brake pulsing - need to change everything out?

[sixleggedinsect]

my 97 has started having a pulsing feel to it when braking at low speeds. im assuming i warped the rotor(s) coasting down too many mountains this month. oops.

is this the likely cause? if so, could the drums be affected too? im on a roadtrip, and have the necessary stuff to change out the rotors and pads up front, which woudlnt cost too much in parts, but dont want to do any more work than i have to.

should i just look at the rotors? just pads? if i change rotors and the pads have a lot of life left, do i need to change them? (the current rotors are pretty much scratch free)

testimonials and anecdotes about cheapo rotors? i used them on my last escort with no problems (the autozone cheapest versions, almost no warranty) and never had trouble, but then i didnt have that car more than a few months afterwards.

thanks, as always.
anthony

[GTP Dad]

Chances are the rotors have simply warped. The heat affects them far more than the rear drums so that is where I would do my work. Change the rotors out with new ones since they are almost as cheap to replace as they are to have turned down. Replace the pads at the same time you replace the rotors since this will give you better braking power and they will wear together. Changing rotors without new pads is like changing oil without changing the filter. I use the rotors from autozone too!

[sixleggedinsect]

thanks. on more thought-

what happens if you just let it go? the pulsing is not actually annoying to me in any practical way. it just bugs me to know that the car isnt technically in good condition right now.

i want to keep the car for a while, or at least keep it in good salable condition. is there any reason to change the rotors sooner than later, or can i let it go until it either gets worse or it is more convenient for me to change them out?

basically- will warper rotors damage anything else? seems unlikely, but im still wet behind the ears

anthony

[GTP Dad]

It is just an annoyance and won't really hurt anything although it makes things interesting when you hit the brakes hard. My rotors have been warped for about 6 months now, I haven't had time to change them but I am the only one who drives it and I will get them changed as soon as the weather warms up.

[sixleggedinsect]

great. they really dont bother me at all right now, so i think ill hold off until ive got more free time or more incentive.

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

It is just an annoyance and won't really hurt anything although it makes things interesting when you hit the brakes hard. My rotors have been warped for about 6 months now, I haven't had time to change them but I am the only one who drives it and I will get them changed as soon as the weather warms up.

[fgp]

I usually get the same problem after 9-12 months of replacing my breaks if I use aftermarket rotors. If you get better rotors you probably wont have that pulsing brake. It has never been a problem and there is not need to get new ones 'til your pads worn out. Good luck.