How to Stop Rotors From Warping
On a disk brake system, when the brakes are applied to the rotor, friction and heat are produced. When the brakes or rotors wear unevenly, the braking of the vehicle gives off a throbbing or pulsing sensation. This pulsing is commonly diagnosed as having warped rotors. Actual warping is unlikely, though it can occur as a result of massive temperature changes, such as spraying superheated rotors with water. Warped rotors, whether due to uneven wear or heat distortion, should be replaced or resurfaced to ensure maximum braking efficiency.
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Instructions
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Follow proper break-in procedures for new brake pads. Because brake pads are designed to simultaneously clean the rotor while applying sufficient friction to stop the vehicle, incorrect break-in procedures can significantly reduce the ability of a brake pad to sufficiently clean the rotor. Build-up on the rotor will cause uneven wear, resulting in the pulsing when braking.
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Replace brake pads before they reach the end of the serviceable life. Brake pads worn beyond the life of the pad will result in metal to metal contact which will wear heavily on the rotor surface. Wear patterns resulting from different points of initial contact and release will cause the rotor surface to wear unevenly.
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Avoid driving through puddles of water if your brakes are heated. The massive temperature change resulting from the rapid cooling effect of the water may cause the metal to distort.
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Replace the rotors with the thickest and heaviest rotors available. As manufacturers seek to shed pounds from production vehicles to meet fuel economy standards, undersized rotors are often equipped on economy vehicles. While the undersized rotor will wear well under normal operating conditions, aggressive braking or high speed braking may cause the metal to distort or brake pads to wear unevenly.
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Clean the inside of the wheel-well when rotating tires or servicing the brake system. If the wheel is not evenly clamped with the hub and rotor, uneven brake wear will result.
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Evenly tighten all lug nuts. Using the star-pattern or cross-pattern, tighten your lugs evenly to avoid uneven clamping between the wheel and rotor and hub.
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Remove any oils from new rotors or brake pads before installation. Oils embedded in the rotor or brake surface will cause uneven wear.
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Install higher quality brake pads. Low quality brake pads, while cheaper, often wear faster, or wear unevenly, resulting in more loose particles during braking. Particles that embed into the brake pad or rotor may result in sub-optimal braking resulting in uneven wear.
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Tips & Warnings
Periodically clean the brakes and rotors with brake cleaner. This solvent will help remove particles that would otherwise embed into the rotor surface and brake pad. Cleaned brakes will also squeal less.
Break-in procedures vary depending on the brand, construction and type of brake pad purchased. When installing new brake pads, be sure to follow manufacturer instructions for optimal results.
References
- Photo Credit disque de frein image by Christophe Fouquin from Fotolia.com
