QuestionMy 2001 LaSabre with 30,000 miles on it, which I just purchased, appears to have a front end problem. When driving at highway speeds (50 or more) and I apply the brakes, I get a shuddering in the front end like the brakes are not braking smoothly. It is not too noticable at lower speeds.
The previous owner at 24,000 reported that the front end does not seem to drive straight. The dealer replaced both outer tie rod ends and set front and rear toe.
At 28,000 miles he reported that the brakes pulsate when braking. The dealer R&R and resurfaced front brake rotors.
Also, the previous owner at 18,000 had the car aligned and the dealer replaced front brake pads and machined rotors.
It appears that I inherited a serious problem with the frontend and/or the front brakes.
What do you recommend?
I do not want to take it to the dealer from whom I purchased it.
I appreciate your help.
AnswerBrake ROTORS are famous for getting warped. I never have mine machined and or resurfaced, I always buy new ones and a NEW set of pads.
The FIRST thing I do when I purchase a vehicle and I purchase quite a few as I am a retired diagnostics technician who buys up vehicles that have been EVERYWHERE and everyone says IT CAN'T BE FIXED AS IT IS A LEMON.
This is BULL. I have YET in coming close to 30 years had a vehicle that I could not PROPERLY diagnose and fix the problem.
I get 2 or 3 calls a month from local and distant service facilities and owners who just want to get rid of the car because they were told IT CAN'T BE FIXED BECUSE IT'S A LEMON. So I get a call and make a tentative purchase deal dependant of my physical inspection of the vehcile and if we can agree to an approximate purchase price, I hook-up my 20' trailer onto my 2004 Ford dually and go have a look at the vehicle and in just about all cases I bring it home and within a couple of days they problem is resolved and I have a car to sell.
If one of these vehicles has your problem I do the following:
1. Look for front end accident damage prior to purchasing it.
When I get it home: I drain and flush all the brake lines of brake fluid.
1. Install BOTH front and or BOTH rear rotors.
2. Both front brake hoses and rear brake hose(s).
3. NEW calipers.
4. NEW brake pads.
5. Check the ball joints and replace if necessary.
6. Inspect the axle bearings and replace if necessary.
7. Inspect and replace the CV joints if necessary.
8. Inspect all the front suspension parts and replace if necessary.
9. Have the front end aligned if necessary.
10. Check the shocks/struts and replace if necessary.
11. Replace the master cylinder.
If your going to do a brake project RIGHT this is the ONLY way to do it.
REMEMBER. That small black pedal is your life line for stopping the vehicle and I do NOT take ANY shortcuts when it comes to brakes.
I apologize for being so LONG WINDED, But I have seen the tragic results of improper brake work that usually ends up with someone(s) being hospitalized and or KILLED.
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