Bad rotors?

hobbes69 · #1 07-02-2002, 09:50 AM

I started getting some pulsing in the brakes after about 1000 miles so at close to 4000 it got bad enough I took it in to the dealer. First they accused me of riding my breaks because of the amount of brake dust on the wheels but said they would turn the rotors anyway. 3 and a half hours later I finally get out of there and at first the pulsing seems gone, but later that day or the next I noticed it again.

I don't drive with both feet and I don't drive it like a race car around town, so whats the deal? Every manufacturer getting cheap rotors and not just Chevy? I don't want to take it back to the dealer because it will waste my day again and all they will probably do is turn them again which makes them thinner and warp more easily.

Anyone else had problems like this?

OffroadX · #2 07-02-2002, 01:15 PM

I've had some pulsing for a good while now, but not enough to make me see a shop.

Brent

ChuckH · #3 07-02-2002, 09:55 PM

My Xterra has had a warped rotor since it rolled off the assembly line, but it is so minimal I never bothered to do anything about it. I figured with my luck, the dealer's attempt to fix it would only make it worse so I live with it.

Aythya · #4 07-02-2002, 10:56 PM

I have also had pulsing but done nothing about it. Also, I have noticed the brake fluid level drops but can't find any leaks or spots on the drive way. I also seem to have excessive amounts of brake dust.

OffroadX · #5 07-03-2002, 09:41 AM

The fluid level will drop as the pads/shoes wear, that's normal. If it drops noticeably in a month or less, there's a problem though.

Brent

xterra2k · #6 07-03-2002, 01:32 PM

I have just under 40k and have developed a small amount of pulsing. (only during hard braking) I am also driving a lot of rush hour stop and go traffic. So considering all of this, I think my large amount of brake dust and abused brakes might just come with my territory.

hobbes69 · #7 07-04-2002, 01:04 PM

I guess I'll wait till its time to change the pads and just get some aftermarket rotors, possibly drilled or slotted...

ozxterra · #8 07-07-2002, 03:21 PM

I dont know anyone with an XTerra that doesnt have pulsing brakes. Mine have done it for quite some time.

Dealers are so full of BS - I just spent some time putting screws back underneath my engine that they "forgot" to put back. Skid plate as hanging by one screw! They just want it to break so they get to hit you for pricey repair bills.
I gotta say Ive had the crappiest time with Nissan dealers/Service than any other brand of vehicle Ive owned.

silverxglider · #9 07-08-2002, 09:21 PM

My X has 32,000 miles on it and I've never had pulsing brakes.

On the other hand, my Frontier developed a bad pulse all of sudden that turned out to be a problem with the BACK brakes.

Xcanuk · #10 07-08-2002, 09:54 PM

Same pulsing, thought for sure it was the front, and was getting ready to install new pads.
Just recently, I found that my parking brake was not releasing fully, so asked the dealer to adjust it during a check up... sure enough, my rear drum was burnt and had to be replaced, (warranty), sure enough, no more pulsing.
I didn't feel the parking brake bind while driving, and it would roll in neutral, but I couldn't push the truck while in neutral easily. I could see it going unnoticed if you have an automatic.

superjens · #11 07-09-2002, 01:29 AM

Quote:

I dont know anyone with an XTerra that doesnt have pulsing brakes.

Yes you do, (me). Love my brakes. Knock on wood eh?

ChuckH · #12 07-09-2002, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by superjens

Yes you do, (me). Love my brakes. Knock on wood eh?

Despite the very minimal and nearly unnoticeable pulse I get, I lvoe my Xterra brakes too. They are most superb...on par with much finer cars I've driven in terms of braking performance.

I think I know how to make ozxterra think the Nissan folks are Gods! We can force him to buy a Mitsubitchi and let him see what truly poor dealer service is!

Speed · #13 07-09-2002, 06:13 PM

No pulsing brakes, and love mine also. In fact when I trade vehicles with my Dad ('97 Tahoe), he always mentions how great the brakes are on the X.

wqbang · #14 07-09-2002, 07:05 PM

Back to the original poster, since your rotors are warping so soon after getting them turned, it would indicate to me a problem with the calipers. A sticky caliper , ie. one that does not release fully after braking and can quickly glaze brake pads and warp a rotor.

I had this problem on my civic. I went through 1 set of rotors and 3 brake jobs (done myself) before I finally decided to buy a set of remaned calipers from Honda. Problem solved. Your dealership should have no problem diagnosing and fixing your brakes under warranty. If not, go to another dealer.

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