Expert: Robert Summers - 5/28/2009

Question
Hello Mr. Summers. I have a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier which has relatively new brake pads. Shortly after I start driving the vehicle, when the brakes are applied, there are a few jolts as the brakes apparently grip and release repeatedly. Sometimes this is accompanied by the whining sound one would expect from worn down brake pads. As the vehicle is driven and the brakes are applied multiple times, these symptoms disappear. Do you have any idea what could be the cause of this?

Answer
Hi james.... check that the wear indacator is not bent and touching the rotors making the whining noise...as far as the jerking goes do you have an ABS light on...you may have a wheel sensor gone down , activating the ABS. if not that check the sliders on the calipers, make sure they are free and can slide, check pads are not hanging up in the pad slider bracket...look at rotors and see if pads are contacting the rotors good and flat and rotors are smooth and free of rust... hope this helps