2003 Impala-Brakes?

[Rudwoman]

I've read a lot of information in these forums about the rotor problems. Here's the issue... When I step on the brake pedal, it pulsates - a lot! 36,000 miles on the car. I just spent $300 on new front tires and a front and back end alignment - done by a reputable mechanic. Then I spent another $100 on pads and rotors for the front - labor done by my fiance who knows what he's doing. He actually said the rotors and pads didn't really look that bad, but he replaced them anyway. Guess what? The pulsating is still there - maybe worse. I'm running out of money and my fiance is running out of ideas. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!!! JoAnne...

[thermal izod]

i had a '95 lumina with a similar issue....turned out to be the ball joints....dunno if that's ur fix, but that's what my problem was...

[victimizati0n]

do you have ABS?

They will pulsate when you hit your brakes.

[Rudwoman]

Originally Posted by victimizati0n

do you have ABS?

They will pulsate when you hit your brakes.

I do have ABS, but this issue just started a few weeks ago. I've had the car since 11/2002. They've never done that before. I've had other cars with ABS and the brake pedal never pulsated. But thanks for the response.

[thermal izod]

are u getting any kind of feedback through the steering wheel or brake pedals? this is a confusing problem...it's gotta be something in the front suspension if the rotors and pads have been ruled out, but i dunno at this point...

[bermis519]

My impala is doing the same thing. I replaced the brakes, rotors and pads on the front, lower control arms were replaced. The ball joints where too i think...i will let you know. I'm thinking it might be a bent rim......

mike

[Rudwoman]

Originally Posted by thermal izod

are u getting any kind of feedback through the steering wheel or brake pedals? this is a confusing problem...it's gotta be something in the front suspension if the rotors and pads have been ruled out, but i dunno at this point...

Heavy pulsating in the actual brake pedal itself when I apply the brakes.

[Rudwoman]

Originally Posted by bermis519

My impala is doing the same thing. I replaced the brakes, rotors and pads on the front, lower control arms were replaced. The ball joints where too i think...i will let you know. I'm thinking it might be a bent rim......

mike

I don't think mine is a bent rim - I would hope the mechanic would have noticed that when he replaced the tires. But I'll keep that in mind. Thanks

[thermal izod]

i'd say it could be a bent rim....i mean, if ur not getting any feedback in the steering, it's gotta be something misalighned or bent near the wheels....maybe a second opinion? a bent rim can be very easy to miss...

[Sinkhole]

Okay heres the fix to the problem. My '03 Impala had the same typical rotor issues everyone else is having. Rotor warpage is usually caused by overheating the rotors. I ordered a set of Power Slot rotors, which are designed to disapate heat quicker, and a set of Hawk ceramic pads from Tire Rack, for both the front and the rear. They are a little pricey compared to local parts house Raybestos or Bendix stuff, but I have not had a problem since installing them. One critical point. DO NOT TIGHTEN LUG NUTS WITH AN IMPACT GUN. Hand Torque To Manufacturers Specs.

[thermal izod]

that's a good call