Sorry for the flood of questions, but I want to get this car in tip-top running shape.

Under medium-heavy braking, the car shakes almost uncontrollably. I can really feel it in the steering wheel, kinda feels like driving over a rough gravel road.

I'm thinking the front rotors are warped and need replacing (with new pads of course). Could it be anything else?


Thanks so much for reading through my barrage of questions. I promise no more for a while

It does indeed sound like a bad rotor.

BRAKE PEDAL PULSATION Indicates a warped brake rotor that needs to be resurfaced or replaced. The faces of a rotor must be parallel (within .0005 inch on most cars) and flat (no more than .003 inches of runout as a general rule on most cars and trucks, but some cars cannot tolerate any more than .0015 inches of runout). Excessive runout can be corrected by resurfacing the rotors in place with an on-car brake lathe, or by installed special tapered shims between the rotors and hub to correct the runout. A source for these tapered shims is Brake Align. Do not forget the wheel bearings (if serviceable) -- they all need to be cleaned, inspected and repacked with grease. New grease seals will also be needed.

Source: http://www.aa1car.com/library/bfixes.htm

Do you feel "pulsing" at the pedal?

Norm

Thanks 85! great info!

88, yes, the pedal does seem to "pulse". What is this indicative of?

A warped rotor.


Something loose, worn, or broken, in the drivetrain and/or suspension.

Take it to a wheel alignment shop, for an accurate assessment.

Norm

88 Coupe Wrote:


If that were the case, wouldn't the car shake and/or vibrate during coasting or under acceleration? It only shakes/vibrates badly when under braking, which would indicate to me warped rotors.

Not necessarily. It depends what problem(s) with what part(s).


If you already knew the cause, why did you start the thread?

Norm

Who crapped in your cereal? Did I rub you the wrong way or something?

Anyways... I started the thread to verify my assumptions, which has been done. Also, to get other opinions, which you have given. I didn't write-off your analysis Coupe. I didn't "already know the answer". I had assumptions, and wanted to verify them or have them disproven.

Chill out there bud, hope you have a good day, and I do appreciate your responses.


-Russ

Was this not clear?


Was this not clear?


This is the sort of answer that tends to promote mature communication.


This is one that tends to promote childish arguments.

Do everyone a favor, and do not read anything into a post, that the author did not write.

Norm