Brake Pulsation

I have an 05 Saturn Relay (basicallly an Uplander with a Saturn badge on the hood) with 47000 miles and I am getting the normal "disks are warped" pulsation when applying the brakes. I have front and rear disks, so how do I determine which disks need replacing? There is not much pulse in the steering wheel, which makes me think it is the rears. But at 47000 miles, how can I need rear brakes already? Are there issues with calipers?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

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As a suggestion, visit a few Brake Specialty shops in your area and ask them to confirm if your Front Brakes or Rear Brakes are making the brake peddle pulse. My gut feel is telling me its your van's Front disc brakes are warped - since many front brakes do 60-75% of braking power. On any vehicle, the Front Brakes tend to take more abuse and heat then its rear brakes. I've read previous posts about folks getting their front disc brakes "turned". Thus, eliminating warped disc - without expensive brake rotor replacements.

I also get the impression that pre-'07 Uplander/Montana/Relay van's have high risk of front brake problems. Thus, why GM has larger brake discs and stronger 6 bolts (instead of 5 bolts) on their '07s and never models (like on my '09 Montrana van). Not too sure if '07+ front disc brakes, front hubs or new 6 bolt rims can be fitted onto an '05 model. If you are "good with a wrench" (sort of speaking), perhaps getting '07 / '08 front disc hubs from auto wrecker and installing on your '05 model might be a great long term solution. Especially if you plan to keep your van for many more years.

As a short term solution, it sounds like your van's has unexpected "front disc warpage" and needs it front disc brakes "turned" as well.

Hope this helps - some how...

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The 2005 Uplanders, Terrazas, Relays, and Montanas were known for brake issues. The rotors could not handle the weight of the vans and overheated and warped. There was also some reports that the dust shield was inadequate, allowing dirt and other debris to get on the rotors.
The following model year bigger, oversized rotors were added (6 lug) to solve the issue.Is this the first time you are replacing the brakes? If so consider yourself lucky as there are owners who have replaced theirs 3 or 4 times by now with the same mileage as you.
Since the vehicle is probably out of warranty, I would take it to a shop and have them install heavy duty rotors for this van. They are available and are only a little bit more in price compared to the OEM ones. Many dealers just replaced the rotors with the same style, perpetuating the problem. Many told their customers there were no bigger, better ones when in reality there were. I just had mine replaced on my '06 and I used a newer brake pad on the market sold only at NAPA called AdaptiveOne. Here is a link with some info:http://www.aftermarketnews.com/Item/27592/napa_brakes_unveils_new_adaptive_one_hybrid_cerami c_disc_brake_pads.aspx. These were recommended to me by a mechanic friend who uses and installs these.
The newer rotors I mentioned earlier that are an "upgrade" are about twice as thick. The calipers usually are not an issue.

I had similar issues with my '05 Uplander. I had my rotors turned and replaced brake pads (A/C Delco Durastop II) which helped for a period of time, or until the first high energy/panic stop. After seeing numerous posts regarding undersized rotors and warping issues, I considered buying after market products to try fixing my problem. I have to admit, I am not a fan of aftermarket products and did not want to go that route. In trying to stick with all GM A/C Delco replacement parts, the factory rotor has a new revised part number, which I am told is a "beefier" rotor to prevent rotor warp. Along with replacing all rotors with the newer p/n rotors, I installed A/C Delco Durastop Ceramic pads and have had no problems since. (One year and approximatly 15,000 miles on new rotors & pads.)