MGB: Toe-in and brake pulsing

Nov 05, 2009 12:24:07
MT-B

Can incorrect toe settings cause pulsing in the brake pedal and steering wheel, or is a warped rotor the only thing that can cause this? I am getting the judder or pulsing pretty much all the time but it varies in severity from pretty intense to almost imperceptible. I know the toe-in is not set accurately and the tire wear is uneven so I’m having trouble isolating the problem.
Any ideas?

Nov 05, 2009 12:33:15
ClayJ

If pedal is pulsing I would think that's a rotor. A warped rotor can cause the same vibration at the steering wheel.

Check front tires/wheels/hubs/suspension for any loose/worn components. The act of braking can shift the weight forward and make issues feel brake related. Might swap front/rear wheels as a quick check.

Nov 05, 2009 12:33:52
kirks-auto

Prettty easy to check the rotor.

Nov 05, 2009 16:11:41
MT-B

Good suggestion, and next time I'm near the car I will check for a warped rotor, but in the meantime I'm trying to figure out how a warped rotor could cause a pulsing condition that varies in intensity. The problem also seemed to improve as the toe-in settings got closer to where they should be. Any other ideas?

Nov 05, 2009 16:17:35
B-racer

Brake pad material deposited on the rotors can cause a pulse. if the material on the left and right rotors is lined up, the pulsing will get more severe (both pulsing at the same time). Turn a corner and the alignment of the build-up changes, so pulsing decreases. Have the rotors cut smooth and install new pads. Things will smooth right out.

Nov 06, 2009 04:44:07
kirks-auto

Matt, as Jeff alludes I think you maybe over diagnosing an obvious problem. The degree offset of a wheel tuning on an axle may have profound effects on steering and tire wear but pulseing with brakes applied certainly points to some issue with the brakes rather than the steering or wheel angles. IMHO.

Nov 06, 2009 05:43:25
PurplePeopleEater

Long as you're there check for worn kingpins & bushes. Also check the tires for a possible tread separation.

Nov 06, 2009 06:51:41
B-racer

Pulsing brake pedals aren't caused by alignment issues or tires. Period. They're caused by pulsing brakes. You can check everything, but the problem is in your brakes. Sorry for being blunt, but tires cause rpm-related noise and vibration (specific rpm ranges like 40/80/120 mph in resonanat cycles) while alignments cause tire wear, difficult steering, wandering, and pulling.

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