Are warped rotors dangerous?

[KJ zGal]

So my mechanic told me when I had the KJ checked out that the reason the brakes are pulsating is probably because the rotors are warped--he couldn't find any other reason. The brake pads are fine. I was just wondering, because it seems to have gotten worse in recent days, whether this is actually DANGEROUS to drive the vehicle like that. He told me that if it were his car, he would live with it. In truth, however, it's driving me insane--my whole steering wheel shakes now >.< In the rain yesterday it seemed worse, but it's stopping, so is there really anything to worry about?

 

[sleeve]

I would worry about it.

The pulsation causes the pad to move back and forth which puts more strain on the brake caliper and overheats the brake fluid. This can lead to reduced stopping distance over time and cause premature failure of the brake caliper [again if you drive for an extended period of time like that]

I would have new rotors put on at the first available opportunity you have.

Also you might need to have the brake fluid flushed if it's still original to the vehicle. By now it's in need of a change.

So is it safe....? Technically yes for a short duration. But it is not a matter you should ignore.

 

[Powerslave]

It can also damage ball joints, and control arm bushings if let go for a LONG period of time.

 

[tjkj2002]

It can also damage ball joints, and control arm bushings if let go for a LONG period of time.

To add to the list..............

Can also damage the rack&pinion steering gear($1200+ repair alone),inner/outer tie rod ends,your alignment,tires,and steering shaft u-joints.

 

[wheeee32]

Definitely get that repaired ASAP. It will only cost more in other repairs if not done.

 

[Jeepin05]

Yep, it's general maintenance so it should be done. From what I've read on here, it isn't recommended to get the OEM replacement rotors since they don't last very long, I believe NAPA rotors are preferred (I need to do this too).

Since the pads are under $20, it would probably be best to also replace them as they may be worn unevenly from the rotors.

I just did all this work on an old F150 truck with a severe case of the symptoms you described. It was about $100, 2 hours of work, and the brakes were incredibly better afterwards.

You'll be happy with the investment .

 

[CHUD]

This can lead to reduced stopping distance

I think you meant increased stopping distances. Reduced stopping distance is a good thing.

 

[JeepJeepster]

hehe, Im going to warp my rotors so I can stop sooner.

 

[sleeve]

I think you meant increased stopping distances. Reduced stopping distance is a good thing.

Was thinking reduced stopping perfomance / increased stopping distance and got my hands got ahead of my brain.

 

[offrovering]

hehe, Im going to warp my rotors so I can stop sooner.

send them over to my wife, she will take care of that for you.

 

[hyde]

Mine is also shaky but only at high speeds. It is shaking when slowing down from 60 to 40, then shaking stops. OEM rotors are piece of crap, just like the pads they use. The rotors are cheap, pads are cheap, installation/labor is not.

They've got pads from $17 to $70 a pair.
They've got rotors from $20 to $70 pair.

Can anyone recommend a good brand?

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2004 JEEP LIBERTY 3.7L 226cid V6 FI (K) : Brake/Wheel Hub : Rotor	Price	Core	Total
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[yellocoyote]

Aside from a good aftermarket brand rotor replacement, could some one tell those of us who don't know... what causes warping of rotors?

I read somewhere that running through a lot of water after the brakes are hot is a no-no... but what else could cause it to happen?

I'll be replacing mine shortly as well... maybe this weekend.

 

[KJ zGal]

Well mine really only shakes when slowing from high speeds. The front brake pads are, according to my mechanic, still practically brand new, and the rear pads are about half worn. He said there wasn't any wear on them that looked like it was from warped rotors--it was just his best guess as to why it would have been pulsating. In the meantime, I found some here: http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/performanceparts/Jeep/Liberty/Brakes/Brake_Rotors

I was looking at the first ones on that list. Anyone know anything about the brand name as far as reliability and such goes? Obviously I have to same up some $$$ before I can do this, but yeah =P

 

[Jeepin05]

Yellocoyote, i can try and answer your question of why rotors warp.

When braking, your rotors can get extremely hot, sometimes they even glow red. For cheaper rotors (like the ones Chrysler graciously gave us), my assumption is that they warp over time when we apply the brakes to these "hot" rotors.

I might be wrong, but I look at it as the ability to bend metal when it is heated to a particular temp.

 

[yellocoyote]

Yellocoyote, i can try and answer your question of why rotors warp.

When braking, your rotors can get extremely hot, sometimes they even glow red. For cheaper rotors (like the ones Chrysler graciously gave us), my assumption is that they warp over time when we apply the brakes to these "hot" rotors.

I might be wrong, but I look at it as the ability to bend metal when it is heated to a particular temp.

Makes sense. I'm going to replace mine with a good aftermarket rotor... and then trying to avoid the situations that would cause warping for the future... if possible.

Is it very effective to have the OEM rotors turned when they're warped - is that even a temporary fix, or just bad to do in general?

 

[hyde]

Is it even worth turning/resurfacing them? I assume they have to remove it. Since they cost $50, it is much better to just swap them...

 

[tjkj2002]

Aside from a good aftermarket brand rotor replacement, could some one tell those of us who don't know... what causes warping of rotors?

I read somewhere that running through a lot of water after the brakes are hot is a no-no... but what else could cause it to happen?

I'll be replacing mine shortly as well... maybe this weekend.

Riding the brake pedal,alot of high speed slow downs are the main reasons.To much heat is the main cause.If you do many 50mph to 0mph stops in short distances and then hold the brake while waiting for that stop light it can cause the rotors to warp.If I'm ******* my brakes(often and still not warped) I always allow my KJ to roll forward a inch at a time during the stop to minimize warping and I will also shift into "N" and not hold the brake either.

 

[jnaut]

To add to the list..............

Can also damage the rack&pinion steering gear($1200+ repair alone),inner/outer tie rod ends,your alignment,tires,and steering shaft u-joints.

Plus, your chi gets out of balance, and bad spirits will cause you bad luck. Warped rotors! Thousand years bad ju-ju!

 

[KJ zGal]

Lol! Alright, well what about using the e-brake at stop lights and such? Since most of the stops I make are on from 50-0 and on hills, I kind of have to hold the brakes. However, I don't stop in short distances. I've been engine braking more lately (not just because of this, but weather conditions), and now I'm wondering how bad THAT is for the engine. I don't just completely release the clutch and let it clunk and crash into the lower gear, but let it out more slowly. What sort of damage can that do as opposed to pedal-braking?

 

[JeepJeepster]

I would rather ride the brakes all day long than to use the engine to slow me down. Its better with a manual ****** but I would never do that with my auto since it just causes more wear and tear on the ******. I can change out the brakes easily in the driveway but not a ******.

Ive been using the e-brake at red lights a lot lately. The town I live in is nothing but red lights and I get tired of holding the brake. Probably not a good idea since the people behind you cant see the brake lights anymore but I really dont care.