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Brake "pulsing"

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Old Oct 20, 2007 | 04:29 PM
  #1  
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Default Brake "pulsing"

Note: I have done a quick search, but didnt result in anything

I have been noticing when I brake(majority of time, not always) my brake pedal tends to "pulse". I was told before that it is simply the ABS working, but occurs through even slow braking.

Is this something that simply that will be part of the Z? I have had my brake pads checked and they are just fine. Could one of my rotors be warped?
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Old Oct 20, 2007 | 05:03 PM
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Good chance. Brakes are easy on the Z. Anyone with any sort of mechanical knowledge could change out the rotors and pads. Check out on ebay and you can find some cross drilled rotors with pads for cheap. One of many things could have happened. Do you have the brembos? What year/milage is your car? Good chance your rotors are not wearing evenly. One of the pistons on your caliper might have froze, brake pad is damaged, excessive braking (track) warping it, etc.
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Old Oct 20, 2007 | 09:56 PM
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What is your milage?? Might just be time to replace the rotors and or the brake pads.
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Old Oct 20, 2007 | 10:00 PM
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Wouldn't be the ABS on slow breaking. I think Vincer23 is right on.
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Old Oct 20, 2007 | 10:04 PM
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Originally Posted by I1DER
Wouldn't be the ABS on slow breaking. I think Vincer23 is right on.
+1
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Old Oct 20, 2007 | 10:39 PM
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as the car slows down, does the pulsing slow down at the same rate also?
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Old Oct 21, 2007 | 10:56 AM
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The car is 2003, 52k miles. It was purchased second hand.

I just took it the dealership asking them to do a service and check it out for me. Got the car back, apparently brake pads are perfectly fine(all at 5mm). However, on the drive home I still experienced this "pulse".

And Vence, they are not brembo's.
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Old Oct 21, 2007 | 12:20 PM
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Textbook example of warped rotors.
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Old Oct 21, 2007 | 12:29 PM
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Originally Posted by usmanasif
Textbook example of warped rotors.
+1. You can get them machined but the best option is to simply replace them.
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Old Oct 21, 2007 | 12:46 PM
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If the brakes are bothering you that bad you can sell the Z & maybe get a hybrid. Women dig the hybrids & their driverZ
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Old Oct 21, 2007 | 08:25 PM
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lame. So yea, my 03 at 50k just needed new brakes all the way around. (brembos) I didnt need pads but my rotors were like chrome (ha). They were so worn down and causing the pads to squeel for the groove. I ended up machining my rotors and got new pads. For a couple 100 more I could have gotten new rotors. If your rotors are indeed warped, your going to need new ones. New pads and rotes and your problem is solved. Be ready to tackle some more hidden maintainence on your used Z. Within a year of getting my Z (august 06 @ 48K) I needed new tires, brakes, belts, clutch/flywheel, all fluid were gross. Besides that the car is in exc. condition. I was so excited getting my Z I failed to see the faults of the car. At 50K someone got rid of it right when alot of prime maint. was due.

Last edited by Vencer23; Oct 22, 2007 at 09:53 PM.
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Old Oct 22, 2007 | 03:28 PM
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Vence,

Thanks for the input. Seems we are in the same boat. I just purchased my Z at 48k several months back. I am now sitting at 52k and experiencing all of these things.
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Old Oct 22, 2007 | 03:59 PM
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I do not recommend resurfacing the rotors. From factory they don't have a lot of meat left so they will warp again quite fast since they are even thinner. If you have been the owner of this z for a while it is your fault they are warped so stop riding the brakes

Generally pulsation in the pedal is warped rears and vibrating steering wheel is front.
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Old Nov 21, 2020 | 01:53 PM
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Check your caliper pins. I noticed a pulsing even when going slow and not even touching the brakes. I checked my brake pads and noticed they were tapered to one side, my rotors were not warped but when I tried to remove the pins the top pin was seized. Replaced pins and pads on both sides and that fixed it.
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Old Nov 21, 2020 | 07:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Tbfire15
Check your caliper pins. I noticed a pulsing even when going slow and not even touching the brakes. I checked my brake pads and noticed they were tapered to one side, my rotors were not warped but when I tried to remove the pins the top pin was seized. Replaced pins and pads on both sides and that fixed it.
you responded to a 13 year dead thread.
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