Brakes Gmt900

[2009SierraZ71]

My brakes had a pulse at high speeds. I would apply the brakes at 70 mph and the pulse was very obvious. I took the truck in and they turned the rotors. Turning the rotors improved the pulse at high speeds but it was still there. I took it back in and they turned the drums. Now, the pulse at high speeds is gone. However, at low speeds when I'm coasting to a stop I can't say it's a pulse but more of a slow pulse. You can kind of feel the brakes almost grab and then kind of let go and grab again like the friction is changing or something. I took it back a third time and the tech couldn't feel it. I took the service manager for a ride and he couldn't feel it, either. Maybe I'm too critical but I still feel it. I said we would check it again at the next oil change. A couple of days later GM called wanting to know how the service call went. I told them I still have the issue but the service manager couldn't feel it. I said we agreed to wait until next oil change. She said ok and the service manager just called me today. Now we have scheduled a test drive with a regional rep on July 2nd.

 

So, not sure how to describe the issue. It's a slower pulse when coasting to a stop applying the brakes. It's flipping annoying but I can see how the service manager might think it's just in the roads. I don't know. I've read others with a brake pulse, too, but does anyone have similar issue where it's more of slower pulse and you can almost feel your head kind of go back and forth?

 

At least GM is trying. I let them off of the hook and they called back and now we have this scheduled. I just don't want to take this person for a ride and they can't feel it, either. And some days feel better than other days - maybe temperature or humidity related? No idea.

[asilverblazer]

Mine does everything you describe. I'm not interested in fixing the CRAPPY drum brakes.

[pm26]

There is only one permanents fix: good quality aftermarket brake rotors/pads.

[ken1mod]

Gentlemen,

 

I hate to say this but the only vehicles I have ever seen, including Mercedes Benz, that do not have warping rotors have been Honda and toyota. When you find non-warping rotors, you found them. It probably makes little difference where they are made. I replaced front rotors with cheapo auto zone rotors and they were perfect. Go figure.

 

Ken

[pm26]

Carefully torquing the wheels using the correct star pattern is also a must. If you let tire stores lighten your lug nuts with an air gun without using a torque extension, you are asking for it.

[mbaee]

I've had the pulsating problem with all of my last 3 Chevy vehicles: 2004 Malibu, 2005 Equinox and my 2009 Silverado. In all the cases, the rotors were serviced under warranty (3-4 times for the Malibu, 1 time for the Equinox and 2 times now for the Silverado). I know it's crappy parts but I didn't care too much since it never cost me anything extra.

 

My Silverado's rotors were first serviced at 3000 miles. The service manager brushed it off and said it sometimes happens from the factory. I just took my Silverado in this weekend for it's 12000 mile checkup (at 11800 miles) and while it was there I asked them to look at the rotors again. This time the Service manager got approval to replace the rotors and warned me that this is the last time they would service them under warranty. I'm glad I took it in a little early.

 

YMMV but GM now considers them wearable parts and won't warranty them beyond 12000 miles. It's actually written into my invoice too so I can't claim ignorance:

 

Customer states - steering wheel shakes when breaking

Found front rotors out of round - resurfaced previously - out of spec

replaced both front brake rotors - please note that brake rotor replacement or

resurfacing is not covered beyond 12000 miles - considered a wearable component by

GM and therefore would fall under vehicle maintenance.

 

Alan, I'm not sure how many miles you have, but you may want to get this resolved before rolling 12000 or you might have warranty issues.