QuestionQUESTION: Hi, I've recently replaced all of my brake pads (4whl disc)with ceramic pads, and I had Tire Kingdom machine all 4 of my rotors. The reason I did the brakes is because I heard some grinding and the brakes did not feel smooth and vibrated the streering a bit when stopping.
Everything was fine after this for 2-4 hundred miles and now I have a really bad vibration in the steering wheel when I apply the brakes (esecially at higher speeds). I can also feel what seems like a warped rotor when going at a slow speed and applying the brake. The vehicle feels a bit jerky instead of smooth when stopping. If I hard brake from a fast speed, I do not tend to feel it.
It seems that my rotors may be warped again, but I just had them machined, and the vehicle has brand new ceramic pads.
Thanks in advance for any answers,
Shawn
ANSWER: Hi Shawn -
First of all, ensure that the thickness of the rotors after machining is not below the tolerances specified. Normally the minimum thickness is stamped on the rotor. You will need a caliper as well to measure the thickness. If it is, the rotor has probably warped from the heat.
I normally do not recommend machining brake rotors because of the above fact. Replacing them is the way to go, especially if you have everything off anyway.
Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi and thanks Calvin. I had Tire Kingdom machine the rotors, and I know they measured before doing that. They have to be within spec or they will not machine them. Do you think it could be my calipers? or do you think that the rotors warped from hard braking or something? (i drive in stop and go traffic a lot).
It just sucks because I did the job myself to save money, and now the same problem came back and Im not sure how to approach it. I spent $15.00 on each rotor to be machined ($60.00) and bought new ceramic pads for the front and rear for about $50.00. So I made out very good. Tire Kindom quoted me about $400.00 to do the job, and it cost me about $110.00 to do it myself.
Is it safe to say it is probably warped rotors again? or is there anything else that would cause that. If so, maybe I'll just go buy some good quality rotors and switch them out.
Thanks,
Shawn
AnswerHi Shawn -
I would say it is safe to say that the rotors are warped. Nothing else could cause the brake pedal to pulsate while the brake is applied.
Rotors get warped more with people riding the brakes, down hills, on the freeway at high speeds, etc. Not so much stop and go traffic. When the rotors have a chance to heat up a lot, then it warps, comes from higher speeds.
I am glad you saved some money doing it yourself. I am all for that.
Try replacing the front rotors first and see if the pulsation goes away. Usually it comes from the front rotors.
Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin
