Brake problem on a 2002?

[smkdamicz]

This is what's happening:

When I depress the brake while driving, towards the end of the stop the pedal starts to pulsate and I hear a clunk sound that is in sync with the pulsating.The pedal also feels hard.

I replaced both front calipers, I am thinking master cylinder but I wanted to check with you guys first before I replace the whole braking system.

Thanks

Dave

[Davescort97]

Usually you have a warped brake rotor when the pedal pulsates. Did you have them machined when putting the calipers on? Are the caliper mounting bolts tight? What you describe is something loose on the brake system in the front although it could be an out of round rear brake drum.

[smkdamicz]

I am going to replace the rotors tomorrow. I just don't think thats what it is, I just hear a noise on the driver front. The caliper bolts and pads are fine. i always think the worst, i was going to replace the master cylinder next if the rotors don't work. Does the escape have a proportioning valve that might be faulty?

By the way............... I have used a 96 escort station wagon on my mail route for the last seven years, loved that car. Cheap and kinda easy to fix. I just got a Postal Vehicle so I think I am going to put her "out to pasture". 180,000 miles, countless hours of maintanence, pulled the engine and tranny twice, but she was a dependible car. RIP green station wagon.

[Davescort97]

I don't think the proportioning valve will make the pedal pulsate. You are right about replacing the front rotors. It almost costs as much to have the rotors turned as the cost of new ones. Make a criss-cross pattern of the tightening of the lug nuts. That way they won't be warped..

[smkdamicz]

Replaced the rotors today. It did the trick, brakes are a OK

Funny thing though..................... the ring of teeth that the ABS sensor reads just slipped off of the half shaft. I pushed it back on and the ABS light went off. I thought this "ring of teeth" was attached to the CV joint, not just simply a washer concept.

Cheers for the help Dave.