Bumpy Brakes

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Dec 6, 2004 | 12:37 PM

Tertz

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Bumpy Brakes

I have a 2003 Ford Ranger whose front brakes have a "bumpy" feel when applied after a period of use. This occurs after 30 to 45 minutes of normal traffic driving and gets more pronounced with time. My Ford delaer (after a recent 30M mile service) said all brake parts checked out fine. A friend and former Ranger owner claims that his previous trucks were susceptible to develeping "hot spots" on the rotors and he felt this was the cause. Any thoughts?

Dec 6, 2004 | 12:48 PM

seantx

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99% chance the rotors are warping after they heat up. Common problem.

Dec 7, 2004 | 08:53 AM

pawpaw

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Joined: Jan 2004

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From: SW Va

Have always had the same problem on my 94 Taurus 3.8L since new. Recently completely redid the brakes with new OEM pads & shoes.
Problem solved!!! I wonder now if it wasn't a pad composition uniformity problem all along!!!!

Dec 7, 2004 | 01:39 PM

cooter4x

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My 2000 Ranger has a strange brake noise. It seems like it's coming from the rotors but I'm not sure. It's a slower "bump" when I apply the brakes only when I press the pedal so far. If I push too hard it quits and if I apply too lightly it doesn't do it... Could I have a bad rotor or caliper?

Dec 7, 2004 | 02:33 PM

G2IC_Wraith

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 1,436

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From: Virginia

Quote:

Originally Posted by seantx

99% chance the rotors are warping after they heat up. Common problem.

And that is 100% common misconception.

Tertz - Welcome to FTE. The hot-spots your freind spoke of are correct. They are caused by uneven deposits left on the rotor by the pads. Proper bedding of brake pads to the rotor surface is the best prevention.

Everyone's reading assignment tonight are the following links. Please spread the truth and not the myth.

http://www.stoptech.com/whitepapers/...otors_myth.htm
http://www.stoptech.com/faq/data/faq25.htm

Last edited by G2IC_Wraith; Dec 7, 2004 at 02:36 PM.