00 ses, feel pulsating from pedal when braking - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

peteryjg2008 · 03-09-2009, 22:50

Should check all the pads and rotors? Can that be done by an average man? Thanks in advance.

**360ci** · 03-10-2009, 14:18

Checking the pads and rotors can be done easily. Jack the vehicle up and remove the required wheel and you should be able to view the pads through the top of the calipers. If you have a fat head like myself, you may find it easier to turn the wheels to one side.

If the engine has no codes then I would rule out a bad ABS sensor and say that the rotors are undoubtedly warped. If there isn't much pad material left, it'd be a good choice to replace both the rotors and pads.

**jwko** · 03-10-2009, 16:44

I agree with 360. Take it from someone who's been there, replace the rotors, don't have them turned. I had mine turned and problem came back within a few thousand miles. Ceramic pads are also an excellent choice. I now have around 75k on the pads and rotors, no problems at all

peteryjg2008 · 03-10-2009, 18:06

Thank you guys so much. Do you guys know how to check the ABS sensor?

Quote:

Originally Posted by 360ci

Checking the pads and rotors can be done easily. Jack the vehicle up and remove the required wheel and you should be able to view the pads through the top of the calipers. If you have a fat head like myself, you may find it easier to turn the wheels to one side.

If the engine has no codes then I would rule out a bad ABS sensor and say that the rotors are undoubtedly warped. If there isn't much pad material left, it'd be a good choice to replace both the rotors and pads.

**jwko** · 03-10-2009, 18:11

It's not going to be an ABS sensor. If the ABS light is not on then assume it's ok. I'm guessing 9 out of 10 Taurus' made in the late 90's and early 00's had the pulsating brake problem and it was due to crappy metal used to cast the rotors. I'm surprised there wasn't a recall on this issue.

peteryjg2008 · 03-16-2009, 09:53

Went to the garage yesterday. The technician said the front pads are at 50%, and rotors need to be resurfaced. They could not take out the rear brake drums. I have to go to the garage and check the rear brake again. Could you guys give me more advices!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwko

It's not going to be an ABS sensor. If the ABS light is not on then assume it's ok. I'm guessing 9 out of 10 Taurus' made in the late 90's and early 00's had the pulsating brake problem and it was due to crappy metal used to cast the rotors. I'm surprised there wasn't a recall on this issue.

**jwko** · 03-16-2009, 13:29

So did you have the front rotors resurfaced? The pulsating you feel is a warped or cracked rotor or drum.

peteryjg2008 · 03-16-2009, 19:34

It was Saturday. The garage was closed early. They said the drum brake may be also bad, but they did not have time to check the rear brake because the drum could not be taken out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwko

So did you have the front rotors resurfaced? The pulsating you feel is a warped or cracked rotor or drum.

**tbird100636** · 03-20-2009, 19:34

I think you mean take the drum OFF. the drum is either rusted onto the hub (a little penetrating lube, a couple minutes soak time, then a few swift blows with a hammer in between the wheels studs and it should break loose) and/or the rear shoes are worn pretty low, and there is a thick rust ridge inside of the drum blocking the removal of the drum. The shoes have to be backed off (un-adjusted) so the drum can slide off easy. But alas, a rear drum on a Taurus/Sable isn't the easiest to back off without the right adjusting spoon, and still then it can be a little bit of a challenge. When they do get the drums off, make sure they check the wheel cylinders. They can sieze up.