I have an intermittent problem with my 240z. More often than not I experience a shimmy, translated through the steering wheel on braking. I had the rotors turned and I replaced the pads but the problem has returned. I'm planing on trying a better grade of brake pad and cleaning the rotors with sandpaper. What type of pad would be best for normal to agressive street driving? Are high metalic content or ceramic pads an option?

Likely not pad driven...it's something else.

Were the shim's replaced when the brakes were re-assembled? Could be the source of your problem.

Also, some play in the hubs could be a possible source of the issue.

I usually check the ring tone, by striking the rotor sharply with whatever is handy, to check for a crack. Sometimes, they can't be seen with the naked eye.

Edited April 11, 201014 yr by geezer

I had the same thought about play in the hubs, so i replaced frt bearings and double checked the wheel brg preload. The shims are all in and I had the rotors turned. I'll try the ring test today.

If I end up replacing the rotors and pads......... what pads should I be looking for?

Discounting the rotors I would check all the steering linkages particularly the rack bushings. Check for freeplay in the steering components such as tie rod ends and the rack itself. You want to get rid of the movement in the steering wheel that doesn't translate to movement in the front wheels.

All previous advice aside, you should examine your Calipers to see if the pistons are moving freely. If it has been a while, it might not hurt to rebuild the Calipers or buy a set of "Loaded" ones from the parts store. Loaded is when you get rebuilt Calipers that include new pads and hardware.

Make sure that you check the areas that other members have suggested too. Safe Brakes are the most important part of your Z.