My 1979 Regal has had the Rotors machines previously and just got brand new drums installed. Every time I drive the car it starts out with smooth brake action. Gradually a brake pulsation comes on. The farther I drive the worse the pulsation gets until it is unbearable at about 4 to 5 miles of town driving. The same happens the next time I drive the car. I feel no pulsating in the brake pedal or steering wheel. Rear wheel cylinders were rebuilt 7K ago. With the car up on a hoist there is no brake dragging. So what is causing the oncoming pulsation on each trip? It can get so bad that people stare at me lurching behind the wheel as the car pulsates to a stop and wonder if I am an epileptic and having a seizure.
Brake pulsation mild to extreme each trip
- Thread starter Rory
- Start date
My bet is on the front rotors. To verify, get the rears axle housing up on stands. Run the car in gear. Drag the brakes and report back if there is vibration. This will be pretty much not doable if you have an open differential.
Does this pulsation move the steering wheel? That would be bad rotors.
Does this pulsation move the steering wheel? That would be bad rotors.
No pulsation at all felt in steering wheel. Been pulsating even after the rotors were machined. The brakes have no pulsation at the beginning of a drive. Only after driving and gets worse the farther I drive. Then no pulsation at the beginning of the next trip. I am going to replace the master cylinder and flex hoses next.
That was recently done. Pads and calipers inspected and bearing repacked. I have talked to 2 automotive brake shops and they have no idea what to look for.
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Have to throw this out there, Remove your rear drums and verify your brake shoes have the short shoe facing the front of the car and the long shoe faces the rear.
If they are mixed (Long shoe in front short in back) it could be contacting the brake drum once heated causing a chatter.
If they are mixed (Long shoe in front short in back) it could be contacting the brake drum once heated causing a chatter.
Brake pulsation is usually caused by warped rotors. Its something many brake shops can miss. Even if the rotors were turned they still can return to a warped shape since its stressed metal. it sounds like as your brakes heat up from use they warp more increasing the pulsations. As the brakes cool off overnight, the rotors return back to a less warped state until they heat up again.
If you do not feel it in the steering wheel. Most likely the problem is in the rear.
My old mechanic would always put new rotors on his jobs. He said turned rotors even when in spec tended to warp.
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