Alignment/Brake Problems
Alignment/Brake Problems
Hey guys, maybe some gurus could offer some advice.
The symptoms:
1) Pulsating braking at low speeds. Seems to pulse with the wheel revs. Not noticeable at higher speeds.
2) Pulling to the right. Not noticeable at lower speeds. I'm almost certain it's not due to the natural slope of the road.
The facts, according to my alignment shop (Firestone). Just purchased lifetime alignment, and did a free brake inspection.
1) Alignment is spot on, according to Firestone. Although, you cannot adjust the camber on the fronts. I'm not sure if camber is off, but toe is okay, according to them.
2) Brake pads are uneven in the rear, according to Firestone. 50% worn on left side, 75% worn on right side. Fronts are fine.
3) Rotors are not warped.
They suggested going back to the tire shop, because I noticed the pull shortly after getting two front tires put on. Discount Tire adjusted the front pressure to be even for both tires. Didn't work. They switched the front tires. Still pulls to the right.
The easiest option is to go the dealership. But if I can fix it myself, I would like to do that. Also, the lifetime alignment agreement I just purchased makes it frustrating to still have to go to Infiniti.
So here are my questions:
1) Uneven brake pad wear a cause/symptom of pulsing brakes? My first thought was warped rotors and I was actually prepared to replace them.
2) Could the two problems be related? My right rear pads are worn more, and my car is pulling to the right...
3) The Firestone I've gone to is the one on Lake Underhill at Chickasaw. Anyone have any experiences there? Just wanna make sure their advice is sound.
The symptoms:
1) Pulsating braking at low speeds. Seems to pulse with the wheel revs. Not noticeable at higher speeds.
2) Pulling to the right. Not noticeable at lower speeds. I'm almost certain it's not due to the natural slope of the road.
The facts, according to my alignment shop (Firestone). Just purchased lifetime alignment, and did a free brake inspection.
1) Alignment is spot on, according to Firestone. Although, you cannot adjust the camber on the fronts. I'm not sure if camber is off, but toe is okay, according to them.
2) Brake pads are uneven in the rear, according to Firestone. 50% worn on left side, 75% worn on right side. Fronts are fine.
3) Rotors are not warped.
They suggested going back to the tire shop, because I noticed the pull shortly after getting two front tires put on. Discount Tire adjusted the front pressure to be even for both tires. Didn't work. They switched the front tires. Still pulls to the right.
The easiest option is to go the dealership. But if I can fix it myself, I would like to do that. Also, the lifetime alignment agreement I just purchased makes it frustrating to still have to go to Infiniti.
So here are my questions:
1) Uneven brake pad wear a cause/symptom of pulsing brakes? My first thought was warped rotors and I was actually prepared to replace them.
2) Could the two problems be related? My right rear pads are worn more, and my car is pulling to the right...
3) The Firestone I've gone to is the one on Lake Underhill at Chickasaw. Anyone have any experiences there? Just wanna make sure their advice is sound.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6
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From: Jacksonville/Winter Haven, FL
get your brake system flushed. Have firestone or whoever do a full flush on your lines and all. might be something restricting the fluid flow on your front or rear driver side brake line, causing a pull to the right, and might explain uneven wear. Im not a certified mech. but I do work on Helicoptor brake systems... 
so, its just a idea, let me know the outcome. I would have guess warped rotors first... Oh and ***BTW I have had a few drinks, pre-gaming before tonight lol, so if i do not make sense, that is why.
so, its just a idea, let me know the outcome. I would have guess warped rotors first... Oh and ***BTW I have had a few drinks, pre-gaming before tonight lol, so if i do not make sense, that is why.
Registered User
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,267
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From: o-town & west palm beach FL
may not be your problem but just a FYI. If while driving you feel a wobble in your wheels that comes when you slow down and leaves when you speed up , you should pull over and check your lug nuts!!
does the car pull while driving or while braking? i am not too sure that this is brake related. seems more like suspension, alignment, or tire issue. are your tires directional???
It pulls while driving, not braking. I think it's the alignment, but they said it was in spec. Had it done twice. They thought it might be tire pull, but I had them cross rotated, and it still pulls in the same direction. And yes, the tires are directional.
Your car is only 2 years old. Let the dealer check it out under warranty. you may have a stuck caliper in the rear. It has happened before.
Depending on your miles, I'd turn the rotors to see if that helps too.
Depending on your miles, I'd turn the rotors to see if that helps too.
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I actually like the warranty idea. Didn't think even think about that.
It pulls gently, but steadily. Just as if the alignment is off. It's just a strange coincidence that it's pulling the right, the alignment is fine, but I have uneven pad wear. And the pads on the right are more worn than the left.
It pulls gently, but steadily. Just as if the alignment is off. It's just a strange coincidence that it's pulling the right, the alignment is fine, but I have uneven pad wear. And the pads on the right are more worn than the left.
A lot of brake problems are not usually covered under warranty because of the wear nature of brakes. They're supposed to wear down. However, abnormal brake problems, like yours, are a safety concern and should be covered by any dealer, especially with a pulling problem.
Be sure to call and line up a loaner car too.
Be sure to call and line up a loaner car too.
