Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Pinpoint Test B: Vibration When The Brakes Are Applied
2005 Ford Taurus SEL, 4D SedanSECTION Pinpoint Test B: Vibration When The Brakes Are Applied
- B1 CHECK FOR TSBs
- Check for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for applicable brake concerns.
- Is there applicable information available in a TSB?
- B2 ROAD TEST THE VEHICLE - LIGHT BRAKING
- Inspect the wheels and tires. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
- Road test the vehicle. Warm the brakes by slowing the vehicle from 80 to 32 km/h (50 to 20 mph) using light pedal force. At highway speeds of 89-97 km/h (55--60 mph), apply the brake using light pedal force.
- Is there a vibration/shudder felt in the steering wheel, seat, or brake pedal?
- B3 ROAD TEST THE VEHICLE - MODERATE TO HEAVY BRAKING
- Road test the vehicle. At highway speeds of 89--97 km/h (55--60 mph), apply the brake using a moderate to heavy pedal force.
- Is there a vibration/shudder?
- Yes : GO to B4.
- No : The concern is not present at this time.
- B4 NORMAL ACTUATION OF THE ABS SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
- During moderate to heavy braking, noise from the hydraulic control unit (HCU) and pulsation in the brake pedal can be observed. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise during heavy braking or on loose gravel, bumps, or wet or snowy surfaces is acceptable and indicates correct functioning of the anti-lock brake system (ABS). Pedal pulsation or steering wheel nibble (frequency is proportional to the vehicle speed) indicates a concern with a brake or suspension component.
- Is the vibration/shudder vehicle speed sensitive?
- Yes : GO to B6.
- No : The concern is not present at this time.
- B5 APPLICATION OF THE PARKING BRAKE
- This test is not applicable to vehicles with drum-in-hat type parking brakes. For vehicles with drum-in-hat parking brakes, proceed to the next test step. For all other vehicles, apply the parking brake to identify if the problem is in the front or rear brake. At highway speeds of 89--97 km/h (55--60 mph), lightly apply the parking brake until the vehicle slows down. Release the parking brake immediately after the test.
- Is there a vibration/shudder?
- B6 CHECK THE FRONT SUSPENSION
- Check the front suspension. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
- Are all the suspension components in satisfactory condition?
- Yes : GO to B7.
- No : REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
- B7 RESURFACE THE FRONT BRAKE DISCS CAUTION: Do not use a bench lathe to machine the brake discs.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.