98 Maxima GLE auto

When braking hard, I can feel shuddering through my steering wheel. Additionally, my parking brake light stays on. It will occasionally turnoff, but will return if I gun the accelerator.

Brent

 

Shuddering - your rotors probably need turning
Brake light - more brake fluid. The only brake sensor on the max is the fluid level...top it off you should be fine!

 

Agreed!!! Most likely the front rotors, since most of the braking is there. But might as well check the back rotors too.

Brake fluid. The level moves as you drive, and you keep tripping the fluid level sensor. Just top up with some dot3.

 

Thanks pocket rocket that's absoultely right....good clarification! Front rotors. I have heard (don't know for sure) that this happens under heavy braking and if you hit water which rapidly cools rotors they deform.

 

I have the exact same thing. Poor man's ABS...

Any idea if it's bad for the rotors to keep them like this until the next service?

 

Depends on how bad it is and how long it is until next service. It's not bad for the rotors to have them that way, it's bad for the rest of the car....personally, I might consider leaving it and not braking too hard, but then you've got to do it sooner or later.

 

yeah. the dreaded squeal is getting worse and worse, too. the pads are still fine, but the rest is starting to bug me. maybe i'll get it done when the pads start to fade. thanks for the reply, nigel!

 

Any time!

 

Added brake fluid, light went off.

I figured it was the front rotors, but find it interesting that it doesn't always sudder. Sometimes it will, others it will brake normally... it is possible that it is a suspension problem?

 

if you can feel the shuddering through the pedal it is not likely that it's a suspension problem. see if the shuddering coincides with certain weather, especially rain and precipitation.

 

Won't bad rotors ruin your pads? I always thought that the pads will wear unevenly because of the rotors, and that adds to the 'shudder' ... not sure though. My 0.02

 

Brent: You most likely feel the wheel vibration when braking between different speeds right? My Stang steering wheel used to vibrate like a champ when braking from 60 to like 30 mph. Then is would clear up. It turned out to be the crappy rotors Ford put on and after some inexpensive aftermarkets it braked like a champ.

For determining front vs. rear brakes: Brake normally with brake pedal where the wheel vibration is apparent. Note the vibration and squeel. Then continue at same speed (make sure noone is around you and road is open for safety) and release the gas pedal, SLOWLY pull up on the e-brake handle. I stress SLOWLY! and do not hit the regular brake pedal at this time. Note the wheel vibration and squeel again. This will help determine whether your immediate problem is the fronts or the rear.

Good luck and do the above carefully. peace: e3

 

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