Warped front rotor

[jmb3450]

On my 98 Cavalier, 2.2L, I've replaced the front rotors 3 times now due to them becoming warped, so that the car shudders when brakes are applied. Each time this fixes the problem, but they become warped again within 4-5K miles after replacement, and I'm using high quality replacements. Also tried replacing the pads w/ high quality ceramic, still did the same thing. A friend suggested that maybe I'm torquing the lug nuts too much so the last 2 replacements I've used a torque wrench and tightened lug nuts to specs, still have the problem - actually I believe it's primarily the left front rotor that's warping. I guess my next move will be to replace the calipers? Anyone have any ideas as to what could be causing the rotors to warp? Thanks.

[muff34]

Originally Posted by jmb3450

On my 98 Cavalier, 2.2L, I've replaced the front rotors 3 times now due to them becoming warped, so that the car shudders when brakes are applied. Each time this fixes the problem, but they become warped again within 4-5K miles after replacement, and I'm using high quality replacements. Also tried replacing the pads w/ high quality ceramic, still did the same thing. A friend suggested that maybe I'm torquing the lug nuts too much so the last 2 replacements I've used a torque wrench and tightened lug nuts to specs, still have the problem - actually I believe it's primarily the left front rotor that's warping. I guess my next move will be to replace the calipers? Anyone have any ideas as to what could be causing the rotors to warp? Thanks.

I am assuming that you do not hit the brakes real hard when you are braking . Try looking at the back brakes maybe they are not doing much braking at all .Rear brakes not adjusted seems to be a problem with these cars. Have the rear brakes cleaned and adjusted so that they also work properly. It could be that the front brakes are doing all the braking and so this could be the cause of all the warping. I never use the "high quality" guaranteed for life brake pads as these pads are made up of a harder material and the will wear the rotors and drums out faster than the cheaper pads. The cheaper will lasts for years also depending on your driving habits. Good luck