saturn disc brake rotors & tires

[fred077]

Took my 04 Ion 3 in to the Saturn dealer where I bought it for a vibration that was coming from the left front wheel area. Was told the rotor needed to be resurfaced. Is this unusual after only 24K miles?

They also said the 2 front tires needed replaced (Firestone Firehawk GTA) and an alignment done because the inner edges of each were badly worn. Tires were not rotated since I got it, so they are not covered by the warranty according to this dealer. I would think the treadwear would be excessive all the way across if it was only caused by not rotating them.

This dealer is the only shop to service the car. Oil changes were done by them on schedule but no one ever suggested rotating the tires.

[sierrap615]

both bad alignment and not rotating tires can cause excessive tire wear. with that said i can only imagine/assume the alignment will be covered but the tires won't be(your owners manual should say to rotate at certain intervals, commonly 12K or 6K miles). i'm a little surprize the dealership didn't sell you on scheduled service(where the buick dealership is trying to upsale $600 worth of work that never should need to be done on my mom's SUV).

many people claim all GM front wheel drive cars eat rotors like nothing else. i've had mixed experinces myself. but depending on driving habbits, i would guess 30k miles is about average for a set of brakes. really it can take only one real hard stop to warp a rotor.(after a real hard stop, don't let the wheels/rotors sit in one spot. let them roll a little)

[1995sc2DOHC]

Originally Posted by fred077

Took my 04 Ion 3 in to the Saturn dealer where I bought it for a vibration that was coming from the left front wheel area. Was told the rotor needed to be resurfaced. Is this unusual after only 24K miles?

They also said the 2 front tires needed replaced (Firestone Firehawk GTA) and an alignment done because the inner edges of each were badly worn. Tires were not rotated since I got it, so they are not covered by the warranty according to this dealer. I would think the treadwear would be excessive all the way across if it was only caused by not rotating them.

This dealer is the only shop to service the car. Oil changes were done by them on schedule but no one ever suggested rotating the tires.

I work at an auto parts store and before that was a service tech and service writer. As far as the rotors go it depends on how hard you are on your brakes. The harder you are. The shorter the lifespan.

The tires. If they admit that the alignment was out on the car after 24,000 miles then the alignment caused the tires to wear improperly. Not rotoating the tires will NOT cause inner edge wear. Argue with them and if they dont help you ask for a service manager. After him then the dealership owner. Threaten to take your business elsewhere and not recomend the dealership to anyone else. Threaten a letter to corprate. Most managers will eat the cost of 2 tires to keep you happy and them getting your business. Besides warranty work all GM dealerships are alloted to give away thousands of dollars in free parts for situations like this. DONT BACK DOWN!!!! there is always someone higher!!

[fred077]

Thanks for the input all. I plan on arguing with them. Just wanted some facts to back me up. I'll let you know how it goes.

Fred

[sierrap615]

Originally Posted by 1995sc2DOHC

Not rotoating the tires will NOT cause inner edge wear.

according to my sources(repair manual and school course book) it can

[1995sc2DOHC]

Originally Posted by sierrap615

according to my sources(repair manual and school course book) it can

I was a tech for 3 years and a service writer for 4. Never and i stress NEVER did I see inner edge wear just from not rotating. Theres a difference between book smart and street smart.

[sierrap615]

Originally Posted by 1995sc2DOHC

Theres a difference between book smart and street smart.

i argee 100%. i am plenty of book smart but i am sorry to say i do not have enought in field experance yet. i'm just saying what i know.