2001 model...
When braking I am getting this pulsating reaction.

One friend told me the rotors are warped and need replacing. Another friend said that's very un-likely since the thickness on the rotor is quite substantial. He believes they just need to be turned.

Any comments on brakes that are throbbing?

 

when did it start doing this ?

 

I'm confused what the second friend said: "Unlikely [they're warped and needed replacing], but they just need to be turned."[&:]

Isn't that the only reason to turn rotors - to level warping?

 

Rotors should be turned every time that you change pads.

 

This is very common with plain rotors and OEM pads (an maybe others as well). My01 had only 6000 miles on it when the pulsating brakes started. The dealership turned the rotors but said the next time it happened, I'd have to pay. Well, after another 6-8000 miles, the same thing happened. I learned that brake pads can leave uneven deposits on rotors, due to hot spots on the braking surfaces. Some C5 owners advocate an elaborate "bedding" procedure and others recommend slamming on the brakes every so often.

Not wanting to do either, I bought the best brakes I could find - cryo-treated PowerSlot rotors. The slots keep the rotor from having hot spots, eliminate the dreaded pulsating pedal, and keep the pads "fresh" - no glazing from lack of use.

After many, many thousands of miles, my brakes are as perfect as the day I tried those PowerSlots for the first time. I fully expect that these'll be the LAST rotors I ever have to buy.

Dave

 

Just learned I have a bent caliper bracket and only a portion of the brake pad is hitting the rotor. Also, because of bad hub bearings the rear rotors need replacing (ouch)!

Thanks for your comments!
What a great forum!!!