Brake pulsates at 5 MPH

First a question. When the brakes pulse which way does the steering wheel jerk on each pulse? Left or right? If you let go of the wheel when its doing it you will see the wheel move just a bit in one direction or the other. It could be as little as a 1/4 inch. But it will move one direction left or right and then in between pulses the wheel will go back to center.

Rich

Is the ABS system kicking in? if so you may have a wheel speed sensor going out. let's start by scanning the system. this guide can help. These videos will help us find the problem:

https://youtu.be/rTtAnsOlZU4

and

https://youtu.be/Pb6nXV-iamI

and

https://youtu.be/ANWVTh2RQoQ

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/abs-warning-light-on-easy-repair-guide

Please run down these guides and report back. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can see what's going on? that would be great. You can upload it here with your response.

Let me try this out..give me couple days and I will get back.

Please see the video and I hope you hear the pulsation. Also I did not see any pulling to either direction when the car stop or pulsation occurred.

I think you forgot to upload the video.

3rd time :)

If what I think I heard in the the less than 1 second it lasted did sound like the ABS engaging.
Have you retrieved the codes yet?

Bye the way, a standard code reader will not work as they basically just read engine codes. You will need a reader that can pull ABS codes.

I took it to the shop and they said there is no ABS code. I was thinking of taking it to another shop for 2nd opinion.

I will see if I can try to squeeze it this week.

You said the engine light was on. Did they get the code for that?

No lights were on, sir. no engine no ABS etc.

Hi,

We haven't been in touch for a couple of days. Has any progress been made? Based on your description, it does sound like the ABS is engaging at the speed. I suspect you have a faulty wheel speed sensor. You won't get a code if it is failing that way simply because the computer "thinks" you have a wheel skidding. Thus, the ABS is actuated.

What I suggest is to check each wheel's speed sensors. It really isn't difficult to do. Here is a link that explains what to do:

If possible, try that and let me know what you find.

Also, I don't know if you have access to one, but there are scan tools that can read live data and actually show you what each sensor is reading. If you were to see one drip in comparison to the others, that would likely be the one causing the problem.

Regardless, let us know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

Hello,

I have cleaned the ABS sensor in front both tires. No change in situations. I am trying to get ABS sensor scanner from a friend when he is back from a vacation. I should have update mid next week.

Thank you

Hi,

You are very welcome. Let us know what you find. We're interested in knowing.

Also, I noticed I forgot to add the link above for testing a sensor. Sorry about that. Here is the link if you want to try it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/abs-wheel-speed-sensor-test



Take care,

Joe

I want to get clarification on the steering wheel turning. I noticed yesterday that when I was at 80 MPH and when I applied brake the steering wheel shook. It did not at 60 MPH. I got balancing done 1 week ago. Should this be part of anything major?

Let me know if I need to add more details.

Thank you

Hi,

If you felt it shaking in the steering wheel, that is usually due to the brake rotors being warped or even the pads extremely worn. Have you checked the front brake pads recently? As far as checking the rotors, you won't see the warpage. You will need a dial indicator to make that determination.

The interesting thing is that most times when rotors are warped, you feel that to a degree at any speed. Is that the only time you felt it?

Let me know.

Joe

I have found the root cause for my all ABS issues. When I was backing up I heard loud grind and I did not press brakes. I did pump the brakes to release the pressure and the noise was gone. It was my rear caliper being stuck on to my pads. I have already changed the front caliper and will be changing rear in next 2 week. My symptoms has drastically reduced. I am hoping that changing the rear caliper will make this go away. I will follow once I get the opportunity to replace them. Thank you everyone.

Hi,

Let me know if that takes care of the problem. I'm not sure if you need it, but here is a link that explains how to replace a brake caliper:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/brake-caliper-replacement

Let me know if I can help.

Take care,

Joe

Thank you.

You are very welcome. If you have a chance, let me know how things turn out for you. Also, please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome here.

Take care,

Joe

I took it to another mechanic and he ran another diagnosis and used his advanced computer that I didn't have and he was able to clear the ABS. I think he said he reset it the system and my brake pulsation issue is gone. I've been driving the car for one week now. Thank you for all the feedback everyone.

Hi,

I'm glad to hear you got things taken care of. Today's cars are getting more and more advanced and do require scan tools that are able to do more.

Regardless, I'm glad to hear it's fixed. Feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome here.

Joe