Hopefully someone can help me out here. I have a 1998 Ford Taurus which has been running fine until just a few days ago when the car began to vibrate when I apply the brakes at highway speeds. At speed under 45 or so its still smooth whenever I need to stop. Above that speed the front of the car begins to vibrate and the steering wheel to shake. If anyone has any help, I would appreciate it so I at least know what to expect before heading off to the mechanic to get it looked at. Thanks.

Front disc (rotors) are worped. Did you do a little spashing in some water? ;) You can have the rotor cut smooth (turned) if they're not to thin now. You don't have to replace the pads if they're still very good. But with a '98, I think its about time for new brakes and rotors.
pads about 25$
rotors aobut 35$ (ea.)
Labor NO MORE than 320$ (thats 4 hrs at 80$) and it shouldn't take much more 1.5 or 2 hrs (check their labor guide for your car)

Agree withcctxfish front disc rotors are worped. You don't have to go thru water, heat causes rotors to
worp plus miles and age.
I hope this is helpful and solves your problem.

Agree heat is the cause. [:-]

But I bet sometimes it could happen like this:
A guy (or girl) driving his car around town maybe a little fast and hard, with a lot of braking. Then he gets the idea to clean it up, so he pulls into a car wash and starts cleaning those wheels. Add a little pressure washing and WWWAAMMMOO [&:][:@];)

What do you think, probable, possible, or busted? :eek:

got my vote , been there done that , seen it happen, splish splash, taking a bath