Pinpoint Test A: Vibration When The Brakes Are Applied
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Ford Mustang. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- A1 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?
- A2 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 A3.
- NO : The concern is not present at this time.
- A3 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 A5.
- A4 CHECK THE PARKING BRAKE OPERATION
- This test is not applicable to vehicles with drum-in-hat type parking brakes. For vehicles with drum-in-hat parking brakes, proceed to the next test step. For all other vehicles, apply the parking brake to identify if the problem is in the front or rear brake. At highway speeds of 89-97 km/h (55-60 mph), lightly apply the parking brake until the vehicle slows down. Release the parking brake immediately after the test.
- Is there a vibration/shudder?
- A5 CHECK THE FRONT SUSPENSION
- Check the front suspension. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .
- Are all the suspension components in satisfactory condition?
- YES : Go to A6.
- NO : REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
- A6 RESURFACE THE FRONT BRAKE DISCS
- Resurface the front brake discs. Refer to Brake Disc Machining .
- Road test the vehicle.
- Is the vibration/shudder present?
CAUTION: 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 A7.
- NO : The concern has been repaired.
- A7 CHECK THE REAR SUSPENSION
- Check the rear suspension. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .
- 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.