the steering wheel vibrates at speeds of 35mph or higher when braking is this normal?

 

Not normal-Probably the brake rotors out of tolerance.

 

Warp rotors most likely. Had the same problem in my 04, chnged out my brakes with a BBK and its smooth as can be now.

 

if the rotors are warped would i also need to replace the pads cause i had the tires rotated and the tech told me i had 90% rear and 80% front.

 

When you do a lot of power braking, your rotors get hot spots (warped). You should be able to see the hot spots. You can take the rotors off and take them to a local O'reillys. Tell them you want them resurfaced. Depending on how bad they are, they should be able to clear most of it off. The pads don't have to be replaced unless they're close to being worn out. If they are, most likely it's just the front.

It sounds like you have stock brakes. If you're going to be braking hard, I would recommend upgrading your brakes.

 

a tire tech cannot give an accurate description of brake pad wear
a visual peek thru the caliper viewport is not sufficient!!!!
what does the percentange mean anyway?- minimum allowable is 20 percent remaining- or approx 2mm thick pad material on most TL which start at ~ 8mm thick pads

Get a real brake inspection by a brake shop or private honda acura service shop
If you hot spotted the rotors- it ate the pads too
Heat cracks are only seen when the pads are removed

Or it could just be time for brakes- how many miles- year? auto or manual trans?
The TL is notorious for having ~less than awesome parts~ for stock rotors, and most of us upgrade to aftermarket parts when its time to replace-
thats usually 1 replacement set of pads, then needs rotors and pads the next time-
whether thats 30k or 50k miles or 80k miles- thats how it seems to work out

If its a recent purchase the last owner or shop could have just thrown pads on it to make it stop and not set off the low pad squeeler tabs

 

other things can damage the rotors and cause a shake under brake-not just hot spots- which can be from mountain drive or stop and go traffic- overheating the rotors and not getting cooling airflow to them afterwards is a killer

things like overtightening and uneven tighening of the wheel lugs- spec is 80 foot pounds
and too tight is bad for them- affects the axle hub and the rim too!

There may also be a problem with a brake caliper sticking or hung up.
Some gen3 have a TSB or warranty issue for a prob in the ABS- go talk with the service manager

Call acura and ask if any recalls for brake problems
register with them as the car owner-ask about outstanding recalls on your car-like the power steering hoses and wiper moter for gen3-
and they can notify you of any recall notices in the future
1-800-382-2238 x6 thats the acura warranty/care center and knows all about your car-
but most of the phone people are NOT techs at all! they can make a case number- write down what you say and tell you to take it to the dealer
Ask for a manager to call you back

So step 1 is get the brake professionaly inspected then go from there

Changing-flushing the brake fluid needs to be done every year- acura says ok to wait until year 3, then start doing it, but hard drivers can do it after a year and benefit.
Do it every 6 months if you want~

 

my streering wheel is vibrateing too, but not from break. i notice when my car park for over night or a long hours and i start the car warm it and start driving the steering wheel vibrate for at lease 1 minute long and it smooth to normal. im thinking it from tire flat spot.

 

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=42

 

thanks for the info turbonut

 

thanks everyone took the car to a honda/acura shop and they said i needed both pads and rotors.

 

Its an easy DIY we can get you thru this for a decent price rather than the 500 plus acura no doubt quoted you!

Are you 6 speed trans?
their brembo front brake setup cost more to replace than the basic brakes of the automatic

 

they quoated me 285 pads and resurface rotors, test drove car and problem fixed

 

I had the same problem with my Turanzas (Thought it was the rotors). Swapped them for some Michelins and it stopped. I don't know if that was really the problem or what but it seemed to help. How are your tires?