We have family visiting and they left their car at our place last year. They drove it today and noticed that the brake pedal was pulsating. They mentioned that it kinda felt as if the car had a flat but they only felt that sensation while pressing on the brakes. They haven‘t had this problem last year before they left but know they do. Can the braking system of a car go bad after not being used for a year? Its a 2000 Toyota Rav4.
the problem can likely be build up rust inside the brake drums, to fix this issue take off the brake drums and with a hammer tap on the outside of the drum. go around the intire drum. finally buy some brake cleaner and spay it on the brakes and inside the rotor, then dry rotor. then finish by remounting rotors and tires
The brake rotors and drums often rust when left sitting. The rust patches formed unevenly causing spots that grab more than others resulting in the pulsating sensation. Brake fluid absorbs water very easily when the car sits also causing issues with the braking system, but not pulsating.
The rotors are unprotected steel, so in a year exposed to the elements it probably got covered by rust. For the braking problem. For the feeling of a flat, that's what it is. The tire got a flat spot on the bottom from sitting too long. After a while of driving it might go away but they probably should get new tires, or at least get the wheel balanced again.
