Brakes Pulsating
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Macomb MI
Brakes Pulsating
I've had this problem with my brakes for a while now and it's getting old.
When I apply the brakes especially from moderate to high speed they pulsate.
The person I purchased the Vette from said the brakes are done and rotor's are fine.
They seem to be giving off a lot of brake dust too.
As always, your thoughts are welcome.
Thanks in advance to all of you Vette fan's.
God has blessed and saved our troops!
95LT1. :flag
When I apply the brakes especially from moderate to high speed they pulsate.
The person I purchased the Vette from said the brakes are done and rotor's are fine.
They seem to be giving off a lot of brake dust too.
As always, your thoughts are welcome.
Thanks in advance to all of you Vette fan's.
God has blessed and saved our troops!
95LT1. :flag
Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 702
Likes: 0
From: York PA
Re: Brakes Pulsating (LT195)
It sounds like classic warped rotor/rotors to me. Take it to a shop and have them put a dial gauge on the rotors to see if they are tru.
[Modified by HTRK-1, 1:21 PM 4/18/2003]
[Modified by HTRK-1, 1:24 PM 4/18/2003]
[Modified by HTRK-1, 1:21 PM 4/18/2003]
[Modified by HTRK-1, 1:24 PM 4/18/2003]
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 646
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria Va
Re: Brakes Pulsating (LT195)
You also might want to check if when the put back on the wheels after the brake job that they didn't gorilla tighten them on the spindles. That is actually the number one way to warp the rotors. I believe the wheels should be tightened to 100lbs.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,858
Likes: 2
Re: Brakes Pulsating (NE14SIN)
100 ft lbs per lug nut, go from lug to lug as if you're drawing a star-- tightening opposite lugs first to 50 ft -lbs all the way around then go around a second time and bring the torque on each to 100 ft lbs. That's the way I do it, anyhow.
As for the problem, only thing you can do is pull all four rotors and have them checked. They say not to have rotors turned (milled) but I had mine done at 32K miles when I did my own brakes and it worked out okay.
If you're getting a lot of brake dust probably he used a low cost set of pads, would be my guess especially if he knew he was going to be selling the car soon.
"EBC Green Stuff" brand kevlar pads are well regarded performance pads and the dust they leave is supposed to be light colored and doesn't show up very much unlike the black dust from most carbon-metallic pads.
[Modified by Lone Ranger, 1:08 PM 4/18/2003]
As for the problem, only thing you can do is pull all four rotors and have them checked. They say not to have rotors turned (milled) but I had mine done at 32K miles when I did my own brakes and it worked out okay.
If you're getting a lot of brake dust probably he used a low cost set of pads, would be my guess especially if he knew he was going to be selling the car soon.
"EBC Green Stuff" brand kevlar pads are well regarded performance pads and the dust they leave is supposed to be light colored and doesn't show up very much unlike the black dust from most carbon-metallic pads.
[Modified by Lone Ranger, 1:08 PM 4/18/2003]
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 3
From: Austin, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Houston, Dallas, Hong Kong, Elgin, etc.. Texas
Re: Brakes Pulsating (Lone Ranger)
With regards to turning the rotors, the Helms shop manual says don't turn the rotors unless they pulse. The reason being you can do more harm than good with regards to run-out. The manual's recommendation is to use an orbital sander and 80 grit paper to remove the small grooves. It worked for me.
It is pretty easy to check for run out. Just purchase a cheap dial indicator at the local home improvement store and spin the rotors while on the car. Should be .005 inch or less. Mine were less than .002 inch.
One other thing is to carefully wash the rotors to remove any dirt, grease, or sandpaper particles. Use plain soap and water then brake clean.
It is pretty easy to check for run out. Just purchase a cheap dial indicator at the local home improvement store and spin the rotors while on the car. Should be .005 inch or less. Mine were less than .002 inch.
One other thing is to carefully wash the rotors to remove any dirt, grease, or sandpaper particles. Use plain soap and water then brake clean.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,225
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
Cruise-In I Veteran
Re: Brakes Pulsating (LT195)
Hi & welcome to the Forum
You've received good replies on your brakes. From your description I'm guessing it's your rotors, probably fronts, especially if you have the 12" rotors.
I had the same exact symptoms and I solved the brake issues by going to the J55 option (13" HD calipers/rotors). Replaced all rotors & pads at the same time, new HD brake fluid, etc. I used PFZ pads from AutoZone. Absolutely great braking & no problems since. Good luck.
Oh yes, this was done on the '94 ... the Z already has the 13" brakes.
You've received good replies on your brakes. From your description I'm guessing it's your rotors, probably fronts, especially if you have the 12" rotors.
I had the same exact symptoms and I solved the brake issues by going to the J55 option (13" HD calipers/rotors). Replaced all rotors & pads at the same time, new HD brake fluid, etc. I used PFZ pads from AutoZone. Absolutely great braking & no problems since. Good luck.
Oh yes, this was done on the '94 ... the Z already has the 13" brakes.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: lakeland fl
Re: Brakes Pulsating (tuband)
ya, replacement rotors are fairly cheap (about $15/ea more than having them turned, I found out), and turning them just thins them out and heightens the problem- Torque the wheels as above, and just count on replacing them more if you drive hard, unless you upgrade to bigger brakes.... I burn thru rotors about twice the rate of pads.
[Modified by johncazin, 11:35 PM 4/20/2003]
[Modified by johncazin, 11:35 PM 4/20/2003]
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Advanced
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Riverside CA
Re: Brakes Pulsating (johncazin)
I have the high speed pulsation thing happening with my '87 Z52. My rotors are definitely warped. My question is this: If the rotors are warped, this puts stress on the wheel bearings too, right? What else should I look for when changing the rotors? I've got the stock '87 rims, what is the biggest rotor that will fit, and who sells it? I'd like to upgrade the calipers too!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,424
Likes: 1
From: Tucson Az
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Brakes Pulsating (HTRK-1)
It sounds like classic warped rotor/rotors to me. Take it to a shop and have them put a dial gauge on the rotors to see if they are true.
:iagree:
and welcome to the :party:
:steering:
