JMF

Bede, I know it's been 2 and a bit years since you posted this and we've been having a similar conversation on another thread. If you're still out there, was the new booster a long term fix? I think I'll have to get the lower control arm bushes changed now as have had the car for 4yrs/60,000 kms but the booster seems to be the most common. There's one going on ebay which is internally modified to prevent and in talking to the seller he assures me (don't they always? :-) it will stop the shudder if it's happening when the brakes are not being applied, but it's kinda pricey

Just been looking around sites at prices for the booster and control arm bushes costs and they're not ridiculously expensive so if it's either one of these it's not gonna break me but will see what the mechanic reckons on labour for either/both of these. Have had the car for 4 years is that a good innings for front bushes normally?

OK thanks am in saving mode again now but when I take it back in will ask for these as first to be looked at. Will have to be the Focus for any freeway trips for a while

For the front I've had new front discs, pads and reconditioned callipers about 9 months ago, about 2 weeks ago both lower ball joints and also the steering rack which was clicking and needed changing anyway apparently and the wheel bearings were checked and the booster rod as well. For bushes have only had a new one for the diff but none in front. It happens around 90-100 when the cars been running for at least 5 minutes and at constant speed, the last time I had been at 95-100 for 5kms. I've had times when it's been fine on the freeway drive from home to just north of Perth which is 15-20 mins and done it on the way back but its also happened on the way out and not on the way back. Tremble in steering wheel to shaking violently takes maybe 45secs -1 min and I slow down pull over and stop and best way I can describe the shake severity is you have to grip the steering wheel very tight with both hands to keep it straight even while it's slowing down am no way car cluey but guessing this is how warped discs would feel. I'll report back if/when I find out

Late into the conversation but I've got this issue in my BA mkii. Had it for 4 years and have had this issue to a lesser extent for a while but don't drive it usually anywhere but around town at 60 -70. Was on the freeway here In Perth up to about 100 the other day with better half and 3 kids in the car and it was shaking ridiculously. Pulled over for a minute took off again and it was smooth as silk for the rest of the 5ks home. But it doing that with other people in the car convinced me to do something so put it in the shop and had steering rack replaced, new lower ball joints, discs machined all on mechanics advice, but also from reading a bit on here, asked to have a look at the booster rod and adjust shorter if it needed. Got it back and driving it around town it felt great so thought you beauty will see how it goes at speed...onto the freeway and up to 90, then sure enough...light shudder turns into heavier shudder and full on shake - nearly started sobbing:-) Prior to the above stuff, have spent about $2k on other brake related replacement/repairs. Dunno much about cars and love this one mostly and the power, room, looks etc.. but am tempted to sell it now as and I would just get another one but looks like it's quite a widespread BA issue, and just like me seems to be driving lots of people frickin mental. Wish I had a fix to share but having a rant instead :-)

Thanks lads, comments are much appreciated

I've just bought an 2005 XR6T with a 4 speed auto gearbox, and was pretty happy until someone told me it will likely give up the ghost in a big way after 170,000kms (which is only about 10,000Ks away for me), and how much better the 6 speed box is. Is it practical to change and if so is the cost just too outrageous to consider? Thanks

G'day Have just bought a 2004 BA XR6T with 87,000 ks and it's stock standard. Am keen to modify the car but retain a 'sleeper' conservative sort of look, so am looking forward to reading some of the best and (best value) engine mods that members have with a target of around 280-300kW, and to let others know what I think has worked. Look forward to chatting..