warped rotors

[mghntnfsh]

I own a 98 Z71 with 160k and a 99 Suburban with 50k. Since these are the 4th and 5th of this type GM trucks, I know that these things eat front brake pads. I recently did front brake jobs on both of these, turning the rotors and new semi-metalic pads from my local auto parts store. My problem is that before either of these vehicles had a 1000 miles all 4 rotors were warped. Now looks like $35.00 a throw for rotors, but I'm not sure what pads to use. I have used these same pads in the past only getting about 25k out of them but not warping. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Mork]

Go buy quality rotors. I found that cheap brake rotors will not last pissing time. I have replaced many brake rotors and pads and have yet to get satisfactory performance out of cheap rotors. The last set I installed was on my wifes saturn in 2001. I got 3 months out of them before they warped so bad she couldn't drive it. I spent the extra cash on a high quality pair and they have been on for this past 3 years. Nopt a problem with them at all. Well worth the extra cash.

[Jimmiz71]

I agree $35 sounds way too cheap.
for my truck they run from $90ea.- $170 Go with the better Rotor it will make a big difference.
-Jimmy

[killerkatana75]

Hey man the problem might have been that your rotors were below the minimum thicknes specs, before you had them turned. I f so the they would have warped really easily, i used to work at a Meineke Muffler shop, so i have done alot of brakes, the best pads that dont cost way to much, is raybestos ceramic, they wont create dust or squeak. Raybestos also makes rotors to, and trust me, cheap rotors will give you more problems.

Oh yeah, make sure that if anyone takes their rotors to a local shop to be turned , you also have them check the thickness specs on them, to thin of a rotorr could cause it to crack during braking

[vnotaro]

High quality rotors are a must! Classic case of you get what you pay for. However, here's 2 more cents on the subject. Everytime you put the wheels back on, make sure you torque the lugs down to factory specs! Just about every garage that does brake jobs or anything that requires removing the wheels uses an impact wrench to take the lugs off and put them back on. Almost every time unless they are using torque sticks, they put them back on too tight. Also, the torque for each lug will be different. This can contribute greatly to a warping problem for the rotors. If you don't have one, invest in a decent 1/2 inch drive torque wrench. Money well spent and your rotors will last even longer!