can't figure out "the shakes" when braking
 

New here. Been lurking for awhile. I've got an issue with my '02 Lancer ES that I'm hoping you all can help me troubleshoot.

When I brake there is a bumpy sensation I feel through the brake pedal and steering wheel. It's especially noticable when braking from higher speeds but it's still there at lower speeds.

I thought it might be an issue with my brakes so I got the car up on jack stands, took the front wheels off and inspected the rotors. They appear to be perfectly fine, no warping or irregular wear patterns. There is one small pock mark about the size of an eraserhead on a pencil but it's a shallow depression withou any ridges around the edges. I'm assuming the pad would just skim right over it.

The other thing I want to consider is the outer tie rods. Awhile back a mechanic doing some other work on the car said that the left outer tie rod is bent. I can't see that it's bent but the tie rod end had what appeared to be a lot of dirty grease on it.

So the question is can a bent outer tie rod cause a bumpy sensation while braking? I want to answer this with No because it seems to me that if a tie rod is the cause wouldn't I notice the bumpy sensation even when not braking?

Would appreciate any thoughts and suggestions on how to move forward fixing this issue.

If it only happens when braking, it's most likely brake related. Measure the rotor run-out with the rotors on the car. If it's out of spec, then measure the run-out on a lathe. If the run-out is in spec on the lathe, your issue is in the suspension. Start by cleaning the rotor mounting surface and back of the rotor thoroughly with a wire brush and solvent. If the run-out is out of spec on the lathe, the problem is the rotor. Even the slightest variation can cause problems.

Ok, to clarify, I'm a novice just getting into repairing my own car. The most challenging thing I've done so far is change the oil. I do think I can change the rotors.

That being said, what is run-out? And how can I measure it? And how do I determine the specs?

Gaurantee you its just the rotor. I have had plenty of people bring me there cars stating it shakes when they brake. I have fixed everyone of them thus far by simply changing out the rotors.

I had the same issue and I changed the rotors and the problem went away

Any possibility that I'm focussing on the wrong axle and it's my rear brakes? Sure feels like it's coming from the front but who knows

Its front brakes for sure.

Rear brakes are drum anyways

+1 for rotor.

Changed out the rotors and pads today. Pretty easy job, but I'm still feeling very accomplished as it's only my second job on my car. Thanks for all the input and advice.

be thankful it's a mitsubishi and not a honda. screw off phillip screws. don't they know calipers, lug nuts. and rust hold the rotors on?

I would definitely agree with everybody else that it has to be the rotors. Even though they may "appear fine," you will not notice it in city speeds but when you are braking on the highway. It is typically measured on whether a brake rotor is in spec by measuring the overall thickness of the rotor from the inside to the outside.

Rotors will not be too terribly expensive and they're relatively simple to replace as well. If you are feeling nervous about doing the job, there are many Youtube tutorials that can show you as most brakes have very similar components. Not to mention the fact that you have a plethora of members who are more than willing to assist you maintain a safe ride. :)

Uneven pad material transfer on your rotors.