97 outback pulsating brakes

[Josh Assing]

our outback has started having some pulsating in the brakes; usually at freeway to offramp speeds; but sometimes, at about 30mph or lower...

the car shuders a bit (slight vibration, not "is this thing going to fall apart" sorta vibration).

Someone said it was the anti-lock brakes -- it was thinking it needed to "kick in" but I'm hardly braking hard enough to lock up a tire.

Any thoughts on what to look for?

At first i thougth it migth be a warped rotor; but it doesn't happen consistant enough to warrant that conclusion...

Thanks
-josh

 

[Guest]

I had the same problem. I have replaced brake pads and resurfaced brake rotors on the front axles. Vibration has practically gone. Sometimes I have a slight vibration when I hit a brakes at 20-30 mph, but it's nothing compared to what I had before. I have had same things done with rear brakes, but that was about 2 years ago. So, I think if you will buy brake pads and find good garage / workshop, you can fix your brakes for all 4 wheels for about 200$ (2x30$ for brake pads and 2x60$ for brake rotors resurfacing).

 

[Fred Flintstone]

Resurfacing warped rotors will leave you with little or nothing left. Just buy new ones. They're cheap enough.

John

 

[Josh Assing]

thanks for the info..

I had the same problem. I have replaced brake pads and resurfaced brake rotors on the front axles. Vibration has practically gone. Sometimes I have a slight vibration when I hit a brakes at 20-30 mph, but it's nothing compared to what I had before. I have had same things done with rear brakes, but that was about 2 years ago. So, I think if you will buy brake pads and find good garage / workshop, you can fix your brakes for all 4 wheels for about 200$ (2x30$ for brake pads and 2x60$ for brake rotors resurfacing).

 

[jimuntch]

I had the exact same problem with my 97 Outback. I've always done my own brake work, so I pulled both rotors, and had them resurfaced, and installed new pads. That helped a little, but the problem returned. Took it to Meineke Muffler, and they determined the front rotors were warped. Put on new Raybestos rotors, and new pads, and turned the rear rotors. The rotors were about $100 or so each...total job was around $300 or so. That fixed the problem, which was 3 years ago...hth...jim

 

[Josh Assing]

KEWL!!!
thanks -- that's the 1st bit of advice I got that makes me feel good.. I was going to replace them all & use top quality pads.... it's getting a little annoying and worse...

The "abs" reasoning didn't feel right to me.