So I've had some brake problems with my car... mostly bad pulsing. I got the rotors turned last fall and put new pads in which fixed the issue for a while. Then, this spring it started pulsing again so I bought new rotors and pads. The issue was fixed for a little while but over the summer the pulsing came back. Last month I swapped my winter rims/tires on and I cleaned up the rotors/pads and the pulsing went down considerably. Its starting back up again and I cant figure out why cleaning them would help? I mean if the rotors are warped wouldn't it just be bad all the time?

Worth noting- this only happens when the brakes are first applied. Once you get on them, it doesn't pulse at all so I have a tendency now to brake later and harder.

The other thing Im wondering is if having different brakes in the front and back could make a difference? I have EBC red stuff ceramic pads in the front and different ceramic pads in the rear (from NAPA). Since both are ceramic I didnt see it as too big of a deal.

There is a chance my old rotors were shot and the new ones are crappy too I guess. Im trying to get a hold of the company that sold them to me to see if they're willing to look at them and replace them if needed but they only offer a 90day warranty so Im pretty sure Im screwed. I just dont want to replace the rotors again and have the issue come back.

 

you take it to the dealer ?

 

I have it at a local shop right now. Mechanic there is saying front rotors are most likely warped.

 

Sounds more like pads than rotors, although the rotors will show the symptoms. Try rebedding the pads and see if there is an improvement. If so, the pads are leaving uneven deposits on the rotors, which sets up brake judder.

Chris

 

Where are the rotors from?

Where did you order the EBCs from? We have found fakes out there

Check: lugnut torque, rotor quality, caliper (pistons and dust boots), pads.

And front/rear pads are OK.

 

The pads are legit-- I got them from Summit Racing and they're holding up quite well. The rotors are from a local company from Lowell MA. Im trying to work it out with them if they are defective so I won't name them just yet.

I had the car at Doug's Automotive (thanks Mike!) and he is 99% sure it's that the front rotors are warped. Its frustrating because I turned, then eventually replaced the originals and figured this upgrade to slotted ones would finally resolve the issue after nearly a year and a half of pulsing issues.

I guess this is what I get when I try and support a local startup instead of spending my money on proven, reputable companies.

 

Term "warping" is misleading. Hot spots on the rotor surface due to material build up. Cheaper metal can also cause hot spotting and poor heat transfer.

 

http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp...rakedisk.shtml

 

Here's the email I got back from the rotor company. It doesnt seem like they want anything to do with inspecting them:

"There are many reason why the rotors are defective. If it is defective as new you would have felt the pulsation right away.

Check your calipers make sure all of the pistons are not frozen. If it is it will cause pulsation in the pedal.

If the wheels are not torque to the factory spec it will also cause vibration.

I don't know what type of driving you do and the terrain you drive in. All this can be a factor as well.

I would recommend that you have it turn."

 

Sounds like they read and re-wrote from my earlier post.

 

There should be a sticky around here, oh wait there is. https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...ke-rotors.html

 

Just my opinion, but I would blame the pads. I have had this issue in the past with certain pad materials, even of really high quality and expensive pads. I am a firm believer of CL Sintered Brake pads. They might be too aggressive for the street, but we are using CL5+ pads on my buddies daily driven MR and he is in love. It is almost impossible to have pad transfer with them and bed in time is not necessary from my experience.

Dan

(Side note, everything else Smike said is right too)

 

Are u on SSBH? Whens the last time u changed ur brake fluid

 

Already subscribed to this thread a while back when I first had issues

 

Not sure what SSBH and I have not changed the fluid but it was inspected recently and it was fine. The problem is definitely thought to be the rotors.