New brakes . . . warped rotor feel?!

[mlatten]

Hey all. Just got around to replacing pads, rotors and calipers on both front wheels.

Seemed like a start and finish job, but a week in I'm noticing a major vibration when braking up around 65-70 mph. I'd say the pedal goes almost halfway when it does it, and it sure feels like a warped rotor - the car and steering wheel, in tandem, shake, pretty hard.

I'm pretty sure these pads are well broken in, but the only thing in the back of my mind is that I didn't bleed the rears like I usually do. Could that do it?

The car stops, so it's not imperative, it's just that, well, it shouldn't be doing it.

Standard 95 calipers, w/ $20 rotors and $60 pads. Nothing special or modified, just brakes.

Any/Everything is appreciated.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[NJSHO]

Have you re-checked your lug nut torque? Does the pedal always go half way down, or only when you have the problem? Are you sure the caliper bracket/slider pins are still torqued down? I would also say that the tie rod ends could be a culprit, but the mention of the pedal doing weird things leads rules that out I think. Any problem with brakes should be considered imperative, since the car stops now but might not next time.

 

[SASHO91]

It could be that you just picked up some "warpped" rotors..

Someauto parts stores will store rotors incorrectly, and over time, they will "warp" just from sitting on the shelf.

Its a good prcatice to turn the rotors before you put them on the car. to be certain that they are true.

I have had this happen a few times. Not on the sho though. but thats not saying its not possible.

 

[mlatten]

I was afraid the "tierod" word would come up, and even though I got home last night close to midnight, I set out with my trusty Craftsman worklight and retraced my steps.

Everything was neatly where I left it. So apart it all came.

Guess who bought 2 warped front rotors...

As for the halfway brake pedal action - I re-bled the rears.

So now, with my NEW AND UNWARPED rotors, I will go back to work.

Thanks guys - even though I knew I'd be taking it apart again, I appreciate the opinions and expertise of you lateral SHO lovers.

Thanks again,
Matt