While traveling down a steep grade while applying the brakes, a severe shaking of the steering wheel and wheels occurred. it was so severe the steering wheel shook out of my hands. once back on level grade for a mile or so, applying the brakes didn't result in the severe shaking. from that point on while driving on any steep hill or mountain, the same thing occurs. the brake pads and rotors were replaced last year, but that has not fixed the issue.
My anti-lock brakes activate at low speeds. we first noticed it around 37,000 miles, but now it occurs almost every time we apply the brakes at low speed at 39,000 miles. we discussed the problem with two chevy garages - both admitted that it was a common, known corrosion problem that requires either cleaning the brake sensors for approximately $200 or replacing them at a cost of approximately $460. this is a huge safety issue for us. the van drifts forward too far when we stop and we are concerned that we will either hit another car or possibly a pedestrian. we are concerned that this will be an ongoing problem with the vehicle as we are located in new york state and salt is a common winter corrosive. *tr
On june 20th, 2008 we brought our van in for a routine brake inspection and wheel alignment at 36,117 miles. we also noticed a noise in the rear when making a turn. the mechanic indicated that the brake backing plates on both sides were rusted, and the left rear backing plate was rotted to the point that it had holes in it. the mechanic indicated that the replacement parts were inexpensive, but the labor was intensive and would probably cost in the neighborhood of $600. we have not repaired the backing plates yet because this vehicle has other quality issues and we are considering a replacement vehicle. *tr