NJ State Auto Used Cars in Jersey City NJ: What is causing brake pedal pulsation?

Friday, September 30, 2011

What is causing brake pedal pulsation? | News from New Jersey State Auto

What Causes Brake Pedal Pulsation? Does Your Car Need New Brakes?

NJ Auto Auction 201.200.1100

September 29, 2011

What is causing brake pedal pulsation? Any unusual activity in a car's brakes should raise a red flag. While it might not be a serious problem, having brakes that don't function as well as they should can have a significant negative impact in the long run. A pulsating brake pedal can be one of the most common issues and there are a few reasons for why it might be happening.

The most frequent cause of a pulsating brake pedal is a warped rotor. The defect can easily be confirmed by taking a look at the rotor and checking for glazed patches or discoloration. To correct the problem, the rotor needs to be resurfaced or replaced, but many experts recommend the latter because resurfacing will likely only be a temporary fix.

Of course, there are ways to prevent rotors from warping in the first place. The change is usually caused by overheating, which can be the result of a number of different things. Abusing the brakes by slamming on them rather than smoothly stopping is likely the most common culprit, but defects in the casting may also be to blame.