[matthones]

I tried the search function without any luck. Here's the back story:

Vehicle has had pulsing brake issues for the last year and a half or so. Had it in at the dealer and they said brakes were still good, and I didn't feel like shelling out money to troubleshoot so I left it at that.

Brake booster went out about 6 months ago, pedal was mushy and pulsing sensation was getting worse, so I figured when they replaced that would solve the problem, but it didn't. They also checked the brakes and still said they were good and within spec.

Brakes are now worse than ever. During light braking and/or normal braking, there is a ridiculous amount of pulsing/pulsating in the entire car, not necessarily through the brake pedal, but it's definitely tied to the brake system somewhere. During heavy braking, it's not too bad of a sensation, but I can still feel it a little.

1st Question is this: Can 1 or more rotors be so warped that it will cause a pulsing/pulsating shake/rattle/roll throughout the entire car?

2nd: Is this a caliper issue?

Last Question: I'm contemplating getting new brakes and rotors from EBC, assuming it's a rotor issue, what is the correct lug stud size?

Thanks in advance

 

[MrHolland]

One rotor can shake the car by itself. Does the steering wheel also shake/pulse?? If not then its probably the rear that is warped. Some may dispute this, it's simply my opinion; with the large rims on these cars and the factory/small brakes, the braking system is at its limit. Doesn't take much to warp the rotors.

It can absolutely be a caliper failure as well as a brake hose failure. For example, brake hoses can fail from the inside while looking normal on the outside. When this occurs, it may prevent brake fluid from flowing backwards. This will hold a small amount of pressure on that caliper allowing that rotor to become warped. What color is the brake fluid? I would venture to say, the calipers and hoses are fine and you have warped rotor(s).

I am in no way diagnosing your problem, just stating what I've seen before on other cars. I have used brakeperformance.com for rotors in the past. They have a lifetime warranty against warping and cracking. The rotors I've purchased from them I've been happy with using. Good luck!!

 

[matthones]

Spent Friday night taking off the rear rotors and took them to O'reilly to have them turned on the lathe. Put on new pads as well and had immediate noticeable improvement. Drove the car Saturday and could still feel a little bit of the pulsing. Spent Sunday afternoon/night doing the front axle, truck is completely wobble/pulse free during braking. Sounds like one of the new pads on the front drivers side tire is dragging against the rotor so I'll need to determine whats going on tomorrow when it's daylight.

 

[hcvone]

Once the rotors are warped even turning them is usually a temp fix, many times the heat damage is done and you may need new rotors to completely fix the problem