brakes pulsating

[Mytrn2brn]

Hey dudes,
My brake pedel pulsates under heavy braking. Now I know that usally means I have a warped rotor somewhere, but the thing is when I took the wheels off. My rotors look fine (to the naked eye). I mean the rotor surfaces are smooth as glass and the brake pads have plenty of friction material on them and they don't have any signs of uneven wear. I must be missing something , or is it that you can't tell if a rotor is warped by just looking at it. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks for your time guys.

 

[PropXprt]

See what the price difference is for new rotors, and for getting the old ones turned. Alot of times it doesn't cost much more for new rotors. Oh yes and I don't think that you would be able to see the warpage. Although I've never closely examined my "warped" rotors I have always replaced them when I get the pulsating in my pedal. It's happened a few times.

 

[Eastwood95]

did you take the rotors off the car?

 

[Mytrn2brn]

No, I didn't take the rotor off because the looked fine. I guess I should have went that extra step. and PropXprt did you change all the rotor?

 

[awdrst]

Usually its very hard to see a warped rotor. You can mic it to see what one is causing your problem. You can also just take the rotors to a napa and they will check them out for you and cut them if needed for almost nothing. I just had it done for $14 a rotor.

 

[Mytrn2brn]

Usually its very hard to see a warped rotor. You can mic it to see what one is causing your problem. You can also just take the rotors to a napa and they will check them out for you and cut them if needed for almost nothing. I just had it done for $14 a rotor.

I think that what I'll do. I just don't like replacing parts needlessly.

 

[importboost]

Do you have abs? Also, you cant really tell that a rotor is warped without a micrometer. Naked eye won't do you any good.

 

[Eastwood95]

dude, new rotors are only like 20$ each.....but then again, you're supposed to turn new rotors as well. You dont HAVE to, and many people dont without any problems....

do you know how long its been since the brakes/rotors have been changed in the front and rear?

 

[Mytrn2brn]

No I don't have abs. and I don't know the last time they were changed but my car only has 43k miles. I guess for peace of mind I should change all of them. but like I said I don't like changing parts needlessly. I wish I could just find the rotor that cuasing the problem and change that oneor to, because when I start my engine mods I'm going to get some high performance rotors. that's why I what to spend only what's necessary now.

 

[Splitpi]

Also inspect your pads. Make sure the pad material is not seperating from its backing anywhere. If any bit, then replace it.

 

[Mytrn2brn]

Now that is one thing i noticed. the pads like i said have plenty of friction material on them (just as much as the new pads) the pads aren't coming off the back plate and there smooth (no squeeks or gridding)but in like the top corners of the pads the were kind of worn down, just the top corners(i should have posted a pic when i had it all apart) but it didn't seem like it would cuase the pulsation. maybe i'll just change the pads and see how they act. It rainning right now so when it stops I'll get back to workand I'll post some pic so you guys can see what i see.

 

[95talon_in_ma]

If the pads are bad, it's because the rotor and or caliper was bad too making them wear uneven. If you replace the pads, it may fix it temporarily, but eventually they will wear the same way...

I bought slotted rotors on ebay for 30 bucks.

For RWD cars it makes sense to turn down because they cost allot more and then you have to replace the bearings too. Easily 100 bucks a wheel.

But with FWD, it's a no brainer to just replace the rotor...

The corner of your pads being worn out could be like that from the factory. They usually bevel the edge.

Do the rotors, bleed the system all the way around. Pulses could come from air in the line too, but not as pronounced.

 

[Splitpi]

Do the edges look beveled like in the photo? If so then its factory that way. Otherwise your calipers or rotors are suspect.

 

[Mytrn2brn]

Yes, they kindof look like those, so that must be the way they come. but here's the kicker, at this point i've checked all the rotors, calipers and pads every thing looks okay. so i put everything back together and took the car for a spin. Ran the car up to about 50-60 mph and slammed on the brakes, very very little pulsation, really (not even enough to even complain about any more). I repeated this until i started to smell the brakes cookin. I not user what i did but i think now if i bleed the system I should be cool.

Thanx for all the guys

P.S. just wondering what do you think of those slotted ebay rotor? the look nice but how do the perform and lastly my car is a AWD. You mean if i wanted to put some nice rotors on the rear I have to change the bearings also.

Thanx again fellows

 

[Splitpi]

Yes, they kindof look like those, so that must be the way they come. but here's the kicker, at this point i've checked all the rotors, calipers and pads every thing looks okay. so i put everything back together and took the car for a spin. Ran the car up to about 50-60 mph and slammed on the brakes, very very little pulsation, really (not even enough to even complain about any more). I repeated this until i started to smell the brakes cookin. I not user what i did but i think now if i bleed the system I should be cool.

Thanx for all the guys

P.S. just wondering what do you think of those slotted ebay rotor? the look nice but how do the perform and lastly my car is a AWD. You mean if i wanted to put some nice rotors on the rear I have to change the bearings also.

Thanx again fellows

I have ebay slotted and cross-drilled rotors and I haven't any issues with them. They are zinc coated and look great. They are actually Brembo rotors which are then cross drilled and slotted aftermarket in a very professional manner. I have no complaints.

Also bleed all your brake lines for air.

 

[Mytrn2brn]

I have ebay slotted and cross-drilled rotors and I haven't any issues with them. They are zinc coated and look great. They are actually Brembo rotors which are then cross drilled and slotted aftermarket in a very professional manner. I have no complaints.

Also bleed all your brake lines for air.

Cool, Are they the big rotor or the oem replacement? Also how can you tell if they're actual brembo's