Am starting to experience a strong pulsation in the brake pedal
along with a thumping sound from the front end.
It dosen't seem to pull to aggressively to either side but the steering wheel moves back and forth quit strongly .

I put a dial indicator on the front rotors and they were spot on.
I'm not so sure about the Bendix Calipers which have 213,000 miles on them, but could one side be setting up?

-How can I check for this problem?

The rotors seem to be wearing evenly on both sides but I haven't really
checked the pad thickness until next weekend.

I'm pretty sure the problem is in the front end as the rear calipers,rotors and pads were replaced 2 years ago.

Thanks for your insight into this problem.

Peter Carbone

I believe that seized caliper sliding pins are high on the list of causes for pulsating pedal. I would think that theoretically, if your rotors are perfectly true - no runout and perfectly consistent thickness - a seized pin would not cause pulsation, but I doubt that most rotors are perfectly true.

--
David Armstrong - '86 240(350k km?), '93 940T(270k km), '89 240(parts source for others) near Toronto

I have experienced pulsing pedal with a bad front tire. There was probably a ply or tread separation internally and unseen. Changing the tire solved the problem. Easy test is to swap with the rear.

I started getting those symptoms after 1000miles of new rotors/pads. Everyone kept telling me the rotors were warped. I just couldn't believe that. Replaced the control arm/radius arms bushings, problem when away.

Check the 700/900 FAQ for great instructions on how to replace the radius rod bushings.

I'd guess you have pad material stuck to the rotors, along with shot strut rod bushings.
What kind of pads do you have?

I'm not sure of the pad material. I got them from FCP Groton.
They seem to have decent parts and prices.
All the front suspension bushings were replaced 3 years ago,
and I rotate the tires annually with no change in brake feel.
This problem has been with the car for over 5 years but has just
started to get more severe.
I'm gonna try replacing the rotors and take a real close look
at the calipers.
Thanks to all for your input.
Sincerely,
Peter

"All the front suspension bushings were replaced 3 years ago"

"This problem has been with the car for over 5 years"

As I posted, were the radius/control arm bushings replaced? You didn't give the yr of this car?