What Are the Signs of Warped Rotors?

The braking system is one of the most important systems on a vehicle when it comes to safety and performance. The rotor is a key part of the braking system.

Rotor Description

A brake rotor, also referred to as a brake disc, is the round, thin disc that is clamped by the caliper. As such, it is subject to tremendous heat and a lot of pressure whenever the brakes are applied.

Symptoms

A warped rotor will usually cause the wheel and suspension to shake under braking, since the surface of the rotor is no longer completely flat. It can also cause noise or vibration.

Causes

A warped brake rotor is caused by excess heat that is not dissipated quickly enough from the rotor, causing it to warp. This can be caused by worn-out brake pads as well as simply overly aggressive braking like the type that occurs on a race track or emergency stop on the street.

Solution

A warped rotor will almost always have to be replaced, since it usually cannot be resurfaced in the way that a scored rotor can.

Warning

A vehicle with a warped rotor should not be driven, since the brakes are not functioning properly.

References

• Frozen Rotors: Warped Rotor Info
• Brembo Brakes