So, about 3 months ago I installed some StopTech Street Performance brake pads in the front, because my stock pads were fading at autocrosses. I got the rotors resurfaced at NAPA, and bedded-in the pads correctly per StopTech's website.

About 3 or 4 weeks ago, the brakes started to act up at certain times. Above ~35-40MPH, and at about ~30-60% braking, the brake pedal and steering wheel both shake. It is more apparent in the steering wheel though.

Any ideas?

 

sounds like you warped your rotors man

 

Warped rotors.

 

Ugh, I'd hope not.

 

check rotor thickness. minimum thickness should be 23mm. are your braking problems happening only on the track? what brake fluid do you have in there right now? maybe upgrade to stoptech stainless steel brake lines and use DOT 4 Motul RBF600 if you autocross.

 

Alright, I'll have to check the thickness, and no I haven't raced with these problems, only on the street. Happens even with light braking. I have stock lines and stock fluid. I was going to try that fluid and do stainless lines this summer.

 

And if it is warped rotors, is there any way to tell if it is the front or rear?

 

trial and error method always works lol we can swap my stocks on individually and find out, or you can kill all of them at once

 

Could be that they cut your rotors below the recommended specs and that is why your experiencing shaking when braking.....Also, could be that it is warped, but even then it should not be as severe as your making it sound. Purchasing new rotors and pads should do the trick and also make sure you bleed the system properly.

 

Rotors being cut below the rec. specs would cause warping (but not the only cause).

If yo are feeling it in the wheel, it is most likely the fronts.

One question though. Were you careful not to stop completely at any point during the bed-in process? That can cause deposits of material to build in one spot on the rotor, which can cause uneven braking for a bit afterwards. Sounds like it is worse than that from your description, but another potential cause.

 

True, I'll have to measure the thickness. I need to find a micrometer though, haha. The shaking isn't too severe, but it's definitely noticeable. And it gets worse at freeway speeds, like 55MPH or higher. I'll have to do that eventually. Is it alright to drive on warped rotors for a little while?

That was my thought too, since the wheel is shaking. I did stop during the bed-in but tried to keep from using the brakes at that low of a speed. I used the e-brake/engine braking under 10MPH. But 3 months after install, I don't think uneven pad deposits would still be there?

 

Shouldnt be. I would still lean towards warping.

 

Looks like I'll be replacing the rotors soon.