1997 Pontiac Sunfire Logo
Anonymous Posted on Jul 14, 2008

Brakes pulsate real hard

Ihave a 1997 Sunfire that has an intermittant brake problem.The brakes feel as if the ABS system is pulsating really hard - will grab 3-4 times while braking. It dosen't do it all the time but it is more common in wet weather. I have changed the front rotors, calipers, and pads. I changed the rear drums, calipers and shoes recently. Any ideas?

  • 1 more comment 
  • miked539 Aug 22, 2008

    my 1997 pontiac sunfire rear brake on the drivers side is grabbing, hard. It only seems to do it after I have driven the vehicle for a longer period of time, after they get hot. What can I do to fix this?

  • Anonymous Mar 28, 2014

    how do you replace brake pads in the rear on 1997 trans am

  • Anonymous Mar 29, 2014

    rear drum brakes diagram

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1 Answer

A

Anonymous

That is just the ABS system at work. It is supposed to prevent your wheels from locking which often makes the brake pulsate, especially in wet weather or or snow or ice. The only way to really stop this is to disable to ABS by unplugging it and removing the fuse. This will make the ABS light appear in your dash, but your brakes will stop pulsating.

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2004 BUICK RENDEZVOUS AWD DISABLE, ABS DISABLE LIGHTS on and off intermittently and brakes pulsate on and off. What do you suggest?

run fault codes
pulsating brakes only occurs under heavy braking when the pulses come from the releasing of the brakes and the reapplication of the brakes by the ABS controller
what you write suggests warped discs and or brake pads worn out
the pulsations could also be from failing wheel bearings allowing the sensor head to touch the rotor on the hub
run the fault codes and have a professional brake specialist shop check the brakes
0helpful
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2006 Ford f150 xlt supercrew abs light comes on and off periodically mostly when I'm on rough roads, hit a bump or braking at high speeds brakes pulsate ( brake chatter) or feel Spongy at times

high speed and heavy braking will produce a pulsation in the pedal
that is the abs working properly and the pulsations are the brake release and reapplying
intermittent abs light indicates a wire or wheel sensor problem at one of the wheels
0helpful
1answer

2005 Chevy impala brake pedal pulsation with brand new rotors installed

Is your ABS working properly? Under heavy braking the ABS should engage and 'pulse' the brakes on/off. It is normal to feel the brake petal flutter or pulse under your foot.

Under light braking there should be no pulsing as the ABS does not engage and you have changed the rotors and pads.
0helpful
2answers

Pulsating brakes

you could try the abs pump itself try getting one from a breakers yard
hope this helps
0helpful
1answer

The brakepetal pusis bak when i stepp on the brake and wiberates. Sometimes it gets wery hard to brake.

It can be issue with master cylinder or the problem is there is still some air there in the system that has to be bleed. Or else the parts replaced are not aligned properly/.I suggest everything back.


There are few help links mentioned below to troubleshoot the issue.


Click the link below and follow its procedure: -----


All types of brake problems and repairs http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/abs-and-service-light-comes-on.html

----------
Brake Fade Issue? http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/07/brake-fade-issue.html

-----------
Brake System Troubleshooting? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2011/11/brake-system-troubleshooting.html

----------
Car Brake lines have no pressure? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-brake-lines-have-no-pressure.html

------------
Car Brakes Dragging? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-brakes-dragging.html

-------------
Car Brakes grabbing? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-brakes-grabbing.html

-----------
Car Brakes Making Noise? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-brakes-making-noise.html

-------------
Car Brakes Pulling? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-brakes-pulling.html

----------
Pulsating Brake Pedal? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/pulsating-brake-pedal.html

---------
Spongy brake pedal? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/spongy-brake-pedal.html

----------
Hard Brake Pedal? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/hard-brake-pedal.html

------------
Fading Sinking Brake pedal?

http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/fading-sinking-brake-pedal.html

-------------
Feels Like Brake pedal Pulsating http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/06/feels-like-brake-pedal-pulsating.html

-------------
What is Brake Drum Bar? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/what-is-brake-drum-bar.html

------------
ABS light stays on but brakes work fine?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/abs-light-stays-on-but-brakes-work-fine.html

-----------
Vibrations while braking On Chevrolet Van? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/vibrations-while-braking-on-chevrolet.html

-----------
Dragging brakes? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/03/dragging-brakes.html

------------
Brake pedal stuck? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/03/brake-pedal-stuck.html

-----------
After replacing brake rotors and pads, brake pedal remains on floor? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/after-replacing-brake-rotors-and-pads.html

----------
How to replace Brake Power Booster? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-replace-brake-power-booster.html

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1997 Chevy Tahoe Brake lights not working? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/1997-chevy-tahoe-brake-lights-not.html

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How to service Drum brakes? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-service-drum-brakes.html

-----------
What type of problems usually noticed on Drum brakes? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/what-type-of-problems-usually-noticed.html

----------
How to test Drum Brakes? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-test-drum-brakes.html

---------
Brake Bleeder Screw Function? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/brake-bleeder-screw-function.html

---------
Toyota Tundra: Parts diagram to replace Brake Drums?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/toyota-tundra-parts-diagram-to-replace.html
---------- Squeak and grinding sound is heard when brakes are applied?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/squeak-and-grinding-sound-is-heard-when.html

------------

Brake Pads Inspection on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/brake-pads-inspection-on-acura-integra.html

-------------

How to remove Brake Pads on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/how-to-remove-brake-pads-on-acura.html

--------------

How to remove Brake Disc Rotor on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/how-to-remove-brake-disc-rotor-on-acura.html

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Brake Caliper OVERHAUL on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/brake-caliper-overhaul-on-acura-integra.html

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How to remove Brake Caliper on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/how-to-remove-brake-caliper-on-acura.html

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How to remove Parking Brake shoes on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/how-to-remove-parking-brake-shoes-on.html

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How to remove Parking Brake Cable on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/how-to-remove-parking-brake-cable-on.html

-------------
Brake pedal is pulsating and vibrating? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2012/01/brake-pedal-is-pulsating-and-vibrating.html

----------
2002 Ford Windstar: Brake Warning Light ON dash?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/2002-ford-windstar-brake-warning-light.html

-----------

These details will help.

Thanks.

0helpful
2answers

No peddel

keep bleeding the system,if u didnt bench bleed the master cylinder,you will need to do that.Its a must
1helpful
1answer

REPLACED FAULTY BOOSTER OVERHAULED MASTER CYLINDER AFTER 4 TO 5 BRAKES FRONT BRAKES START TO BUILD UP PRESSURE AND BIND

CAR BRAKE PROBLEMS



It can be issue with master cylinder or the problem is there is still some air there in the system,that has to be bleed.Or else the parts replaced are not aligned properly/.I suggest everything back.


There are few help links mentioned below to troubleshoot the issue.


Click the link below and follow its procedure:-----


All types of brake problems and repairs http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/abs-and-service-light-comes-on.html

----------
Brake Fade Issue? http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/07/brake-fade-issue.html

-----------
Brake System Troubleshooting? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2011/11/brake-system-troubleshooting.html

----------
Car Brake lines have no pressure? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-brake-lines-have-no-pressure.html

------------
Car Brakes Dragging? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-brakes-dragging.html

-------------
Car Brakes grabbing? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-brakes-grabbing.html

-----------
Car Brakes Making Noise? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-brakes-making-noise.html

-------------
Car Brakes Pulling? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-brakes-pulling.html

----------
Pulsating Brake Pedal? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/pulsating-brake-pedal.html

---------
Spongy brake pedal? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/spongy-brake-pedal.html

----------
Hard Brake Pedal? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/hard-brake-pedal.html

------------
Fading Sinking Brake pedal?

http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/fading-sinking-brake-pedal.html

-------------
Feels Like Brake pedal Pulsating http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/06/feels-like-brake-pedal-pulsating.html

-------------
What is Brake Drum Bar? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/what-is-brake-drum-bar.html

------------
ABS light stays on but brakes work fine?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/abs-light-stays-on-but-brakes-work-fine.html

-----------
Vibrations while braking On Chevrolet Van? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/vibrations-while-braking-on-chevrolet.html

-----------
Dragging brakes? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/03/dragging-brakes.html

------------
Brake pedal stuck? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/03/brake-pedal-stuck.html

-----------
After replacing brake rotors and pads, brake pedal remains on floor? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/after-replacing-brake-rotors-and-pads.html

----------
How to replace Brake Power Booster? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-replace-brake-power-booster.html

-----------
1997 Chevy Tahoe Brake lights not working? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/1997-chevy-tahoe-brake-lights-not.html

------------
How to service Drum brakes? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-service-drum-brakes.html

-----------
What type of problems usually noticed on Drum brakes? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/what-type-of-problems-usually-noticed.html

----------
How to test Drum Brakes? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-test-drum-brakes.html

---------
Brake Bleeder Screw Function? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/brake-bleeder-screw-function.html

---------
Toyota Tundra: Parts diagram to replace Brake Drums?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/toyota-tundra-parts-diagram-to-replace.html
---------- Squeak and grinding sound is heard when brakes are applied?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/squeak-and-grinding-sound-is-heard-when.html

------------

Brake Pads Inspection on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/brake-pads-inspection-on-acura-integra.html

-------------

How to remove Brake Pads on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/how-to-remove-brake-pads-on-acura.html

--------------

How to remove Brake Disc Rotor on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/how-to-remove-brake-disc-rotor-on-acura.html

------------

Brake Caliper OVERHAUL on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/brake-caliper-overhaul-on-acura-integra.html

------------

How to remove Brake Caliper on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/how-to-remove-brake-caliper-on-acura.html

------------

How to remove Parking Brake shoes on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/how-to-remove-parking-brake-shoes-on.html

-----------

How to remove Parking Brake Cable on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/how-to-remove-parking-brake-cable-on.html

-------------
Brake pedal is pulsating and vibrating? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2012/01/brake-pedal-is-pulsating-and-vibrating.html

----------
2002 Ford Windstar: Brake Warning Light ON dash?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/2002-ford-windstar-brake-warning-light.html

-----------

These details will help.

Thanks.

0helpful
2answers

Why is brake warning light is on

It can be issue with master cylinder or the problem is there is still some air there in the system,that has to be bleed.Or else the parts replaced are not aligned properly/.I suggest everything back.


There are few help links mentioned below to troubleshoot the issue.


Click the link below and follow its procedure:-----


2002 Ford Windstar: Brake Warning Light ON dash?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/2002-ford-windstar-brake-warning-light.html

-----------


Battery and brake Warning lights on Dash
http://alltypesofpartsreplacing.blogspot.com/2012/10/battery-and-brake-warning-lights-on-dash.html
-----------
ABS & Brake warning lights remains steady on dash? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/abs-brake-warning-lights-remains-steady.html
------------


Brake warning light comes on and car will not start intermittently? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/brake-warning-light-comes-on-and-car.html
------------ When the car stops, abs pump turns ON? http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/12/when-car-stopsabs-pump-turns-on.html
----------- Where is Power Brake Booster located on 1995 Lincoln Town Car? http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/12/where-is-power-brake-booster-located-on.html
----------- Sometimes ABS light comes on while Driving?


http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/12/sometimes-abs-light-comes-on-while.html
-----------


All types of brake problems and repairs http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/abs-and-service-light-comes-on.html

----------
Brake Fade Issue? http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/07/brake-fade-issue.html

-----------
Brake System Troubleshooting? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2011/11/brake-system-troubleshooting.html

----------
Car Brake lines have no pressure? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-brake-lines-have-no-pressure.html

------------
Car Brakes Dragging? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-brakes-dragging.html

-------------
Car Brakes grabbing? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-brakes-grabbing.html

-----------
Car Brakes Making Noise? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-brakes-making-noise.html

-------------
Car Brakes Pulling? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-brakes-pulling.html

----------
Pulsating Brake Pedal? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/pulsating-brake-pedal.html

---------
Spongy brake pedal? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/spongy-brake-pedal.html

----------
Hard Brake Pedal? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/hard-brake-pedal.html

------------
Fading Sinking Brake pedal?

http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/fading-sinking-brake-pedal.html

-------------
Feels Like Brake pedal Pulsating http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/06/feels-like-brake-pedal-pulsating.html

-------------
What is Brake Drum Bar? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/what-is-brake-drum-bar.html

------------
ABS light stays on but brakes work fine?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/abs-light-stays-on-but-brakes-work-fine.html

-----------
Vibrations while braking On Chevrolet Van? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/vibrations-while-braking-on-chevrolet.html

-----------
Dragging brakes? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/03/dragging-brakes.html

------------
Brake pedal stuck? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/03/brake-pedal-stuck.html

-----------
After replacing brake rotors and pads, brake pedal remains on floor? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/after-replacing-brake-rotors-and-pads.html

----------
How to replace Brake Power Booster? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-replace-brake-power-booster.html

-----------
1997 Chevy Tahoe Brake lights not working? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/1997-chevy-tahoe-brake-lights-not.html

------------
How to service Drum brakes? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-service-drum-brakes.html

-----------
What type of problems usually noticed on Drum brakes? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/what-type-of-problems-usually-noticed.html

----------
How to test Drum Brakes? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-test-drum-brakes.html

---------
Brake Bleeder Screw Function? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/brake-bleeder-screw-function.html

---------
Toyota Tundra: Parts diagram to replace Brake Drums?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/toyota-tundra-parts-diagram-to-replace.html
---------- Squeak and grinding sound is heard when brakes are applied?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/squeak-and-grinding-sound-is-heard-when.html

------------

Brake Pads Inspection on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/brake-pads-inspection-on-acura-integra.html

-------------

How to remove Brake Pads on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/how-to-remove-brake-pads-on-acura.html

--------------

How to remove Brake Disc Rotor on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/how-to-remove-brake-disc-rotor-on-acura.html

------------

Brake Caliper OVERHAUL on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/brake-caliper-overhaul-on-acura-integra.html

------------

How to remove Brake Caliper on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/how-to-remove-brake-caliper-on-acura.html

------------

How to remove Parking Brake shoes on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/how-to-remove-parking-brake-shoes-on.html

-----------

How to remove Parking Brake Cable on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/how-to-remove-parking-brake-cable-on.html

-------------
Brake pedal is pulsating and vibrating? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2012/01/brake-pedal-is-pulsating-and-vibrating.html

----------

These details will help.

0helpful
1answer

I have a 07 Rav4. My ? is How or what is in between the push rod and the brake pedal. I'm having problems with the feeling of a spring or a cable pulsating and catching in the brake pedal when...

The pulsation is normal and caused by the antilock brake system, any time the brakes are applied rapidly the abs will kick in and you will feel pulsations in the pedal.
0helpful
2answers

Brakes pulsating

Hi,

If you have ABS on this vehicle which these models do, the brakes will ulsate if the pedal is depressed quite hard.

It does this because the ABS is working and it does make the brake pedal feel like its vibrating.

Hope this helps

Thanks

Jason
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