Road Test

1. Drive the car up to 55 mph (88.5 km/h) on a smooth, level road surface. Once the car reaches the desired speed, place the transmission in neutral and allow the car to return to rest without braking. Does the steering wheel nibble?

^ If YES - This usually indicates wheel assembly imbalance. This condition must be corrected before continuing. Refer to the 1989 XR4Ti Shop Manual, Section 11-01 for tire and wheel service details.

^ If NO - Continue with Step # 2.

2. Drive the vehicle up to 55 mph (88.5 km/h) on a smooth, level road surface. When safe to do so, place the transmission in neutral and apply the brake pedal lightly (about 20%). See if brake shudder is present. It can be identified by:

^ A nibble in the steering wheel

^ A vibration in the vehicle

^ A pulsation can be felt through the brake pedal in more severe cases of brake shudder.

3. If overall car vibration is felt, there is a possibility that the car may have a rear brake shudder. To determine if the rear brakes shudder, proceed as follows:

a. Drive the vehicle up to 55 mph (88.5 km/h).

b. When safe to do so, place the transmission in neutral and lightly apply the parking brake while holding the release button in.
c. Does the car body still vibrate?

^ If YES - Refer to the 1989 XR4Ti Shop Manual, Section 12-01 for service details on rear brake shudder diagnosis and testing.

^ If NO - After determining above that the vehicle has front brake shudder only, proceed with all of the Front Brake System Repair Procedure.