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2017 Malibu pulsating brake pedal and vibration at speed

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 22, 2:33 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Chevrolet Malibu LT

Hey forum, I'm having a braking issue with my 2017 Chevrolet Malibu LT. When I apply the brakes, especially from higher speeds (like on the highway), I feel a distinct pulsation through the brake pedal. It's also accompanied by a noticeable vibration that I can feel through the steering wheel and the whole car.

It's not a constant vibration, only when I'm actively braking. The car has about 75,000 miles on it, and I haven't had any major brake work done recently, just routine pad replacements. I'm thinking it might be warped rotors, but I wanted to get some other opinions.

Is this a common problem for the 2017 Malibu? What else could cause this kind of pulsating and vibration during braking? Any advice on what to look for or if there's a specific component that tends to fail on these cars would be helpful.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 2:33 AM

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Hi Jessica,

The symptoms you're describing – a pulsating brake pedal and vibration during braking, especially at higher speeds – are classic indicators of warped brake rotors. This is a very common issue across many vehicle makes and models, including your 2017 Chevrolet Malibu.

Here's a breakdown of the likely causes and what to consider:

  1. Warped Brake Rotors (Most Likely Cause):

    • Cause: Rotors can warp due to excessive heat generated during heavy braking, improper installation (e.g., uneven lug nut torque), or simply from normal wear and tear over time. When a rotor warps, its surface becomes uneven, causing the brake pads to grab and release inconsistently, which you feel as a pulsation in the pedal and vibration in the vehicle.
    • Diagnosis: A visual inspection might show discoloration or scoring, but the best way to confirm is to measure the rotor's runout with a dial indicator.

  2. Uneven Brake Pad Wear or Contamination:

    • Cause: While less common than warped rotors for these specific symptoms, unevenly worn pads or pads contaminated with oil/grease can sometimes contribute to inconsistent braking feel and vibration.

  3. Sticking Caliper:

    • Cause: A caliper that isn't releasing properly can cause one pad to drag on the rotor, leading to excessive heat, premature wear, and potentially rotor warping. This can also cause a pulling sensation during braking.

  4. Loose Suspension Components:

    • Cause: While not directly a brake issue, severely worn wheel bearings, tie rod ends, or ball joints can sometimes amplify vibrations during braking, making the problem feel worse than it is. However, these usually present with other symptoms like clunking or loose steering even when not braking.

When to See a Shop:

  • Promptly: While not an immediate emergency if braking power is still good, warped rotors can extend stopping distances and make braking less predictable. It's a safety concern that should be addressed soon.
  • Professional Inspection: Take your Malibu to a trusted mechanic. They will inspect your brake rotors for runout, check the condition of your brake pads, and ensure your calipers are functioning correctly. They can also check for any underlying suspension issues. Often, the solution involves replacing or machining the front rotors (and sometimes the rear, depending on the inspection) along with new brake pads.
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