Brake Issues
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Brake Issues
hi everyone. About 3500 miles ago I replaced my rear brake pads with Akebono ceramic pads. The rears were worn down and I just got it done, easy. Over the past 500 miles or so I am feeling some pulsation when I brake from 65 mph. Its not terrible but I am really in tune with the car and its not right. When I replaced the pads I didn't do anything to the rear rotors, should I have? I am wondering if I should have the rear rotors machined or just replace them. My car has 111k miles in her. The front pads look good and will last a while before a replacement is needing so I am focusing on the rear at this time. Any insight?
#2
Pole Position
Sometimes when only brake pads are replaced, the "bedding" process for the new pads against the old rotors causes brake chatter, and that may be what you are experiencing. (The surface of the rotor was bedded for the old pad.) If the rotor is not too worn, you could try cleaning the surface with a solvent (may not work), or have them machined to remove the glaze. Then re-bed the new pads. Or replace the rotors. http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/tech/....jsp?techid=85
#4
Moderator
hi everyone. About 3500 miles ago I replaced my rear brake pads with Akebono ceramic pads. The rears were worn down and I just got it done, easy. Over the past 500 miles or so I am feeling some pulsation when I brake from 65 mph. Its not terrible but I am really in tune with the car and its not right. When I replaced the pads I didn't do anything to the rear rotors, should I have? I am wondering if I should have the rear rotors machined or just replace them. My car has 111k miles in her. The front pads look good and will last a while before a replacement is needing so I am focusing on the rear at this time. Any insight?
#6
Pole Position
You have non-OEM pads on OEM rotors. Therein may be your problem.
Edit: If the wobble is definitely from the rear, and it wasn't there before the new brake pads, it's very likely that your rotors need to be machined slightly to remove the glazing from the old and new pads.
Edit: If the wobble is definitely from the rear, and it wasn't there before the new brake pads, it's very likely that your rotors need to be machined slightly to remove the glazing from the old and new pads.
Last edited by Tom57; 11-16-15 at 03:53 PM.
#7
I didn't see if this was specified, but how are you feeling the pulsation?
If the steering wheel is vibrating, usually that means the front rotors. If it's a rear rotor issue, usually you feel it in the brake pedal. So I'm assuming the brake pedal vibrates when you come to a stop?
Considering it was 3000 or so miles or so until it became an issue, it may have been something that developed after the fact.
If you have a nearby place that will turn the rotors for a good price, you can give that a shot. In my area, basically nobody does it for retail customers, so I just put new rotors on there if it's an issue. I have had much better luck replacing rotors than having them turned for pulsation issues.
If the steering wheel is vibrating, usually that means the front rotors. If it's a rear rotor issue, usually you feel it in the brake pedal. So I'm assuming the brake pedal vibrates when you come to a stop?
Considering it was 3000 or so miles or so until it became an issue, it may have been something that developed after the fact.
If you have a nearby place that will turn the rotors for a good price, you can give that a shot. In my area, basically nobody does it for retail customers, so I just put new rotors on there if it's an issue. I have had much better luck replacing rotors than having them turned for pulsation issues.
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#8
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Thanks Brad. I am feeling it in the steering wheel. Its subtle. I have called a few places and they weren't thrilled about machining them, recommended they replace the rotors. I guess I could just do that. I know everyone loves OEM, but are there other options people recommend?
#9
If it's coming through the steering wheel, you should probably be looking at the front rotors, not the rear. So it doesn't look like what you did with the rear has anything to do with it (most likely)
Also, if it's subtle and only happens at coming from a stop at highway speeds and not driving around town, I don't think it's something that needs to be done immediately. (assuming there's plenty of life on the pads)
I've had really good luck with Centric Premium rotors and Wagner Thermoquiet pads.
Also, if it's subtle and only happens at coming from a stop at highway speeds and not driving around town, I don't think it's something that needs to be done immediately. (assuming there's plenty of life on the pads)
I've had really good luck with Centric Premium rotors and Wagner Thermoquiet pads.
#10
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Thank you. Its not a huge deal. I am replacing my lower ball joints this weekend and am starting to replace some other parts so i may wait on this. I LOVE this car but I have put a lot of repairs into over the past year.
#11
Thanks Brad. I am feeling it in the steering wheel. Its subtle. I have called a few places and they weren't thrilled about machining them, recommended they replace the rotors. I guess I could just do that. I know everyone loves OEM, but are there other options people recommend?
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