2003 Grand Am brake problems

[eagle6413]

Ok, I have a 2003 V6 Grand Am (not a GT). About a week and a half ago the whole car started shuddering whenever I hit the brakes. It was more prevelant when coming down off of higher speeds, but is still present at lower speeds. The car only has between 21000 and 22000 miles. I took it to the dealer because it should still be under warrenty. They came back and said that the ABS checked out fine, but the pads were worn down the rivets, and as a result the rotors were abnormally worn and both the pads and rotors needed to be replaced. They said it wasn't covered under the warrenty due to the level of wear, and quoted me a price of over $400 to replace the pads and rotors. They said with that much wear after such few miles, I must be riding the brake, which is bull. Well, I replaced the pads, and while the old ones were worn and in need replacing, they weren't to the rivets like the dealer said. And I'm not an expert, but the rotors didn't appear to have any abnormal levels of wear. When I went for a test drive after replacing the pads, it still shuddered like crazy. Tomorrow I intend to take the car to a shop and see what they have to say about the rotors, but everyone I've talked to so far agrees with me that the dealer is full of it and there must be something wrong with the ABS. Anyone have any thoughts?

[Mr. Luos]

GM gave the Grand Am's shitty rotors. Too thin, they warped easily.
I am guessing there is nothing wrong with the ABS. My GT needed brakes at about 30,000 miles. Seems normal to me, seeing as they gave the car crap brakes.

[trixtaz]

I would get your old rotors machined at a shop before putting new brake pads on.

I dont see how this could be an ABS problem.

Machining will cost you no more than $20, so try that first.

Good Luck.