Pulsating brakes...

[Bluebird]

It was over 100 degrees here in So. Cal, I was in grid-lock for about 21 miles, then moving 65-70mph for 37 miles, when I went to the exit ramp I felt a strong pulsing vibration and pulling to the right as I applied the brakes. It felt like it was coming from the front right. Anyone else have a similar experience? The brakes squeek when then are hot anyway, but not all the time

Patrick.

 

[Paul Herioux]

Sounds like the right front caliper is not fully releasing Patrick. This condition would be more prevelant when the caliper is hot such as after the stop and go driving. The easy way to test is if you have a no touch heat gun. Drive the truck to get the pulling to start happening and get out and check caliper temps. If working properly they should be the same(+-50*F). Other way to check is to jack up the front end with it hot and check drag on wheels from side to side.

HTH's

Paul

 

[CDegner]

Sounds to me like the rotors have warped. A common problem, so I have been told, due to the poor job the back automatic brake adjusters do. When the back brake adjusters don't keep up, more of the stopping load is placed on the front brakes and they overheat. The rotors warp and you end up with that pulsating feeling while stopping. A quick turnind and braking will be smooth again, at least until they heat up and warp again!



Carl

 

[paccool]

Carls right about the rotors. I got mine real hot and they were never right after that. Had them turned, they still pulsed after they got good and warm. Replaced the rotors and all is well.



I actually replaced the calipers as well as the rotors.

 

[Bluebird]

Brakes...

Thanks for the experience gents... Keep 'em coming

Great help as always, Patrick.

(Rather spend $ $ $ on fun stuff, oh I guess I have to stop every once in a while )

 

[Paul Herioux]

I was in a little too much of a hurry to get to work when I posted this morning and forgot to deal with the pulsation. My first concern was the pull as this is a primary safety factor, the pulsation is annoying but doesn't really effect safety. The warping of the rotor is a side effect of the excessive heat build up caused by the hanging caliper. As long as the brake pads are touching the rotor heat is being produced by friction. If the rotor can't cool between stops it just gets that much hotter with each stop. Carl and Paccool are correct about the hot pulsation remaining after turning. Have had this on my truck for a year and a half, isn't as bad now that I have the rear disks. I have seen this on many of my customer's trucks also. All I can figure is that the rotors are undersized to begin with and when you remove metal during the turning process the heat dissipation capacity of the rotor is reduced enough to cause a problem.

I'm going to quit now before this turns into a novel. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.