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brake pulsing

MA87K5

1/2 ton status
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Apr 6, 2000
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Location
Chicopee, Ma 01020
I bought a 99 tahoe and the dealer put new shoes and turned the drums. What would cause the brakes to pulsate? They have since I picked it up. Thanks
 
in the wheel its rotors

in the floor/seat/pedel its drums.

i bet thay didnt cut the drums right or thay are to thin and have gone south on you.
 
Well, the parts stores only had tape measures not the correct tool. While I had the drums off I started and put the tahoe in gear and watched the axle flange and seen the wobble on both axles. Nothing more then 1/32" wobble. Was not straight at all. I think I found the 1st problem. The 2nd problem will be having the dealer to agree with me. Basically I believe that I need 2 new axle shafts.
 
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These trucks have a history of Rotor problems. The trucks are just too big and heavy for the rotors. When i first bought my 98 Suburban the pedal was pulsating on the freeway only, and i had the rotors turned. The problem was fixed for about 1 week. Then they started again. I purchased new rotors and within a month they started again. I finally had to upgrade my rotors to slotted rotors from SSBC. That was about 1 year ago and i havent had a problem since. Dont catch yourself chasing Ghosts. If you are feeling a pulsation in the brake pedal it is the rotors.
 
So you are telling me that the slight wobble in the axle flange is normal? I most definately don't want to chase ghosts.
 
So you are telling me that the slight wobble in the axle flange is normal? I most definately don't want to chase ghosts.

I would say go with the rotors first if your brake pedal is pulsating when braking. As far as the axle flange i believe some play is allowed.
 
I would say go with the rotors first if your brake pedal is pulsating when braking. As far as the axle flange i believe some play is allowed.

Agreed, Rotors cause 80% of brake pulsations, drums 19%, and other stuff the other 1%. I can honestly say I've never seen a bent axle flange that caused a brake symptom. I'd cut/replace the rotors first and go from there. Keep us posted.
 
Update. Got it back from the dealer after all day of having it. They found one drum to be bad so they replaced them (so they say) $60 wagner? drums, Turned the rotors and lubed up the caliper slide bolts. Pulsating is gone but now I get a vib while braking. I'm hoping the brakes just need to wear into itself. If not then I'll take care of it. As the saying goes "want it done right do it yourself".
 
just to know. did thay mic the rotors. and were thay close to min machine or discard? if so its only a temp fit it will be back soon.

i have seen lots of used car places cut well below discard spec. to thin and pulse quickly.
 

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