So I pulled off the winter wheel/tire setup last month. Around the same time my "brake" light was coming on so I replaced the pads and fixed that. When I had the winter setup on, driving on the thru way would cause a lot of vibration (probably because the wheels werent perfectly centered on the hub). Now about a month after I replaced the pads, my brake pedal is pulsating. It is also worth noting that my front passenger wheel has A LOT more brake dust on it than any of the others. I was thinking about having the rotors turned today. Should I do this and is it ok to have them turned if the pads have been on there for about a month? Thanks!

 

I thought vibration at fast speeds was caused by worn out tires... idk.. I could be wrong..

 

Vibrations can be caused by a lot of things. But based on djnik26's brake symptoms, it sounds like his rotors are causing the vibrations and uneven/excessive pad wear.

To diagnose this, a mechanic/brake specialist would measure the rotor thickness variation and see if the variations are off from standard. Hence, the rotor would have an uneven surface giving the pulsating brake feel. Worst scenario is the rotors could be warped. If so, the rotors either need to be resurfaced/machined, or replaced (esp. if warped).

As for the cause, it could either be from improper tire/wheel mounting/balancing (as his case), or from rust (caused esp. in winter season when salt is scattered on the road), or from extreme braking (like doing track on an oem brake sys.).

So take your car to a brake specialist to have them check it out. I don't think you need to replace the pads after resurfacing the rotors but check w/ your mechanic (he'll probably say you might as well). Good luck!

 

The first thing I would check is to make sure they are installed correctly. It doesn't sound right that the one wheel is getting dust when the others are not. I'm sure there are people that will disagree with me, but I never cut my rotors, and I've owned many toyota's. You may have to now if you mess one up. From my understanding rotors are cut for 2 reasons. To get rid of that small lip that forms around the outside, which will never affect braking and for people that don't get there brakes changed in time and cut groves in them.

I could give you wild guess that maybe one of the pads on that wheel didn't seat correctly, but without looking at it, it would to hard to tell.

I would definatly have it checked soon as not to cause more damage.

Good Luck, jjp

 

 

also, don't turn your rotors. it lowers the heat capacity of the rotor which means your brakes can overheat and fade easier.

 

Yup, that's also true, Drax. But it depends on how much resurfacing is needed. But personally this would be an opportune time to upgrade to a slotted one (if it were me, of course. ftw!) But anyhow, it should be checked on, stat.

 

stoptech stage II brake kit!!! just ordered mine yesterday!!!

 

If the pedal is pulsating when the brakes are applied, send the rotors to a machine shop or brake shop that does thier own machining and have them checked and turned. If they dont have excessive wear on them, are not grooved out badly and are not severely warped, they should be fine to turn. A good shop can tell you that by checking the thickness to spec. I would not turn a set more than once, and I never have a set turned if there is no issue with the brakes to start with that warrants it. Put them back on the car after you get them back, and bed in the brake pads.

 

thanks for all the help guys. I had it looked at today and the back rotors were shot (which I would have been able to tell had I taken a closer look). So I had those replaced, the front ones I had turned, and I had ceramic pads put on all the way around. I also needed new tires so I went to another place to have that done (I was trying to put that off but I figured I'd get it all done today). Needless to say, it was a very expensive day, but the ride is sooo smooth right now as is the braking.