brake pad replacement question
 

Hi All,

When travelling 50+ mph and braking to a stop (moderate to hard), the car seems to shimmy as if the ABS is working (car does not pull to either side). Is this a sign of pads needing replacing or is it actually the ABS?

'87 260E

thanks,

How Old Are Your Rotors?
 

On other cars I have owned, this was a symptom of warped brake rotors. Probably calls for replacement, not turning them down.

I'm no break expert, but it seems that your front rotor or rotors are warped. It happened in one of my cars years ago. Have it inspected. Most shops won't charge you for the service.

okc239

You beat me to it by seconds.

I live on a gravel road and when wet in the winter
my brakes shudder on my SE till I hit a few puddles on the pavement I thing the ABS sensors get crudded up then cleaned in the puddles.........

William Rogers.........

warped rotors
 

Hi All,

Thanks for the replies. I will wash both front rotors and see what happens since it's been raining this past week. If it doesn't cure the problem, I'll have rotors checked. I'll replace if needed when the pads are ready to be replaced which shouldn't be more than 10k miles...

thanks again...

Wash the rotors? Not sure what that will accomplish but make sure you wait until the rotors are cool before you wet them.

ABS doesn't pulse the brakes in a way you'll feel pulsing. It feels more like rollerskating on a pebble wash surface. If you feel the brake pedal pulsing in a way that pushes back against your foot, that's probably warped rotors as mentioned above. Sometimes warped rotors also cause steering wheel shimmy when you apply the brakes.

If I'm not mistaken, the ABS light comes on when the ABS is engaged. Not really sure of this. If you're daring, cut power to the ABS and see if the pulsing continues.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

wash rotors
 

Sixto,

What I meant by washing was just making sure that it isn't crudded as the previous post mentioned. You're probably right 'bout the rotors being warped as I do get steering wheel shimmy when braking, but not always. I'll just have to test it out tonight... thanks...


I will do some research regarding the ABS light coming ON when engaged or post a new topic.

cheers,

The ground was wet when I left work so I tried it. The light doesn't come on. Sorry about that.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

The ABS light never comes on when ABS is activated.
It only comes on
a) when you start the car (light check)
b) When ABS is not operating as it should.
Your problem is most likely to be wrapped rotors.
JackD