Brake pulsation - Again
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Anaheim CA
Brake pulsation - Again
My 2001 Coupe developed a brake pulsation at approximately 9,000 miles. When braking, the pads felt like they were grabbing and releasing, which was caused by lateral runout of the rotors. All rotors were replaced by the dealer. This has started again at 17,000 miles. The dealer states that the "brake rotors are slightly warped". They tell me that General Motors will not replace them more than once. The car is freeway driven, with minimal brake useage. I do not brake aggressively. Is this a common problem? I have had cars with over 200,000 miles on them with the original rotors. They also cost less than half of what this Corvette did. I love driving the car, but this takes the fun out of it. Any advice?
Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 728
Likes: 4
From: knoxville tn
Re: Brake pulsation - Again (Bill Erickson)
just a suggestion, I thought I had warped rotors on my 98. noticed first around 10k miles. wasn't too bad, just somewhat annoying. when I had my tires replaced last week, noticed uneven tire wear, which I had not noticed until tires were dismounted. I have 23k miles on car now. replaced tires with pilots, aligned, and the pulsation is now gone. so check for uneven tire wear and proper alignment.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
Likes: 9,819
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Re: Brake pulsation - Again (Bill Erickson)
Its a common problem for the way you drive the car. You have to use the brakes harder. Just think about the brake system. The pads are maintained in constant contact with the rotor for quick response when you hit the brake, then you have a slight lateral runout (within tolerance) in the rotor and the pad hits the high spot only and over time wears the rotor a little thinner in that area. Now you get on the brakes and feel the pulsing due to the difference in rotor thickness in that one spot. If you use the brakes harder you minimize the effect.
I have 19K on my 97 and use the brakes very hard. I have gone through 8 or 9 sets of stock front pads and 4 sets of rear pads. I am on my second set of front rotors have and will have to replace the rears very soon. I have never had any pulsing from the brake system.
Bill
[Modified by Bill Dearborn, 10:12 PM 10/9/2001]
I have 19K on my 97 and use the brakes very hard. I have gone through 8 or 9 sets of stock front pads and 4 sets of rear pads. I am on my second set of front rotors have and will have to replace the rears very soon. I have never had any pulsing from the brake system.
Bill
[Modified by Bill Dearborn, 10:12 PM 10/9/2001]
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 608
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From: Las Vegas NV
Re: Brake pulsation - Again (Bill Dearborn)
Anytime I get any pulsing I turn down the rotors a couple of thousands on a lathe at a brake shop and reinstall. You can do this two or three times until the rotors are to thin to turn down again (per DOT specs). Try it your save some cash! :rolleyes:
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,556
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From: Quincy IL
Re: Brake pulsation - Again (vettefool)
just a suggestion, I thought I had warped rotors on my 98. noticed first around 10k miles. wasn't too bad, just somewhat annoying. when I had my tires replaced last week, noticed uneven tire wear, which I had not noticed until tires were dismounted. I have 23k miles on car now. replaced tires with pilots, aligned, and the pulsation is now gone. so check for uneven tire wear and proper alignment.
