GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Notice: Improperly tightened wheel bolts or nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage. In order to avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel bolts or nuts to the proper torque specification.

DEFINITION:

    • The brake pedal and/or steering wheel pulsate (shake) when the vehicle is moving and the brakes are applied. This condition is most commonly noticed when the vehicle speed is ABOVE 16 kph (10 mph).
    • The vehicle lunges when the vehicle is moving and the brakes are applied. This condition is most commonly noticed when the vehicle speed is BELOW 16 kph (10 mph).

1

Did you perform the Brake System Diagnosis?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Brake System Diagnosis

2

  1. Road test the vehicle where the following diagnostics will permit.
  2. Apply the brakes when the vehicle speed is approximately 80 kph (50 mph).
  3. Observe the steering wheel.

Does the steering wheel shake when the brakes are applied?

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Go to Step 5

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Road test the vehicle where the following diagnostics will permit.
  2. Lightly apply and hold the PARK brake when the vehicle speed is approximately 8 kph (5 mph) until the vehicle stops.

Does the vehicle lurch when the brakes are applied?

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Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

Inspect the rear rotors for excessive thickness variation and excessive lateral runout. Refer to Brake Rotor Lateral Runout Check and Brake Rotor Thickness Variation Check in Disc Brakes.

Do either of the rotors exhibit excessive lateral runout or thickness variation?

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Go to Step 6

Go to Brake System Diagnosis

5

Inspect the front brake rotors for excessive thickness variation and excessive lateral runout. Refer to Brake Rotor Thickness Variation Check and Brake Rotor Lateral Runout Check in Disc Brakes.

Does the rotor thickness variation and/or lateral runout exceed specifications?

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Go to Step 6

Go to Brake System Diagnosis

6

Refinish or replace the rotor(s) as necessary. Refer to the appropriate procedure in Disc Brakes.

Did you complete the repair?

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Go to Step 7

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7

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

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System OK

Go to Step 2