Brake Repair

[vmeddy]

I own a 2001 GA GT with 23k miles. I have obvious warped rotors. Although I am a little suprised at the need to replace them so soon, I guess it's a fact of life with the cheap production rotors. I am planning on replacing the rotors and pads with heavier stock. I have also noticed a chatter in what I assume must be the calipers when the wheels are moving, even when the brakes are engaged. It is worse when I turn the car. I am guessing I have siezed calipers? Any tips on repair or prevention once I replace the parts? I have heard that you can mess up the ABS system when resetting caliper pistons. Any hints would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[LoneRangers15]

Isn't it still under warranty? I would take it to the dealer.

[vmeddy]

Warranties only cover "non-wear" parts. I've been through this. The dealer will blame it on "your driving habits" and then quote you a rediculous repair price for dealer parts. Not worth it.

[sunrunner_pei]

There are TSBs out on the warped rotor issues, since it's such a common problem. While the dealer technically doesn't *have* to do the repair under warranty, most will. The repair usually involves replacing the rotors, cleaning the mating surface of the hubs, replacing the brake pads, and properly torquing the lugnuts.

If you want to fix this yourself, that's not a bad idea. A good set of Cast Steel (Not cast iron like stock) rotors (slotted or cross-drilled are common) along with ceramic or carbon-metallic pads will last a bunch longer than factory. Good preventave maintenance would include periodically cleaning the calipers and the slider bolts and the pad slides. Keeping the sliders well lubricated will help keep the calipers moving freely and improve pedal feel.

Also, make sure the hub surface is ABSOLUTELY CLEAN before reinstalling your rotors. Any dirt buildup between the rotor and the hub will cause runout. When you button it all up, torque the lugnuts in a star pattern gradually to 100 ft-lbs. All five to 50, then 75, then 90, etc... This will ensure that everything lines up properly.

For those with rear drums, make sure the drums are adjusted properly to take some of the strain off the front brakes.

Hope this helps!

After all this is done, as you know, driving habits play a large factor in how long your brakes will last. :)

[Alero1]

Yep, I would dump the factory junk. They are just gonna replace with rotors that will just warp again. I put Brembo OE rotors on my car from TireRack. Inexpensive and no more warping problems. Toss in a good set of pads and your brake concerns are over. You can find the full brake pulsation TSB here: http://www.aleroupgrades.com/tsbs.htm

[XtremeGrandAm]

Brake problems arent just a GA or pontiac specific problem. GM uses very bad factory rotors. I've never had a dealership replace my rotors but they will machine them for me which gives them usually 1-3,000 more miles before they do it again. I vote that you just pick up a set of aftermarket ones. You wont have that constant problem with a good set of those

[mikem220153]

I had a GM service manager tell me once that is was normal for the front brakes to need replacement at 22,000 miles on average. He blamed it on the pads not having asbestos in them any more. Well, after a lot of years with N-body cars, I have learned better. All GM has to do is upgrade the material used in thier rotors and pads!! But then, they wouldn't be able to charge you out the butt for thier crappy brake parts!! Bottom line: Go aftermarket and do it yourself! You will save yourself some major bucks!
Mike