Rotors - Vibration

Grandpa · October 9, 2004

Ok, it's been a while since I've last posted with school and all, but I my chair is vibrating for some reason, when I press the breaks. I went up to Meineke to get an oil change (free w/ a coupon i got in an entertainment book). I also asked them to take my wheels off while they were at it, and my brakes pads and rotors where fine on the back seat ( assumed that it would be on the back axel ), and the front also looked fine. So, I asked the head mechanic there, and he said, "the most likely problem he could think of is that, the rotors needed to be rotated, and he said that right now it would be a "guessing game" to see which axel needs to be rotated; all 4 would probably needed to be rotated at 15 per rotor($60) and, $100 labor." So, I'm not sure if this guy is bsing me or what. But should I do it? If i were, I would want to do the back two rotors first, right?

obergc · October 9, 2004

If you have a warped rotor, any reputable shop should be able to isolate a bad rotor with a dial indicator, a device that rides against the rotor surface when rotated and it will measure the runout of the rotor. If you have a warped rotor, only solution is resurfacing/machining or replacement of the rotor and I would recommend doing that in axle sets. Never heard of rotating rotors to find a bad one. You also can't tell if a rotor is slightly warped by an eyeball inspection which is what it sounds like you got. I think I would take my car elsewhere if I were you. You could end up with a big repair bill if you're not careful and informed.

obergc · October 9, 2004

In re-reading your post, I'm sure that you misinterperted what the mechanic said. He didn't tell you that your rotors needed to be rotated, he told you that your rotors needed to be "turned". Big difference. I would tackle my front brakes first because they do most of the work.

Grandpa · October 10, 2004

I see, but doesn't the vibrations in the back of the seat usually mean that the back rotors are bad? And, the shop was meineke... aren't they reputable?

obergc · October 10, 2004

a mineke shop should definitely be able to check the runout of your rotors, of course that takes time and time is money. $15/rotor to have them turned isn't a bad price, you just have to watch out that they don't go below the minimum allowed thickness of the rotor after machining. The amount that they machine off the rotors will depend on how badly it's warped. You would think that a warped rotor on your front wheels would give you some feedback in your steering wheel. Without driving your car and feeling the vibration I can't tell you whether the problem is front or rear, it's just that the front brakes work harder in stopping the car and normally problems show up there before on the rear. Good luck.

Grandpa · October 11, 2004

a mineke shop should definitely be able to check the runout of your rotors, of course that takes time and time is money. $15/rotor to have them turned isn't a bad price, you just have to watch out that they don't go below the minimum allowed thickness of the rotor after machining. The amount that they machine off the rotors will depend on how badly it's warped. You would think that a warped rotor on your front wheels would give you some feedback in your steering wheel. Without driving your car and feeling the vibration I can't tell you whether the problem is front or rear, it's just that the front brakes work harder in stopping the car and normally problems show up there before on the rear. Good luck.

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The only vibration i get in the steering wheel is when i start hitting 60mph +, where it goes on and off