Author Topic: warped brake rotors  (Read 711 times)

Offline 6packCuda

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warped brake rotors
« on: January 07, 2008 - 09:01:12 PM »
This isn't a Mopar, but I'm hoping somebody can help me out with this. The front brake rotors keep warping on my 2000 Ford F150. I was getting a lot of vibration on braking so I had the rotors turned and put new pads on. Every thing was smooth after that for a couple of weeks, but then it was started to vibrate on braking again. So, I thought they were just bad quality rotors, so I went to NAPA and bought the best rotors they had. Installed them and everything was fine for a week. Then, gradually started getting the vibration back. The brakes don't smell hot and no smoke or anything like that. Could this be a caliper problem?
Dave




Offline 426HEMI

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Re: warped brake rotors
« Reply #1 on: January 07, 2008 - 09:08:09 PM »
Sounds like something is keeping it touching and it could either be the caliper or it could be a hose that has colasped on the front.  I would also check the booster it might be hanging.  Hope this helps.
Got a pretty good start on my M46 optioned Barracuda restoration but now it is on hold till I can gather more funds.  Still need a few parts for it.  SIU Graduate 75 AAS Automotive Tech, 94 BS Advanced Tech Studies, 1997 MSED Workforce Education and Development

1970 M46 Barracuda
1998 Dodge Darango

Gordon

Offline Oldschool

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Re: warped brake rotors
« Reply #2 on: January 07, 2008 - 09:15:25 PM »
A few possibilities with this problem.   First, make sure you match the pad with the rotor in compatibility.  If you use very hard pads with a "softer" rotor, you can get rotor warp.  The best bet if you aren't gonna upgrade with matched aftermarket components is to go with the factory set up.  The Feds keep messin' with the manufacturers on what pads need to be made out of.  Remember the asbestos issue years ago?  So, factories change the pads to meet the regulations and then they must come up with a rotor that matches compatibility with the new pads. It is a vicious cycle. The aftermarket pads will FIT, but the composition is usually not right for the rotors.  Second, make sure whoever does your brakes uses the correct torque when re-installing the wheels.  If you have 2 lugs at 70 lb/ft and 1 at 60 lb/ft, and 2 more at 85 lb/ft, you get uneven pressure on the rotor and after several heating cycles, the rotor wants to match the pressure of the wheel lugs.  Third, the calipers might be sticking, generating too much heat.  I don't feel like this is causing your issues because when that is happening, you will usually see the pads wear out VERY quickly.  Just a few ideas. Hope they help ya out....     :cheers:  
Ken  --  In Georgia

MOPAR-------"Built To Run------Here To Stay"

Offline Moparal

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Re: warped brake rotors
« Reply #3 on: January 07, 2008 - 09:34:12 PM »
Brake hoses could be bad. Also when doing a brake job on antilock brakes, never back bleed the fluid. It pushes contaminants back through the antilock and causes sludge buildup and restricts return flow.  You should release the bleeder valve to release pressure when pushing the caliper piston back. And do the calipers slide on the assemblies? Just a few pointers you may already know.

Offline 6packCuda

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Re: warped brake rotors
« Reply #4 on: January 07, 2008 - 10:09:48 PM »
Thanks for the advice guys. They are the ceramic pads. I did the brakes myself and I torqued the wheels evenly. I will check the rest of the things you guys mentioned. Thanks again.
Dave