shake when applying brakes

[metstalker]

on my fathers 2001 nissan xterra the front end starts to shake when he tries to apply brakes i was just wondering if you all could help me determine what would be the problem.

 

[X~FACTOR]

Could be, sounds like a warped rotor. Cost about $90 to re-surface each.

 

[Glacier991]

textbook case of a warped rotor.(s)

 

[JDraper]

Yep, I'd bet on a warped rotor too. X-Factor, I don't know where you get your brake work done, but I can get a rotor turned for about $12 around here!!

 

[aldive]

Could be, sounds like a warped rotor. Cost about $90 to re-surface each.

You are kidding... right?

 

[jgilbs]

warped rotor. costs about $10-$12 to get resurfaced (some NAPA stores can do it for you if they have a machine shop) unless it is below the minimum thickness, then you need a new rotor which runs about $90-$120, depending on your vehicle. also, when replacing/resurfacing rotors ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS replace your brake pads as well(learned this one the hard way).

 

[X~FACTOR]

Hmmm... got it done once from my Camaro days. Must've included the whole brake job. My bad.

 

[Bronco638]

While working for Midas (corporate), I never heard any shop have a good experience with 'resurfacing' a warped rotor. It's exremely difficult to machine out a warp. It has to do with the metallergy. Usually, the warp will return especially if the car is subject to stop-and-go driving (multiple heat/cool cycles). IMO, replace the rotor.

 

[JDraper]

Depends upon the original rotor thickness. Most of the new rotors are so thin to start with that it's usually better to just replace 'em. A lot of the rotors from older vehicles (70's and earlier) were a lot thicker and you could turn them several times before they had to be replaced.

 

[ton_e_montana]

Will a powerslot upgrade solve this problem?

 

[jayhawkexplorer]

I have no idea what kind of parts shops you guys are dealing with, but all these prices sound absolutely insane. I work at a parts store, and turning rotors costs $8 apiece. Its not that hard to turn warped rotors, you just have to take off more material then usual. And for a new rotor, $90 to 120?? Not unless you're driving a Porsche or something insane. We sell 1 year warranty BrakeBest rotors for $20 to $35, depending on application. Wagner lifetime warranty rotors go for around $30 to $50.

 

[jayhawkexplorer]

Will a powerslot upgrade solve this problem?

I wouldn't call it a problem. Its not like this is something unusual or bad. It just happens eventually with a lot of vehicles, especially when the driver rides the brakes frequently. Simple to fix too.

 

[jgilbs]

I have no idea what kind of parts shops you guys are dealing with, but all these prices sound absolutely insane. I work at a parts store, and turning rotors costs $8 apiece. Its not that hard to turn warped rotors, you just have to take off more material then usual. And for a new rotor, $90 to 120?? Not unless you're driving a Porsche or something insane. We sell 1 year warranty BrakeBest rotors for $20 to $35, depending on application. Wagner lifetime warranty rotors go for around $30 to $50.

I have no idea what parts store you goto, but those rotors cost less than the lowest priced brake pads at autozone! Where can one find such cheap rotors?

 

[hunterdan]

The prices for rotors for the Xterra range from $65-$80, for the wearever series at advance auto to the Bendix rotors. Both of which carry a 1 year warranty against defects. When a rotor warps its because the heat penetrates the rotor completely. This disrupts the crystalline structure of the metal and will have hard and soft spots as well as strong and weak points. You can remove material to smooth it out, but it has a better chance of warping again. Working for advance auto, I've noticed that rotors for newer vehicles have become thicker as well as bigger in diameter. The thicker it is, the more heat it can absorb before it starts to deform, and the bigger diameter creates more torque to stop the wheel. The newer rotors also seem to be a lot lighter though they are much bigger than the older ones. The best way to prevent warped rotors, dont ride the brakes. When going down a mountain, pick a speed that will keep you safe,when you hit that speed, hit the brakes to slow you down about 15 mph or so, then let off. Let the vehicle pick up speed to the speed you selected. Example, If you want to maintain 60 mph down a mountain, slow down to 45 mph, then let it pick up speed to 60 again and repeat. This allows the brakes to cool down between braking cycles. This also keeps your pads in good shape, not glazing them over and providing the best stopping power they can. HTH

Dan

 

[jayhawkexplorer]

I have no idea what parts store you goto, but those rotors cost less than the lowest priced brake pads at autozone! Where can one find such cheap rotors?

I work/shop at O'Reilly, which you've got in Illinois and Iowa actually. Just from looking on the website, you can get pads for that Xterra from BrakeBest for $16.99 or Wagner for $42.99. The rotors, unfortunately, only are available from Wagner with a lifetime warranty for $84.99, that is really expensive. The same ones for my Explorer are under $45.

 

[metstalker]

thank you all for your help