Brake rotors/pads

Rippem · November 3, 2003

My 15K mile '02 HD is going in Thurs. morning for what I suspect will be front rotor replacement (warped?). It's not bad around town (does feel like chit on panic stops)...but haulin' her down from big speed, like hitting an offramp at speed, the wobble will definitely make you nervous. I drive like hell, so this is a big concern. Question is: If they do replace the rotors, this would include/neccesitate new pads correct? Should it? I want to be prepared! Oh, by the way...they will have specific instructions not to flash the truck (see sig.)

Shaners · November 3, 2003

I would think that they should replace the pads, but unless you say something I'm guessing they won't replace the pads... Heck, even if you say something they may still not replace them.

kjo43 · November 3, 2003

I had 4 rotors replaced on warranty at 21KMI, "excessivly, pitted and warped, no safe to resurface" Dealer told me the pads were plenty fine. I tend to buy the story they had no problems replacing the expensive rotors on warranty, and with todays parts rotors are just as much of a "wear part" as pads.

I just want to know if I should expect to replace my rotors every 20KMI?

raventai · November 4, 2003

wow you guys are hard on your brakes, I have 50k and my factory pads are still very thick, no problems with warping

you guys do a lot od stop and go traffic?

Rippem · November 5, 2003

I think it's somewhat random...depending on the batch of metal yours came out of. Some are junk early...others last a respectable amount of time. Remember your 2-wheeler is lighter...and yes, I drive like hell! I've only had this truck 5K miles. I didn't trash 'em in that amount of time. The previous owner no doubt didn't "brake" 'em in proper...just standing on fresh rotors will wreck them everytime, you need to on/off the pedal when they're fresh/new for a couple K miles...especially for a hard stop.

Rippem · November 7, 2003

UPDATE: Pads were very good...turned all four rotors, much better pedal feel and smooth braking performance. The fronts were grooved pretty good on the insides and the rears needed a better finish. It was a time consuming but overall a good warranty visit experience. The tech seemed sharp...and fussy.

CMNTMXR81 · November 7, 2003

Generally yes but in some cases no if the wear is even on the pads

You want a proper wear against the rotor so if a pad has less material at the top then the bottom, it will apply pressure unevenly therefore affecting braking.

Mine acts the same way now from high speeds but I'm past 20k.

These trucks chew brakes up light nothing. The combonation of weight and ABS activation just annihilates them. I went through a set (literally dug into the rotor) on my Blazer in 12,000 miles. But then again, I do a lot of 75+ to 0 stopping.