Pinpoint Test D: Vibration When The Brakes Are Applied
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Sable, 2009 Ford Taurus X, and 2009 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- D1 ROAD TEST THE VEHICLE - LIGHT BRAKING
- Road test the vehicle. Warm the brakes by slowing the vehicle from 80 to 32 km/h (50 to 20 mph) using light brake force. At highway speeds of 89-97 km/h (55-60 mph), apply the brake using light pedal force.
- Is there a vibration/shudder felt in the steering wheel, seat or brake pedal?
- D2 ROAD TEST THE VEHICLE - MODERATE TO HEAVY BRAKING
- Road test the vehicle. At highway speeds of 89-97 km/h (55-60 mph), apply the brake using a moderate to heavy pedal force.
- Is there a vibration/shudder?
- YES : Go to D3.
- NO : The concern is not present at this time.
- D3 CHECK ABS OPERATION
- Road test the vehicle and apply the brakes on a dry, firm surface, then apply the brakes on a wet, snowy or loose surface (such as gravel).
- Is the vibration/shudder only present on a wet, snowy or loose surface?
- YES : This is a normal operating condition of the ABS.
- NO : Go to D4.
- D4 CHECK THE FRONT SUSPENSION
- Check the front suspension. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.
- Are all the suspension components in satisfactory condition?
- YES : Go to D5.
- NO : REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
- D5 RESURFACE THE FRONT BRAKE DISCS
- Resurface the front brake discs. Refer to Brake Disc Machining .
- Road test the vehicle.
- Is the vibration/shudder present?
NOTE: Do not use a bench lathe to machine the brake discs. A bench lathe may cause brake disc on-vehicle lateral runout and brake roughness.NOTE: Follow the brake lathe manufacturer's instructions to machine the brake discs. After machining, make sure the brake disc meets the thickness specification.- YES : Go to D6.
- NO : The concern has been repaired.
- D6 CHECK THE REAR SUSPENSION
- Check the rear suspension. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.
- Are all the suspension components in satisfactory condition?
- YES : RESURFACE the rear brake discs. REFER to Brake Disc Machining .
- NO : REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.