1992-1999 Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's and Buick Lesabres Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.

Warper Brake Rotors on a 98

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 16, 2006 | 02:23 PM
  #1  
bill0425's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Posts like a Ricer Type-R
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Warren MI
bill0425 is on a distinguished road
Default Warper Brake Rotors on a 98

When I bought my 98 Bonneville SE (used with 60,000 miles), the brake rotors were warped. Had them turned and they were fine for about 10,000 miles. Warped again, so I bought slotted/drilled rotors and ceramic brake pads. Now, 30000 miles later, they are warped. Yet, my wife'* 2000 LeSabre at 75,000 miles has the original set of rotors that aren't warped. My question is: is there anything else I can do to stop the rotors from warping? The rear brakes are functional and in adjustment, so I don't think that'* a contributing factor.
Reply
Old Aug 16, 2006 | 02:29 PM
  #2  
bandit's Avatar
Senior Member
True Car Nut
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,029
Likes: 1
From: NEBF:06,07 | NYBF:06,07 | ONBF:06,07 | CNBF:06 & more............
bandit is on a distinguished road
Default

make sure that the Pins that the calipers slide on are moveing freely. put some good greace on them. cuz if they are sticky that can make roter worpe.
Reply
Old Aug 16, 2006 | 02:39 PM
  #3  
willwren's Avatar
Junior Member
Posts like a Ricer Type-R
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 11
Likes: 13
willwren is on a distinguished road
Default

Warped rotors are not uncommon. Be anal about wheel lug torque. Torque in a star-pattern in stages. First to 50 ft/lbs, then 75, then 100. Make sure the mating surfaces of the hub/rotor are clean, as well as the rotor/wheel. Clean the threads of the lug studs, and the threads of the lugs, then apply a small drop or two of oil to the threads to insure even torque.

Drilled rotors are a very bad idea. They may actuall cause warping, they decrease braking surface area, and are typically not for a street application. Micro-cracks can cause rotors to shatter. The only 'safe' drilled rotors have the holes pre-cast into the blanks, not drilled or machined. If they're drilled, they need to be properly stress-relieved before final hardening. And after all this, the rotor diameter must be increased to make up for the loss of braking surface area the collective holes create.

Buy quality rotors that are flat surface or slotted. After warping, turning may buy you time as you found, but they will warp again. Once warped, it'* inevitable.

Pay particularly close attention to your rear brakes. If they're weak, they put too much of the braking load on the front, causing excessive heat buildup.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
disco_dotty
1987-1991
14
Jan 19, 2005 07:38 PM
zzzzzeke
Performance, Brainstorming & Tuning
4
Oct 21, 2003 04:17 PM
BarryBoy
1992-1999
6
Sep 16, 2003 03:46 PM
LittleHoov
1992-1999
4
Aug 28, 2003 10:58 PM
willwren
Performance, Brainstorming & Tuning
21
Nov 27, 2002 11:08 AM




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:26 AM.