There is a pulsation that occurs when I apply the brakes

Tiny
HEYMAN764
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 FORD CROWN VICTORIA
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 111,703 MILES
Hello, I recently purchased the car listed above it is a police interceptor. There is a pulsation that occurs when I apply the brakes. The previous owner had just put on new brake pads but not rotors. The pulsation is worse at slow speeds and can be felt throughout the entire car, if I brake hard it is not as noticeable. When gently applied, I can feel the brake pedal gently going up and down as I come to a stop. The pedal feels nice and firm and the car stops on a dime with no issues other than the pulsation that occurs that can be felt through the car and steering wheel. I am suspecting warped rotors but I want to know how to do the job correctly.
Thanks
Sunday, May 6th, 2018 AT 4:58 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Replacing front brake pads and rotors really isn't that difficult. When you do it yourself, make sure to get lifetime replacement parts so you never have to pay again.

You can expect front brakes to last approximately 25,000, but that will vary based on terrain and driving habits.

First, here is a link and video that shows in general how it's done. You can use this as a guide. This video shows the job being done on a similar car but the process is the same.

https://youtu.be/pv1wWJLxCtc

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-front-brake-pads-and-rotors-fwd

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

Removal and Installation

WARNING: Do not use any fluid other than clean brake fluid meeting manufacturer's specification. Additionally, do not use brake fluid that has been previously drained. Following these instructions will help prevent system contamination, brake component damage and the risk of serious personal injury.

WARNING: Carefully read cautionary information on product label. For EMERGENCY MEDICAL INFORMATION seek medical advice. In the USA or Canada on Ford/Motorcraft products call: 1-800-959-3673. For additional information, consult the product Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) if available. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

NOTICE: Do not spill brake fluid on painted or plastic surfaces or damage to the surface may occur. If brake fluid is spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, immediately wash the surface with water.

1. Check the brake fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir.
- If required, remove the fluid until the brake master cylinder reservoir is half full.

2. WARNING: Before servicing a vehicle equipped with a fire suppression system, depower the system by following the procedure in Vehicle Jacking and Lifting. Failure to follow the instructions may result in serious personal injury.

Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Wheels and Tires.

3. NOTICE: Do not pry in the caliper sight hole to retract the pistons, as this can damage the pistons and boots.

NOTICE: Do not allow the brake caliper to hang from the brake hose or damage to the hose may occur.

Remove the 2 brake caliper guide pin bolts and position the caliper aside.

- To install, tighten to 36 Nm (27 lb-ft).

- Support the caliper using mechanic's wire.

4. Remove the pads and stainless steel slides from the anchor plate.
- Discard the slides.

5. NOTICE: Protect the piston and boots when pushing the caliper piston into the caliper piston bores or damage to components may occur.

If installing new brake pads, using a suitable tool and a worn brake pad, compress the disc brake caliper pistons into the caliper.

6. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Install new slides.

- Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean specified brake fluid. Install the brake master cylinder filler cap.

7. WARNING: If the vehicle is equipped with a fire suppression system, repower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to Vehicle Jacking and Lifting. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

If equipped with a fire suppression system, repower the system.

8. Apply brakes several times to verify correct brake operation.

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 3:11 PM

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