2002 Chevy Cavalier Brake Vibration

2002 CHEVROLET TRUCK
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RWALTHER
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Hello again,
I have a 2002 Chevy Cavalier with 83,000 miles and its a 2.2 liter as well.

1st question:
Would it be necessary to change the power steering fluid? When I got the oil change the place said that it needed to be done because it was becoming milky.

2nd question:
When I hit the breaks on my car it starts to vibrate real bad and I have been told that its because the rotors are warped, is that true? If so, would it be wise to get new ones, or to just get them resurfaced and to get new brake pads?
Jan 26, 2007 at 3:04 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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2 answers!

On the power steering fluid, what does it look like to you? Every so often, I'll suck the fluid out of the reservior and fill it up with fresh. This will suffice. You can buy a cheap turkey baster and dedicate it for that.

On the brake rotor, Replace them, replace the pads, clean all slide surfaces and pins and lube with high temp caliper grease. Adjust the rear brakes at the same time. Here's why:

A rotor that is warped can't handle heat. Making it thinner will make it warp again shortly. I use cheap rotors and very rarely have any problems. MAybe one out of 100? Surfaces that aren't moving when they should can can the pad to press needlessly on the rotor causing various problems. Lastly rear brakes adjusted will help offset the braking to a better front to rear ratio and help with a more equal braking, taking less stress off the fronts.


side note: Have you changed your plugs or fuel filter yet? Think about a battery also-average life is 5 years.
Jan 26, 2007 at 10:53 PM
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RWALTHER
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Thanks for your quick answers.

On the battery, we have put a new one in because the last one did die.

The spark plugs however have not been changed as far as I know. The fuel filter I dont believe has been changed.

Also, I forgot to mention that sometimes when I start the car, it will start then act like its not going to and finally it will start. It only happens once in a while, but it has only started to happen since it has become cold.
Jan 27, 2007 at 5:06 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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u betcha!

You mean that it cranks longer than normal? GEt that filter changed before it kills the pump. Think of a pea in a straw your trying to blow through. do an air induction service too!

funny how we can get off track from the original post huh?

:mrgreen:
Jan 27, 2007 at 5:25 AM
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RWALTHER
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Yeah its funny how we can straggle along. It only happens sometimes but if it doesnt happen takes a normal amount of time and its only a second that it sounds like its going to die when it starts rough like that.
Jan 27, 2007 at 5:28 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Do the filter and air induction service. maybe that simple.
Jan 27, 2007 at 5:41 AM

Suggested Repair

Replace the brake rotors and pads rather than resurfacing the rotors, clean and lubricate the caliper slides and pins with high-temperature grease, and adjust the rear brakes. Refresh the milky power steering fluid by extracting fluid from the reservoir and refilling it. Also replace the fuel filter and consider an air induction service for the occasional cold rough start; the spark plugs have not been changed.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2002 Chevy Cavalier asked whether milky power steering fluid should be changed and whether severe vibration while braking meant the rotors were warped and should be replaced or resurfaced. The expert recommended periodically removing and replacing reservoir fluid, replacing the rotors and pads instead of machining them, cleaning and greasing the slide surfaces and pins, and adjusting the rear brakes. After the owner described an occasional cold rough start, the expert also advised replacing the fuel filter and performing an air induction service.

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