Thread: Nasty front end vibration PLEASE HELP!!

Hi guys, I recently bought an 02 grand prix gt and driving it home realized it has a very bad front end vibration. The vibration comes and goes but when it happens it feels like the front driver side wheel is about to come off! I have replaced the cv axle and outer tie rod end (both had torn boots). These had no effect on the issue. What I did notice is after it happens the driver side rotor is smoking hot while all others are barely warm. Could this be a sticking caliper? Or possibly an abs issue? The previous owner said he had just replaced the driver side wheel hub due to an abs light and the wire loom for the abs looks new but I have no cel or abs light. I would really appreciate any advice or insight into what this might be before throwing more money at it.

Thanks, Zach

Is there anyways to check that rubber brake line? Also nothing looked abnormal with the pads when I got in there to replace the cv axle.

Definitely a sticking caliper. Just buy a new one. Much easier to just replace then trying to rebuild yours.

I have seen more frozen calipers then collapsed brake lines yes......easy to check though. Pull the brake line off the caliper and crack the reservoir if fluid flows freely you know it's the caliper. If it doesn't. Then it's the line. Either way you will be bleeding the brakes to fix it.

I had this issue on my 95 Bonne. The left front was dragging something fierce, like to the point that I could smell it. Ended up having to replace the lines on both sides, and the drivers caliper due to the heat it created. After inspection, it appears that the line was the cause initially. Fluid would flow OUT ok, but when it tried to retract back into the system the line was stopping it, hence dragging the brake.

It would also explain why I had to replace the master cylinder twice on it. Every time I changed the pads and compressed the piston, it seems I was pushing junk out of the degrading line and into the master, which would eventually kill it. After bleeding out the entire system to get clean fluid in it and changing both front lines this new master is working just fine and the brakes are actually better than ever. Used to always have a spongy feel even after bleeding and the fluid is staying a nice golden color as it should.

Just an update I pulled the caliper off and tried to push it back in and it wouldn't move, even after cracking the bleeder loose nothing. The boot around the piston is torn and all rusty so I am not surprised its stuck. So tomorrow I will replace both the caliper and the hose and hopefully will have this thing back on the road!