what to do if my Ford Mustang S550 (2015-2023) brakes pulsate when stopping

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather necessary tools and parts.
• Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface and the engine is off.
• Secure the vehicle with wheel chocks and jack stands.

2. Remove the Wheel

• Loosen lug nuts slightly while the vehicle is on the ground.
• Raise the vehicle using a jack and support it with jack stands.
• Remove the wheel completely.

3. Inspect and Replace Brake Rotors

• Tools Required: Torque wrench, socket set, brake rotor puller (if needed)
• Check the brake rotors for any signs of warping or uneven wear using a dial indicator.
• If warping is found (greater than 0.002 inches), remove the rotors:
  • Remove caliper bolts and detach the caliper from the bracket.
  • Secure the caliper to the suspension using a bungee cord (do not let it hang by the brake line).
  • Remove the rotor retaining screws if present, then pull off the rotor.
• Install new rotors:
  • Clean the new rotors with brake cleaner to remove protective oils.
  • Place the new rotor on the hub and torque the retaining screws to manufacturer specifications (usually around 10-15 lb-ft).

4. Inspect and Replace Brake Pads

• Tools Required: Brake caliper tool, socket set
• Check the thickness of the brake pads; replace if less than 3mm.
• Remove the old pads from the caliper bracket:
  • Use a brake caliper tool to compress the caliper piston.
  • Remove the pads and inspect the caliper for any damage.
• Install new brake pads:
  • Apply brake grease to the back of the pads (not the friction surface).
  • Insert the new pads into the caliper bracket.

5. Reassemble and Torque Components

• Reattach the caliper to the bracket and tighten caliper bolts to manufacturer specifications (usually around 25-35 lb-ft).
• Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to manufacturer specifications (usually around 100-120 lb-ft).