What is a common cause of pedal pulsation during brake application?

Pedal pulsation during brake application is often felt when there is an issue with the braking system that causes uneven contact between the brake pads and the rotor. One common cause of this pulsation is improperly torqued wheels. When the lug nuts on a wheel are not tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications, it can lead to an uneven alignment of the wheel and subsequent uneven braking forces. This unevenness can result in the brake rotor being misaligned or warped, leading to vibration and pulsation in the brake pedal as the brakes are applied.

In contrast, other options such as worn brake pads, damaged backing plates, and lubricated shims may cause other types of issues like squeaking, noise, or inefficient braking, but they typically do not cause the distinct pulsation felt in the brake pedal. Understanding how properly torqued wheels impact brake performance is crucial for diagnosing issues related to brake pedal feedback during operation.