1. Worn Brake Rotors or Drums: This is the most common cause. Grooves or scoring on the rotors (disc brakes) or drums (drum brakes) cause the brake pads or shoes to grab unevenly, leading to the pulsing sensation.
* Troubleshooting: Visually inspect the rotors and/or drums. Look for deep grooves, scoring, or excessive wear. If you're unsure, a mechanic can easily assess their condition. Replacement is often the solution.
2. Warped Brake Rotors: Heat from hard braking can warp rotors, leading to the same uneven grabbing as worn rotors.
* Troubleshooting: A visual inspection might not be enough to detect warping. A mechanic can use a dial indicator or a brake lathe to measure rotor runout (how much the rotor deviates from perfectly round). Resurfacing (machining) might be possible, but replacement is often recommended if the warping is significant.
3. Uneven Brake Pad or Shoe Wear: If only one brake pad or shoe on a particular wheel is significantly worn, it can create a pulsing feeling.
* Troubleshooting: Inspect the brake pads or shoes. Measure their thickness and compare them across all wheels. Replace worn pads or shoes.
4. Faulty Wheel Cylinders (Drum Brakes): Leaking or sticking wheel cylinders in drum brake systems can cause uneven braking and pulsing.
* Troubleshooting: Inspect the wheel cylinders for leaks. Look for brake fluid leaking from the cylinder boots or around the mounting points. Replacement is often necessary if they're faulty.
5. ABS Issues (Less Likely): While less common for this year model, a malfunctioning Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) could theoretically cause a pulsing feeling, especially if the ABS module is faulty or the sensors are malfunctioning. This is less likely to be the primary cause if the pulsing happens *every* time you brake, not just during panic stops.
* Troubleshooting: A diagnostic scan by a mechanic can reveal ABS-related codes.
6. Master Cylinder Issues (Less Likely): A failing master cylinder is less likely to cause *only* a pulsing sensation, but it could contribute to the problem if it's starting to fail.
* Troubleshooting: A mechanic can check the master cylinder for proper operation and fluid level.
What to Do:
1. Safety First: A pulsing brake pedal indicates a problem that needs attention. Avoid hard braking and drive cautiously until it's fixed.
2. Visual Inspection: Start by visually inspecting the brake pads, rotors, and drums yourself. Take photos to show a mechanic if needed.
3. Professional Mechanic: The best course of action is to have a qualified mechanic inspect your braking system. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose the problem accurately and safely perform the necessary repairs. Don't attempt major brake repairs yourself unless you have extensive experience.
Ignoring this problem is dangerous. It can lead to reduced braking performance, increased stopping distances, and potentially a brake failure. Get it checked out as soon as possible.
