GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I've been feeling noticeable vibration in the steering wheel during high speed braking. Could this mean my front rotors are warped or does it mean the rotors and/or the pads just need to be machined/replaced? The front pads were replaced at around 39k miles and I now have 88k miles. The rotors have never been touched.Thanks!

...a simple "caliper" check while spinning will tell you what the problem is. If the rotor wabbles only slightly, then maybe a "fly-cut" truing will work; but, if there's major wabbling, new rotors are probably needed....sometimes, this problem can be as simple as "cleaning" the rotor surfaces...especially if you drive for LONG periods of time before applying the brakes...which can result in "glazed" hot spots on the rotor surface.

Do you notice a pulsation in the brake pedal?Welcome to GenVibe!!!

Yes, I do feel pulsation in the brake pedal.Thanks for the GenVibe welcome!

Sounds like warped rotors

Thanks for your input!Since it looks like I have some sort of brake work done in the near future, what would you guys suggest for replacement pads or even rotors?

Quote, originally posted by Pauly Mags »Thanks for your input!Since it looks like I have some sort of brake work done in the near future, what would you guys suggest for replacement pads or even rotors?New pads will not fix your vibration / pulsation.Turning the rotors will or replacing them.New cars come with thin rotors to cut down on overall weight thus keeping fuel mileage up. There isn't a lot of beef on them to begin with so cutting them makes them quite thin.Thinner rotors displace less heat, heat buildup causes brake fade and also warps the rotors!!Check out new ones, as a general rule they are not expensive but if you can purchase ones made in the USA or other quality product. Many are cast in China and only machined in the usa. My experience has shown that while these work for a while, they don't stand the test of time.The best option, but not the cheapest is to get them from GM or Toyota so you get quality products.Dave

Thanks, Dave!I would like to sharpen up my brakes a little bit. Would you recommend just getting new OEMs (GM or Toyota) and aftermarket pads? Also, how long do pads usually last? I've had my current set for the past 48k - 49k miles.