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Brake Vibration and Pulsation During Braking in 2019 RLX P-AWS

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 26, 3:33 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2019 Acura RLX P-AWS

Hello RLX owners, I'm experiencing an issue with the brakes on my 2019 Acura RLX P-AWS. Whenever I apply the brakes, especially at higher speeds, I feel a noticeable vibration through the steering wheel and the brake pedal pulsates. It's not a grinding noise, just this annoying vibration.

The car has about 45,000 miles on it, and I haven't had the brakes replaced yet. Could this just be warped rotors, or is there something else I should be worried about? The braking performance still seems okay, but the vibration is really bothersome.

Any insights or similar experiences with your RLX brakes? What's the best course of action here? Thanks for your help!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 26, 3:33 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

The brake vibration and pulsation you're experiencing in your 2019 Acura RLX P-AWS are classic symptoms of issues with your brake rotors, specifically uneven wear or 'warping' (though technically it's often uneven thickness or deposits). This is a common wear item and typically doesn't trigger any OBD-II codes.

  1. Primary Cause: Rotor Issues:

    • Uneven Rotor Thickness (DTV - Disc Thickness Variation): This is the most common cause of brake pulsation. It occurs when the brake rotor wears unevenly, or when brake pad material is unevenly deposited onto the rotor surface due to overheating or improper bedding-in. As the pads contact the uneven surface, it creates the pulsating sensation.
    • Overheating: Hard braking or repeated heavy braking can cause rotors to overheat. This can lead to material transfer from the pads to the rotors, or even minor structural changes in the rotor itself, contributing to DTV.
    • Improper Installation: If lug nuts are overtightened or tightened unevenly, it can put stress on the rotor, causing it to deform over time.

  2. Less Common Causes to Consider:

    • Worn Suspension Components: While less likely to be the primary cause of pedal pulsation, worn ball joints, tie rod ends, or control arm bushings can exacerbate vibrations or contribute to steering wheel shake during braking.
    • Sticking Brake Caliper: A caliper that isn't releasing properly can cause excessive heat and uneven wear on one side of the rotor.
    • Tire/Wheel Imbalance: An unbalanced wheel can cause vibration at speed, but usually, it's consistent and not just during braking. However, it can sometimes be more noticeable when braking.

  3. When to See a Shop: It's important to have your brakes inspected by a qualified mechanic or an Acura dealership. While the car may still stop, the vibration indicates compromised braking performance and can lead to longer stopping distances or premature wear on other components. A technician will:

    • Inspect the brake rotors for runout and thickness variations.
    • Check the brake pads for even wear and remaining life.
    • Examine the calipers for proper function.
    • Inspect the suspension components for any excessive play.

In most cases, the solution will involve either resurfacing the rotors (if they are thick enough and within specifications) or replacing them, along with new brake pads. Given your mileage, it's a good time to have the entire braking system thoroughly checked.

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