Jim Grant's Tech Tips
'87 Ford E-150, Many Brake Pads and Rotors
Q:
I
replaced the pads and rotors three times and I'm at a loss to stop the
vibration. Each set worked OK for a month, then start pulsing when hot
going down hill. When cold they are fine. No driving through water or
any other cause can be found. Ready for fourth set of rotors and pads
now. Any suggestions?
-
Don C.
A:
I
have more questions then suggestions. Why do you keep replacing the brake
pads if the rotors are the problem? Are the brake pads wearing out quickly
too? If this is the case then you should inspect your rear brakes. Before
I go on to explain. Are you using the right brake product, not discount
pads and/or rotors? The discount stuff doesn't cut it, it's cheaper for
a reason. Heat and/or incorrect installation procedures are the most common
cause for braking related pulsation or vibrations. The most common installation
problem is incorrect torquing of the wheel nuts. Uneven torque on the
lug nuts will cause a brake rotor to warp. It does not happen instantly
it takes a little time for heat from braking and the uneven pull of the
lug nuts to disfigured the brake rotor. Heat plays a big role in braking
and the greater the heat the more likely the rotors will warp and the
faster the brake pads will wear. That's why the rear brakes have to be
in good working order. If the rear brakes are out of adjustment, wheel
cylinders sticking or the proportioning valve that controls brake fluid
flow is not functioning correctly, the front brakes will over work. Overworked
just means a lot more heat which will eat up brake pads and rotors. So
before you slap another set of rotors and brake pads on, you should look
closely at the old part for the cause of their early failure.
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