Warped Rotors?
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New User
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Warped Rotors?
After my 2006 Ford F150 Lariet started shaking and pulsating when braking (38,000 miles) I took the truck to the Ford dealer and asked to have my brake pads checked. They came back and siad they looked fine and I had alot of wear left. Then I mentioned that is was shaking and asked them to check it again, they drove it and then said my rotors are warped and I need to replace the rotors and pads. I don't haul, tow or do anything crazy with it.
Now, here's my questions:
1. Can the rotors go bad and the brake pads be fine?
2. Should I go with a ceramic pad or stick with the OEM?
I'm just a female and don't want to be taken advantage of at the dealers. Cost is not an issue when purchasing a good product.
What suggestions do any of you have?
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Now, here's my questions:
1. Can the rotors go bad and the brake pads be fine?
2. Should I go with a ceramic pad or stick with the OEM?
I'm just a female and don't want to be taken advantage of at the dealers. Cost is not an issue when purchasing a good product.
What suggestions do any of you have?
<!-- / message -->
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Murray KY
After my 2006 Ford F150 Lariet started shaking and pulsating when braking (38,000 miles) I took the truck to the Ford dealer and asked to have my brake pads checked. They came back and siad they looked fine and I had alot of wear left. Then I mentioned that is was shaking and asked them to check it again, they drove it and then said my rotors are warped and I need to replace the rotors and pads. I don't haul, tow or do anything crazy with it.
Now, here's my questions:
1. Can the rotors go bad and the brake pads be fine?
2. Should I go with a ceramic pad or stick with the OEM?
I'm just a female and don't want to be taken advantage of at the dealers. Cost is not an issue when purchasing a good product.
What suggestions do any of you have?
<!-- / message -->
Now, here's my questions:
1. Can the rotors go bad and the brake pads be fine?
2. Should I go with a ceramic pad or stick with the OEM?
I'm just a female and don't want to be taken advantage of at the dealers. Cost is not an issue when purchasing a good product.
What suggestions do any of you have?
<!-- / message -->
<!-- controls -->
#2. I have ceramic on the front of my Blazer and after 60K miles when I had replace my failed front bearings I went with new rotors and the same pads because they were still at 50% at least and do not dust.
Brakes are so smooth now. Many warpped rotors are due to improper installing of the wheels.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 324
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From: Southern USA
The front rotors on 04 and up must be turned on the vehicle. (on 2 wheel drives) Remember that after just one turning, theres less steel so they will warp again at some point. I do not know what they charge. This new style has 2 large brgs pressed into the hub, and its only replaceable as a complete assy. (not like the old days) I bought a pair at Oriellys, Wagner i think, for $169.99 ea. Lifetime warranty. If you have 4 x 4, fronts and backs are about 75-80 ea. This has been a notorious problem with late model Fords, and Bosch desgined the front ones , per Ford specs., you'd think they would be quality parts. As far as pads, thermoquiets, carquest blues, brakebest premium seem to be popular, without spending a bunch of $$. Im running Hawks up front and thermoquiets around back. If you want OEM factory, i have a new set of front factory pads i'll almost give away plus a little shiping. I had them left over from the new calipers i bought from new takeoffs. Most folks that buy ceramics are really tired of cleaning the dust. For the average driver, you prob. wouldn't notice the difference. Hope to be of some help...paul
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 799
Likes: 13
From: East L.A.
Rotors aren't too expensive and are relatively easy to replace on two wheel drives. Maybe cheaper than turning, if you're doing the work yourself.
Try not to ride the brakes...a major cause of over heating/warping for rotors.
Try not to ride the brakes...a major cause of over heating/warping for rotors.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 298
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From: Vicksburg, MS
If you have a 2WD the rotor/bearing assemblies are more expensive than the 4WD. The factory pads make a lot of dust. I used Thermoquiet Ceramics on my '04 and they make a lot less dust than the OEM. If your rotors are warped you maybe better off changing them to a good brand that is made in the USA. I bought the NAPA performance rotors and all the components were made in the USA. they are around $245 each though for the 2WD assembly. Cragar has cryogenic rotors which should be the best quality for the money.
Thread Starter
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New User
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Warped Rotors
Thanks for all your time and help. I will have a lot of questions at the dealership to ask.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Louisiana
I replaced my front rotors for the second time about 9 months ago. This time I went to Auto Zone and bought Duralast. They were only $83.00 each and have a 2 year warranty.
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,392
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From: Greenvile, SC
Is this a 2wd or 4wd?
That usually makes the difference between a $80 front rotor vs. a $170+ rotor (each).
Premium aftermarket brand or OEM front rotors usually run around the $190-220+ range around here (also.. each).
I've also found that the OEM rotors don't seem to like the "cheaper" Ceramic pads.
My '05 had next to nearly identical symptoms...
That usually makes the difference between a $80 front rotor vs. a $170+ rotor (each).
Premium aftermarket brand or OEM front rotors usually run around the $190-220+ range around here (also.. each).
I've also found that the OEM rotors don't seem to like the "cheaper" Ceramic pads.
My '05 had next to nearly identical symptoms...
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 790
From: Simi Valley, CA
You usually will see blue heat spots when the rotors are warped, turning them removes the heat spots initially, but these spots will return within a week.
The dealer where I bought my new 2004 F150 Lariat 2WD CC, replaced the warped rotors FIVE times under warranty within 17,000 miles due to brake judder.
According to Ed Olson (FTE sponsor PARTSGUYED.COM), Ford came out with a different type of rotor for these trucks in 2007...that supposedly do not warp.
But, by 2007, I had sold the truck, so I dunno if these newer rotors are any better then the POS rotors used originally.
Warped rotors are just like warped flywheels. Once warped, the parts must be replaced.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 118
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From: Murray KY
Sometimes yes and sometimes no.
Turning warped rotors will not solve anything because once they are warped, they are warped forever.
You usually will see blue heat spots when the rotors are warped, turning them removes the heat spots initially, but these spots will return within a week.
The dealer where I bought my new 2004 F150 Lariat 2WD CC, replaced the warped rotors FIVE times under warranty within 17,000 miles due to brake judder.
According to Ed Olson (FTE sponsor PARTSGUYED.COM), Ford came out with a different type of rotor for these trucks in 2007...that supposedly do not warp.
But, by 2007, I had sold the truck, so I dunno if these newer rotors are any better then the POS rotors used originally.
Warped rotors are just like warped flywheels. Once warped, the parts must be replaced.
You usually will see blue heat spots when the rotors are warped, turning them removes the heat spots initially, but these spots will return within a week.
The dealer where I bought my new 2004 F150 Lariat 2WD CC, replaced the warped rotors FIVE times under warranty within 17,000 miles due to brake judder.
According to Ed Olson (FTE sponsor PARTSGUYED.COM), Ford came out with a different type of rotor for these trucks in 2007...that supposedly do not warp.
But, by 2007, I had sold the truck, so I dunno if these newer rotors are any better then the POS rotors used originally.
Warped rotors are just like warped flywheels. Once warped, the parts must be replaced.
I have had both success and fail with turned rotors. I will not pay $12 for a turn job when I can buy a new one for $30 which is often the case.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 183
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From: Newnan,Ga
Well the reason I turn my rotors when needed is because I have a friend who has three lathes and does them for free. So turning them costs me nothing and will hold me off until I have the money to buy new rotors. I understand what your saying that they will always be warped but it can be a temporary fix for a budget minded person.
New User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 15
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From: Southeast PA
I have an 07 F-150 Scab 5.4 4x4 that has 18,000 miles now and only now am I feeling a very minor vibration under braking from steering wheel. So far so good I guess. Brakes are still original. I guess I will have Ford tech check out rotors on my next visit.
