I have an 02 Sierra 1500 4x4 that has a heavy vibration in the brake pedal even at low speeds. I've known the ball joints were worn out for a while so I replaced upper and lower control arms, pitman arm, idler arm, inner and out tie rods and tie rod ends. Also did the cv axles since one of the boots was ripped. Brakes and rotors are fairly new. Did stock brakes in the rear and slotted and dimpled rotors from EBC brakes up front. The steering feels great now, but brakes are exactly the same. Any ideas as to what causing this vibration?

Are we talking pulsation or ABS activation?

It'* pulsation. Definitely not ABS

What do you mean by brakes are fairly new?

Also is this vibration felt in the steering wheel, or do you feel it in the bottom of your seat?

If you only feel it in the pedal, it could be ABS activation.....there is a TSB out there about corrosion building up under the speed sensor, causing low speed activation......

I replaced the pads and rotors a couple years ago, but they only have about 5,000 miles on them since I don't drive the truck much.
I feel it in the pedal. It really doesn't feel like ABS though.

Two years ago, is not my idea of fairly new........

What I want you to do, is while coming off the highway, at 65mph, lightly touch the brake pedal......does the steering wheel shake(front pulsation)? or do you feel a vibration in the bottom of your seat(rear pulsation)?

If neither, but the vibration is only in the brake pedal, it sounds like the ABS is activating....

Sorry for the late reply, getting off the freeway I actually feel it in the seat and the steering wheel. I tried getting the rotors turned, but Big O said they were fine.

Exactly, how did they determine that they were fine?

DID THEY ROAD TEST THE VEHICLE? If they didn't, then don't go there again......first rule of diagnosis is to verify customer concern.....

Did they remove the wheels and check for:

thickness variation?

rotor runout?

That'* a good point. I don't know how they determined that the rotors were good. They never test drive it. I think my next step will be rotors and pads.

Big question on my mind for clarification: Is the vibration always present or is it only when braking?

Odometer?

Does it ever tow or carry lots of weight?

Does it see a lot of off-road use?

How are the wheel bearings doing?

Is it lifted?

Factory tires/wheels?

How old are the tires?

How worn out are the tires?

Have the tires been balanced recently?

Have the tires been rotated recently?

Where does this vehicle live?

What is the current tire size (as in 235/75R15 or 235/70R19.5 or etc.) ?

What manufacturer of tires (Goodyear, Remington, Falken, Bridgestone, Sunny, etc.) ?

Have you verified that mud/ice/etc. isn't built up on the inside (the side facing towards the axle) of the rim?

Was this vibration present immediately after the new rotors and pads were installed?

If not, when did you first notice it?

Agree wholeheartedly.

How long did they take to inspect etc.? Should have been at least an hour if they were doing it right.

While they were there, they should have rotated tires too. Any idea if they did?

Did they give any other information such as how worn the brake pads are etc.?

Depending on your responses above, seems drastic to replace rotors and pads at 5,000 miles/two years.

If you do this, be sure to let us know how it goes.