For the past week I've noticed a shudder in the brakes when slowing down and coming to a stop, but no other time. It doesn't happen right after I start driving it, but rather 5-10 minutes after I've been driving the car in the city. It's not just a feeling in the brake pedal either, you can hear the reverberation or something throughout the car.
I initially thought it might have been the differential oil low or my rear brakes dragging slightly, but it's neither. I took the front wheels off and removed the calipers to check if they might be sticking but I couldn't find anything... Before the problem was the new brake pad ears were so loose that the front pads would knock around on the calipers, but after squeezing them shut they don't do that anymore.
What else could be causing this, or what might I be overlooking or not seeing while the car is in the shop instead of on the road?
Hello dave1987,
Most likely "Bad Control strut bushings" But check the outer+inner tie-rods first!
From Pintony
Could need to have the rotors turned. They could be warped or have a hard spot in them.
Jim
DOH! I belive Jim's got the nail on the head there! I now remember taking the roters to Schucks to have them measured and turned, but they're already at their lowest turning point and can no longer be turned! I guess it's time for replacments! I'll have them checked again on Thursday when I can take the car apart and see if they're warped.
If they're okay for now, I'll have to check the tie-rods. What am I looking for though?
It's the rotors.but to check the tie rod ends,jack up the front of the car till the tires just clear the ground.Grab the tie rod end and rotate it back and forth,you should feel some resistance if it's easy to move it's going bad.Next move the tire back and forth,watch for slop or movement of the joint that's all there is to it.
if you cannot have the rotors turned, the napa part numbers are NB4885547 for the 71-73 pinto and up85561 for the 74-80 pinto.
krazi
Well I've got a fellow manager at work who has a friend at an auto parts place. His friend can get me new rotors for $24.87 each. So about $52 for both (before tax), and I can have them here in about a week. Thing is, I'm broke. :(
Quote from: dave1987 on May 02, 2007, 05:41:01 AM
Before the problem was the new brake pad ears were so loose that the front pads would knock around on the calipers, but after squeezing them shut they don't do that anymore.
When this was happening.......did you notice of you had the Metal shims in the Calipers between the Pads and the Calipers?
Quote from: dave1987 on May 03, 2007, 01:34:48 AM
Well I've got a fellow manager at work who has a friend at an auto parts place. His friend can get me new rotors for $24.87 each. So about $52 for both (before tax), and I can have them here in about a week. Thing is, I'm broke. :(
That sucks.....being out of money I mean. Been there all to many times! :(
turbowagonman
Yeah, if they were down to the minimum turn, then I would suspect the rotors, but I do agree to do a thorough inspect and test of all the front suspension and steering components. You may find more little things that could need some attention.
Next week when I can put more gas in my car I will be taking it to my parent's house to jack it up and check the suspension and what not, I just totally forgot about it while I was there today and I'm really low on gas.
I did find the problem with my steering shaft being loose though. The coupler is split in two. :O Next week I'll be buying a new one and chaning that out. should be fun...
Okay. I was able to check the tie rods and they seem fine, they don't really move with ease, you do have to grip them to turn them, not just grab them and twist. Is that the friction you're speaking of?
The control strut bushings most likely need replaced, but I'm going to do those when I replace the front springs and control struts themselves.
sounds like your tie rod ends are all rite then.As long as they didn't move with ease.