mark98ls40

Steering wheel shimmy while braking at higher speeds. Can I just replace the rotors? (The pads are barely worn) or do you have to replace the pads also.

hobojoe

Not necessairly Warped rotors...... depening on the cheapness of the pads can be Deposits of brake dust. But if you wish to replace then usually good to do both at the same time.... but not required

steveski

Good points - Normally when I replace pads I will remove rotors and get them turned to remove glaze and true up any low/high spots as a general rule (for me).

Shops like O'Reilly's turns them I think for around $15 each. If you are not mechanically inclined there are shops like brake check that do all four for $99 - not a bad deal if it is available in your area.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

my local napa turns rotors for $8 each

python

iTrader: (4)

brake dust deposits wont cause rotors to have "run out" otherwise why not just get some sand paper and sand em down? rotors warp due to cheap pads,harsh stopping and when u get the rotor hot and u come to a stop,the hot pad resting against the rotor causes warpage...hence...thats why slotted and drilled rotors are much better than conventional rotors, i have drilled rotors and they have never warped but i use good ceramic pads as well

python

iTrader: (4)

here is an article although it shoots my theory down about drilled and slotted rotors
http://www.epinions.com/content_4738556036

python

iTrader: (4)

heres an article that suggests uneven pad material depositing on the rotors....i stand corrected
http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp...rakedisk.shtml

no1gsxr

My 91LS does the same. But I think it's cause I have bad ball joints. Or maybe both warped rotors and bad balljoints. What do you guys think?

nthach

Cheap/improper pads will cause rotor issues. Cheap rotors will warp too. I prefer not to use Raybestos friction for that issue alone.

mark98ls40

Finally got the rotors off. Turns out, 1 of the caliper bolt heads was rounded off so I couldn't break it loose. Tried a bolt extractor & it broke off! Finally had to grind it off with a cutting tool. Look like original rotors so going to try to get them turned & see if that works. Do you have to put those stupid rotor holder screws back in? I had to drill two of those out as well. Fun, fun. 20 minute job takes 4 hours.

JimsGX

I wouldn't worry too much about the two screws. I drilled and retapped my front rotor screws but it didn't make any difference before/after.

Assuming a 98 uses a similar configuration on the the brakes as older LS's, make sure you pull out all the sliders and coat them with a good grease. If you have the rotors turned on a lathe, you may get some vibration/pulsation initially until the pads have a chance to bed back in.

JBrewster

Those set screws are the subject of great debate. I'm of the camp that believes they are not needed. I didn't replace them when I changed my brakes and all is well.

mark98ls40

Thanks for the input.

hobojoe

mark where in colorado you from?

mark98ls40

Arvada, a suburb NW of Denver. Where are you?