Jim Grant's Tech Tips '98 Buick Regal GS, Wobbling when stopping
Q:
I purchased $25 each
rotors for my 98 Buick Regal GS 6 months ago. The reason I changed
them was because I do not believe in re-surfacing rotors, do not know
why I think this way. I use ceramic base pads from Raybestos. I replaced
the rotors because the car was wobbling when stopping. Sometimes I got
a little shimmy. My first question is would more expensive rotors resist
warpage better? Second would slotted or drilled rotors resist warpage
better?
A:
The drilled and/or
slotted aftermarket brake rotors do perform better than original equipment.
I make this statement because I use these performance type brake rotors
on my own vehicles. The braking is much more consistent when towing and
under hard braking conditions. You should be aware that performance rotors
will not correct for other problems or causes for brake pulsation. The
hub/flange that the rotor is secured to must be clean, free of rust build-up
and true (not be warped). Even the best product made will have a problem
if bolted-up to a less than worthy hub. Also, use care when tightening
the wheel nuts. They should be tightened in a star pattern and torqued
to the manufacturers specifications.
|