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

Was the Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check performed?

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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 6

Go to Step 3

3

Important: This diagnostic step is intended for DOMESTIC vehicles ONLY.

  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 6

4

Inspect the brake drums for excessive runout or out-of-round. Refer to Brake Drum Inspection in Drum Brakes.

Do either of the brake drums exhibit excessive runout or out-of-round?

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Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Refinish or replace the drum(s) as necessary. Refer to Brake Drum Refinishing or Brake Drum Replacement in Drum Brakes.

Is the repair complete?

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Go to Brake System Diagnosis

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6

Inspect the 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 7

Go to Brake System Diagnosis

7

Resurface or replace the brake rotor(s) as necessary. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing or Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.

Is the repair complete?

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Go to Brake System Diagnosis

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