Unstable braking at higher speeds...

[Beast]

When I brake at speeds above 55MPH in my 89 Civic Si Hatchback seems to be unstable. I'm not sure how to describe what happens. It seems like the front end is pulsating. The braking isn't smooth at all Maybe it's the suspension ? Or maybe I need a wheel balance and alignment? piece of shit, I just want it to work right.:sun:

If anyone has heard of this as a common problem and knows the fix I'd be yo biatch!:finger:

[Jay!]

Sounds like warped rotors. Mine does that at 80mph+, too.

You can get your rotors machined for not too much, I believe. About $100 maybe... ask around...

[Beast]

Thanks for the reply. Gonna go get some EBC brake pads most likely and get the rotors turned then.=)

[Oz]

ABS? Warped drums at the back?

[Setanta]

Oz... seriously mate, how many Civics/CRXs to '90 had ABS????

Try none in the States, none in the rest of the world except for the SiR CRX/Civic - even then it was a much unused option.

Engage brain before opening mouth

To answer the question, it's warped rotors. They can be machined, but with the age of the car, machining them won't be a permanent solution as they will just go out of true again. Replace them. I'm doing the same with cross-drilled and slotted DBA rotors. The drums will be fine.

It's not your balance or alignment as you explain it as only happening under brakes.

One other check is to make sure the calipers are tightly bolted on. I doubt that they are loose, but it doesn't hurt to check

[Oz]

Sorry. Late. Brain need oxygen. Happy Easter.

[Setanta]

Same - don't forget to turn the clock back - daylight savings is finished today

[civic_1.6_16v]

Does your steering wheel tremble also when braking???

I have 89 Civic and it does the same thing
First I thought that it might be that the brake disks were running to the end
but they were just fine, had a couple of mm to go.
My mechanic and I could not find another solution.