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Brakes Pulsating After New Pads/Rotors on 2022 Malibu RS

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Jason D. · rep 0 · May 22, 2:33 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2022 Chevrolet Malibu RS

Hello everyone,

I recently had new brake pads and rotors installed on all four wheels of my 2022 Chevrolet Malibu RS. It's only been about 500 miles since the job was done, but I'm already experiencing a noticeable pulsation through the brake pedal when I apply the brakes, especially at higher speeds.

I thought new brakes would solve any issues, not create a new one! The shop assured me they used quality parts. Could this be normal during a break-in period, or is something wrong? What should I check for?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Pulsating brakes shortly after new pads and rotors are installed is a frustrating issue, and while often attributed to 'warped rotors,' the reality is usually more nuanced. True rotor warping is rare; more commonly, it's related to uneven pad material transfer or installation issues.

Common Causes for Pulsation After New Brakes:

  1. Improper Break-In (Bedding-In) Procedure: This is a very frequent cause. New pads and rotors need a specific break-in period to properly transfer a thin, even layer of pad material onto the rotor surface. If this isn't done correctly, or if the brakes are overheated too quickly, uneven deposits can form, leading to pulsation.
  2. Uneven Torque on Lug Nuts: If the lug nuts are not tightened evenly or to the manufacturer's specified torque, it can cause the rotor to seat improperly against the hub, leading to runout and pulsation.
  3. Contaminated Rotors/Pads: Grease, oil, or other contaminants on the rotor or pad surface during installation can lead to uneven friction and pulsation.
  4. Caliper Issues: A sticking caliper piston or seized caliper slide pins can cause uneven pad wear and localized overheating on the rotor, leading to pulsation.
  5. Hub Runout: If the wheel hub itself has excessive runout (is not perfectly flat), even a perfectly new rotor will pulsate when installed on it.
  6. Defective New Parts: While less common with quality parts, a new rotor could be manufactured with excessive runout, or a pad could be defective.

What to Do:

  1. Review Break-In: If you didn't follow a specific break-in procedure, research the recommended method for your specific pads/rotors and try to re-bed them. This often involves a series of moderate stops from varying speeds without coming to a complete stop, followed by a cool-down period.
  2. Check Lug Nut Torque: Ensure all lug nuts are torqued to the manufacturer's specifications using a torque wrench.
  3. Visual Inspection: Look for any signs of uneven wear on the pads or rotors. Check the caliper slide pins to ensure they move freely.

When to See a Shop:

If the pulsation persists after attempting a proper break-in, or if you suspect any of the other issues, it's best to return to the shop that performed the work. They should inspect the installation, check for rotor runout, and ensure all components are functioning correctly. Since the work was recently done, they may cover the diagnosis and repair under warranty.

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