what can cause a rotor to warp?

[vdaily89]

This is kinda non-Mustang. My wife's 99 Lesabre has had a real bad shake/vibration when applying the brakes, especially at high speeds. In the fall I took the rotors off and had them turned. Helped a little, but it gradually came back. About 2 months ago I bought 2 new front rotors (Autozone) and put them on. Helped a little but it came back. Took it to the shop the other day, they called today and said it's ready. They just had to machine the rotors. I told them they were only 2 months old. So, if they were bad, what could cause them to go bad so quick? A bad wheel/hub bearing? something else? Just want to know in case the problem comes back again (which I think it will).

thanks,
Vince

 

[timeless2]

how are the calipers and pads?

 

[vdaily89]

pads were new both times with the rotors. Calipers, I dunno. What's the best way to check them?

 

[timeless2]

I'm no brake expert. Those are just ideas. I wonder if the hub could be part of it.

 

[GT-03]

Are the lugs being tighten in the right order, and to the right torque?

Are the calibers sticking? If the calibers stick, the dragging pad will overheat the rotor causing it to warp. A lot of times, the calibers start to stick. That causes the pads to quickly wear out. The pads get replaced, but the sticky caliber isn't lubed. So, the new pads wear out quickly too.

 

[timeless2]

Are the lugs being tighten in the right order, and to the right torque?

Are the calibers sticking? If the calibers stick, the dragging pad will overheat the rotor. A lot of times, the calibers start to stick. That causes the pads to quickly wear out. The pads get replaced, but the sticky caliber isn't lubed. So, the new pads wear out quickly too.

 

[bdcardinal]

how many miles are on the car? you might want to consider rebuilding the calipers, or getting loaded calipers to prevent the dragging, assuming thats the problem. also look so see the condition of the brake lines, and look to see of there could be any ABS codes.

also make sure the shop used a torque stick when slamming the lugs on, and checking it with a torque wrench. if you just slam on the lugs you can warp the rotors.

on a personal note, i absolutely hate turning rotors. my feeling is that if they warped when they are thick, you are gonna fix that my making them thinner and more prone to warping?

also, how does your wife drive? does she ride the brakes hard? they could be overheating.

 

[timeless2]

also, how does your wife drive? does she ride the brakes hard? they could be overheating.

Her being a 2-foot Tina could have something to do with it. My grandma drives with both feet on the pedals......and there is not a clutch down there.

 

[2013 Geee T]

One time many years ago I had to slam on my brakes big time and after that the rotors were warped. Ask her is she had to make any sudden stops.

 

[Nater]

Y'all are talking about the fronts, but how about the rears?

 

[vdaily89]

thanks guys. what parts on the calipers need lubed? Do I need to take them completely apart?

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Applying the brakes while going over large bumps such as railroad tracks will throw a warp in the as well. Just before you hit the big bump, let off on the brakes... Better yet, brake ahead of time...

 

[bdcardinal]

thanks guys. what parts on the calipers need lubed? Do I need to take them completely apart?

i put anti seize on any metal to metal contact point. i would have to see the calipers to see exactly where to apply them. i usually apply some anti seize to the backs of the pads. the most important thing is that everything is clean. a few times if i absolutely have to save the calipers, like loaded ones are available. i will completely dissaemble them and sandblast them, then paint them with an aluminum paint, or just a clear coat to make sure there is no rusting.

 

[tjm73]

Braking habits contribute to it. And so does the weight of the vehicle vs the size of the brakes. Some cars are prone to this warping. My '95 Cougar did it.

If she breaks hard that can make brakes that are a little small for the application warp.

 

[9646gt]

the ****est part of warping a rotor is when people constantly slam on the brakes out of now where..such as trying not to run a red light ..the brakes heat very quickly this way and heat being trapped in jsut one section of the rotor will cause it to warp..my GF is notorious for this lol

 

[vdaily89]

talked to the guy when I went & paid for it. I told him what had been going on and he seems to have the same opinion about the cheap rotors, especially from Autozone. I will see what happens & if the problem returns, I will buy better rotors/pads from somewhere else.