Brake Drums Warped Out of Box...Part II

CapitalTruck · September 30, 2016

Some of you might have remembered my astonishment when the brand new OEM ACDelco (not professional or advantage) drums came out of the box warped when I mounted them on my Silverado after putting new brake shoes on it. After not being able to tolerate it any more I returned them to amazon (after ACDelco helped me out with the warranty) for a refund. I purchased some Carquest drums next. Same thing. I thought to myself "you got to be doing something wrong." Today I took the truck into a trusted shop. Sure enough, it was just warped drums. He said he put them on a lathe and there was noticeable warp, not severe, but enough that you would feel it. I tell you what, I'm sick of these crappy parts. It seems like it doesn't matter anymore what brand you buy, everything is suspect. I don't have a freakin' brake lathe in my basement. It sucks to not be able to count on new parts to be true and round.

DaveH71 · September 30, 2016

Give Centric a try, we use their parts daily at my shop and have never had problems.

kstruckcountry · September 30, 2016

I went with centric rotors and will be going with their drums too.

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GhostWriter · September 30, 2016

Still feeling your pain. If this kind of thing continues, would suggest avoiding rides with drum brakes.

Rotors have their own set of problems, but they're easier to evaluate, then shim.

white1500 · October 1, 2016

+1 for Centric rotors. I have them on the back axle since 2013 paired with ac delco ceramic pads all around. Never loud or dusty, and wear amazingly well.

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GhostWriter · October 1, 2016

All good information, but can't tell whether anyone has actual experience with Centric drums, as written. Just wondering, so I can file it away in my noggin.

CapitalTruck · October 2, 2016

Nope, haven't tried Centric before. I will certainly give them a try in the future. Certainly nothing to lose. OEM GM didn't work out, Advance Auto/CQ didn't work out (until I had them lathed), next time Centric will be my go-to. I guess they make drums?

394Burban · October 2, 2016

It has to do with the way the drums are being stored. They need to lay flat on the shelf. Not upright. Same goes for rotors. Regardless of brand.

DaveH71 · October 2, 2016

Nope, haven't tried Centric before. I will certainly give them a try in the future. Certainly nothing to lose. OEM GM didn't work out, Advance Auto/CQ didn't work out (until I had them lathed), next time Centric will be my go-to. I guess they make drums?

Yup they make drums for sure, two styles. One with the E-coat to prevent rust and one without.

In fact i just put a set of Centric drums on an 86 c10 last friday afternoon.

demech23 · October 3, 2016

Some of you might have remembered my astonishment when the brand new OEM ACDelco (not professional or advantage) drums came out of the box warped when I mounted them on my Silverado after putting new brake shoes on it. After not being able to tolerate it any more I returned them to amazon (after ACDelco helped me out with the warranty) for a refund. I purchased some Carquest drums next. Same thing. I thought to myself "you got to be doing something wrong." Today I took the truck into a trusted shop. Sure enough, it was just warped drums. He said he put them on a lathe and there was noticeable warp, not severe, but enough that you would feel it. I tell you what, I'm sick of these crappy parts. It seems like it doesn't matter anymore what brand you buy, everything is suspect. I don't have a freakin' brake lathe in my basement. It sucks to not be able to count on new parts to be true and round.

All good information, but can't tell whether anyone has actual experience with Centric drums, as written. Just wondering, so I can file it away in my noggin.

Actually, many drums and rotors are slightly warped new right out of the box. From being stacked who knows how many high on a rack for however long to being tossed around during shipping, warping can happen and that's why they have a warranty.

I actually had my centric drums on a brake lathe before installing on my truck. I am glad that I checked for warp and I highly recommend the Centric premium drums and shoes.

GhostWriter · October 3, 2016

Actually, many drums and rotors are slightly warped new right out of the box. From being stacked who knows how many high on a rack for however long to being tossed around during shipping, warping can happen and that's why they have a warranty.

I actually had my centric drums on a brake lathe before installing on my truck. I am glad that I checked for warp and I highly recommend the Centric premium drums and shoes.

Sounds logical to me. If so, the whole industry should be on this.

Out of curiosity, can verbiage or arrows be found on any of the boxes shipped from the manufacturers? Wasn't really looking for anything when I replaced front rotors in the Spring.

Anisuri · October 3, 2016

I am going to try slotted rotors and ceramic pads from http://www.crossdrilledrotors.ca/stainless-steel-brake-kits.htmlwebsite. My friend has put them into his ride, and he like them a lot. Has anyone here tried their products?