Front Brakes studdering/jerking with bad sound

JCHT79 · 04-27-2008, 10:03 PM

My front brakes are making a studdering sound when pressure is applied to the brake pedal. I feel all the feedback through my steering wheel and brake pedal. I don't see any strange wear, but have had a shop look at them and tell me that my brakes all around are in good order and the fluid is fine. I'm just concerned about the front brakes. I need better knowledge to reccomend a solution to this issue?

Nate's Alero · 04-27-2008, 10:23 PM

hmm well my old car used to do that and it was that the brake rotors were warped..
is this at high speeds only or all the time and does it vary in intensity a different speeds?

Conehead2467 · 04-27-2008, 10:43 PM

i agree with the above post. I had symptoms like that as well. my front rotors ended up being warped. A new set of rotors fixed the issue.

Vinman · 04-27-2008, 11:09 PM

yup, totally warped rotors...

surreal_awakening · 04-27-2008, 11:16 PM

Warped rotors. Replace and make sure that you properly and evenly torque the lug bolts when you put them back on. It will minimize chances of it happening again.

JCHT79 · 04-28-2008, 07:44 PM

It happens at varying speeds, but is most noticable at 40 MPH or higher. If they're warped that would explain the lack of foresight by the second to last shop that checked them. Glad I didn't pay for that though.

Nate's Alero · 04-28-2008, 08:13 PM

oww replace em with aftermarket vented brake discs and youll be all set

(check your caliper too to make sure it is not damaged from the movement!)

JCHT79 · 04-29-2008, 08:02 PM

I was just thinking about the calipers as well. I'm going to replace the pads as well when I change the rotors.

Nate's Alero · 04-29-2008, 08:42 PM

good idea because the pads could also be unevenly worn, so you might get grooves in your new rotors and they will be effed... good idea though!

JCHT79 · 04-29-2008, 09:03 PM

What damage, if any, would show on the calipers: seal leakage? I should be able to get the parts fairly quick, but time is always on short supply.

Nate's Alero · 04-29-2008, 09:16 PM

hmm maybe just wear and tear ending in yes seal leakage and maybe premature caliper failure and mount and bolt wear causing really bad though to come to my head about what could happen if those bolts or caliper were weakened.. if you can replace the calipers!

JCHT79 · 04-30-2008, 08:58 PM

I'll probably check to see if calipers are in good condition before I do anything else. Getting the brakes done with a full needed parts list will be the task this weekend. Thanks.

Stanl3yX · 05-03-2008, 06:47 AM

im getting my pads and rotors changed next week. last time i got it done at this mom/pop shop they told me that i did not need to change my brake fluid but at a more professional shop they told i had to. is it important to change the brake fluid when changing the brakes?

JCHT79 · 05-04-2008, 08:59 PM

If the brake fluid color tested fine, then don't neccessarily change the brake fluid. Especially if you don't have a bleeder to get any bubbles out of the lines. I haven't changed my rotors and pads yet though my car's been sitting.

Stanl3yX · 05-08-2008, 08:45 AM

i changed my pads for the first time yesterday. learned a lot. i only needed to change the driver side pads and i bought rotors and pads for both front tires

lonnie · 05-08-2008, 09:40 AM

I would buy the pin kits also when replacing those rotors and pads. Make sure that the rubber boot is over the pin cause if water gets in there and the pin seizes you are possible screwed. Happened to me, and had to use a torch to get them out. They also make a grease that goes on those so I would make sure to put that on as well.

xXManwhoreXx · 05-15-2008, 10:29 AM

I have warped rotors also, what cause's this, is there anyway to prevent it, I heard I could get them machined.

[ion] C2 · 05-15-2008, 10:44 AM

braking causes it. buy some good rotors like the R1Concepts Drilled/Slotted Zinc Coated ones.

the stock rotors are TERRIBLE, never replace them with OEM. R1Concepts or better, always.

surreal_awakening · 05-15-2008, 11:16 AM

Some of it is due to the metals used in manufacturing. Unfortunately cheap Chinese metals work their way into the supply chain. You can have the rotors turned, if they are still within specs, but the preferred solution, like ion said, is get some good quality rotors. Also, when you put your wheels back on, make sure to properly and evenly torque the lug nuts to spec. This can help minimize the warping.

Redog · 05-15-2008, 01:16 PM

Warped rotors.

Check out Summit racing for thier brand of rotors, Slotted and X drilled, and $60 each for the front.

You'll need new pads too they have a decent seclection, but don't get the cheap pads. They have a set for $25

I have them all around on my car and I'm very happy