Why does my steering wheel wobble?

Question

As I drive, my steering wheel wobbles and vibrates mildly. When I use the brakes to stop, the wobble and vibration intensifies. Oddly, when I really step hard on the brakes, much harder than my usual stopping pressure, the wobble and vibration dissipate quickly and I smoothly break to an abrupt stop.

Answer 1

Because the symptom goes away when you apply the brakes I would suspect a problem with the suspension. Though, bad tires can't automatically be ruled out.  

You can rotate tires from front to rear.  That may help determine if the problem lies in the tires.  

Answer 2

If it was a bad tire (ply-separation) the wobble would occure at low to medium speeds and not be affected by braking.

Therefore I supsect you have a front brake rotor problem.  They are so warped that they are rubbing on the pads even when you are not applying the brakes.  I've certainly seen this exact same symptom plenty of times before.  New front rotors and pads should take care of that.  

Answer 3

I would suspect a tire that's not round.  You may also want to check everything in the front suspension for wear and tear.  There may be some slop in something out there.

Answer 4

sounds like the rotors are out of round, have them shaved or buy new ones.

Answer 5

you have a bad tie rod end, or a tire that either has a tread separation or is out of balance laterally.  You need to get it checked out soon, could be a dangerous thing.....

good luck

Answer 6

something isnt round. whcich causes the mild vibration. and with the stopping your rotors are probably warped. get the car in for rotations on everything