Drove my mom's TL awhile back and noticed this. What's the usual cause? Bad/warped rotors or brake pads? Any ideas?

Vibration feel happens when brake is engaged, coming to an eventual stop (i.e. gradual stop from driving 40mph) and has a feel similar to ABS kicking in on ice.

 

There are a few possibilities but it is most likely that something is seized or worn out in the front brake system on one or both wheels. There are several threads on here and lots of youtube videos relating to changing brake pads and rotors etc. but I would only recommend DIY for a relatively experienced shadetreemechanic with access to proper tools and a good understanding of how the rotors and calipers work. Unfortunately the dealers charge very high prices for a brake job and they usually don't do it thoroughly and carefully. They will also try to sell you new rotors with every brake job when you don't always need them. If you have a trusted indy repair shop, that may be the best way to go. (?) But you should get the problem fixed asap.

 

Does the steering wheel also shake while braking ?

 

most likely brake pad deposits on the rotor. Warped rotors are possible but much less common.

The same thing happens on my 2012 awd sh tl. When i got my 2010 tsx v6 it was horrible. The whole car vibrated/shimmied when i was braking. Since the brake pads were already finished i decided to just go for upgraded rotors and pads. And it was the best decision ever.

If you still have life left you can try rebedding in your brake pads. You need to do 4-5 hard stops from 60mph to 10mph without completely stopping. If this doesnt work you can have your rotors resurfaced at a brake shop. But depending on how much they charge i would just spend the money on upgraded rotors.


heres my diy thread I made on the 2g tsx section
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tsx-performance-parts-modifications-299/2010-v6-tsx-brake-diy-879663/