certain the problem is brake oriented because sometimes the shudder is insane and sometimes it's barely there.

Could I just be badly in need of an alignment after replacing strut inserts, tie rod ends, ball joints, and Lord-knows what else?
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Sean Corron

Inner and outer tie rod ends should be fairly easy to tell if they are worn by grabbing the wheel and moving it back and forth. Do you see movement? Does the car wander on the road? Will it cause your shudder? I don't know.
I just replaced rear control arm bushings in 4 240's and none of them shuddered.
If you replaced all those front end parts or just the struts an alignment may be in order. Dan

Thanks Dan. Car tracks straight, follows the curves in the road, but on a flat stretch it wanders very little if any, which is why I've put off an alignment.

I'll check the brakes thoroughly soon - I guess it's not impossible that a rear rotor is warped and causing some issues.

Need to replace a LOT of worn out 14 year old bushings before I can rule them out.
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Sean Corron

What kind of rotors did you use? Dan

What kind of brake pads did you just put on?
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69-145-S ; 71-145-S ; 72-145-E ; 72-1800-ES ; 87-245-DL

Front control arm bushing are known to cause exactly what you describe, and tend to be the first ones that need replacement although once your there it's a good idea to check all of them. I've done this job on a couple bricks, PBblaster penetrating oil and some good tools are very helpful. remember to eat your Wheaties before you get started. I think the whole process is explained in the FAQ section. Good Luck.