Author Topic: brake disc keep warping.  (Read 3515 times)

Offline km

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brake disc keep warping.
« on: 13 August 2012, 12:00 »
i've had my lcr brembos for about 6 months now and they've been fine throughout the time until now.

when i bought the calipers, i used the 2nd hand discs and pads that came with them. the pads ran low, so i changed them with some standard ones, still fine.

about a month ago, my steering wheel shook when i braked and my brake pedal pulsated. i bought some new disc and pads from eurocarparts.

after fitting them, the problem came back after 200 miles or so (this may have been my driving style).

i decided to buy some more discs and pads for the 2nd time. i drove for a good 800 miles, and it was all fine. i completely changed my driving style.

no hard driving. no hard braking. never have my foot on the brake when stationary, and i avoided rolling to a stop usually.

now.. i can feel a slight pulsation. not huge, but i know it's there!  :huh:


the standard disc and pads cost me about £165 from eurocarparts with their 30% discount.

would it be wise to buy expensive disc and pads to cure my problem? or would this only waste more money? (i dread to think how much it would cost..)

i'm sick of throwing more money at disc and pads.

is there anything else that could cause them to warp so easy? the pistons move in and out freely, and the wheel can be span around by hand.

any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. thanks  :smiley:

Offline jamie1989

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Re: brake disc keep warping.
« Reply #1 on: 13 August 2012, 12:47 »
Any bushes worn or ball joints?
If the wheel can be spun freely and not catching the disc then the discs maybe fine and not warped.

I had a similar feeling but found out the rear bush on wishbone was wrecked, get under the car and check for wear and give the wheel a shake up and down and side to side check for play whilst jacked up.
1.6-1.8t AGU K03s, Forge actuator, Forge 007p, turbo back exhuast, Ths front mount, Catch can, 5 piece silicone boost pipes and creation sports tip. Stage 2 atm 232bhp 270lbs. Waiting for custom mapping :-)

Offline theshrew

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Re: brake disc keep warping.
« Reply #2 on: 13 August 2012, 12:59 »
I presume they are upgrade calipers. Are you fitting upgraded discs to probably dont need to but some std discs are rubbish tbh.

Warping is genrally caused by the brakes getting to hot. As the other post says this could be down to bushes. Have you checked the disc for run out ?

Offline km

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Re: brake disc keep warping.
« Reply #3 on: 13 August 2012, 13:03 »
Any bushes worn or ball joints?
If the wheel can be spun freely and not catching the disc then the discs maybe fine and not warped.

I had a similar feeling but found out the rear bush on wishbone was wrecked, get under the car and check for wear and give the wheel a shake up and down and side to side check for play whilst jacked up.

when the wheel spins, the thicker part of the disc will push the pistons back in, so a warped disc will not cause the wheel not to spin freely. it's only when the brakes are applied that the pistons will push back everytime it reaches the thicker part of the disc.

all my bushes have been replaced recently, ball joints being the newest, genuine too :)

it's definitely the disc, because when coming to a stop, you can just about feel the car slowing down everytime it goes through the thicker part of disc!

and obviously when i change the disc and pads it goes away.

just want to know if anything could cause it before i go replace again.

Offline km

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Re: brake disc keep warping.
« Reply #4 on: 13 August 2012, 13:05 »
I presume they are upgrade calipers. Are you fitting upgraded discs to probably dont need to but some std discs are rubbish tbh.

Warping is genrally caused by the brakes getting to hot. As the other post says this could be down to bushes. Have you checked the disc for run out ?

upgraded discs are my next call.

i was going to buy a dial gauge, but didn't want to buy something that i wasn't going to use very often :undecided:.

not sure which garages have one either, should probably try get it measured!

Offline jamie1989

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Re: brake disc keep warping.
« Reply #5 on: 13 August 2012, 13:11 »
Im stumped mate as my Bora has 280mm front discs (Still standard 1.6 brakes) running 220bhp atm and yeah they are not the best on times and have got very hot on times but theyv never warped on me and I run cheap discs and pads from eurocarparts.

Maybe its your driving style I duno. Tbh im very surprised I havent done the same as the Bora is a big car but theyv held out for a long time.
1.6-1.8t AGU K03s, Forge actuator, Forge 007p, turbo back exhuast, Ths front mount, Catch can, 5 piece silicone boost pipes and creation sports tip. Stage 2 atm 232bhp 270lbs. Waiting for custom mapping :-)

Offline km

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Re: brake disc keep warping.
« Reply #6 on: 13 August 2012, 13:13 »
i've changed my driving style during my last set of disc and pads haha.

might aswell go back to 288mm  :grin:

prices of disc being a third of the 323mm :shocked:

Offline km

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Re: brake disc keep warping.
« Reply #7 on: 14 August 2012, 19:24 »
Any other suggestions before I splash out? :)

Offline dan2252

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Re: brake disc keep warping.
« Reply #8 on: 14 August 2012, 19:38 »
when you changed the discs last time did you clean the hubs down good? with a wire brush? also cheap discs do warp quick my 288 front discs lasted 5k now there warpped they were just gsf discs,pads, il be geting some ebc turbo discs when i can afford some :) there not drilled as ive heard many people moan about drilled discs as they crack
MK4 golf 1.8 turbo agu :)

Offline bristol

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Re: brake disc keep warping.
« Reply #9 on: 14 August 2012, 21:41 »
Bushes, tracking, ball joints, track rod ends, wheel bearings. All of these can cause a wheel to wobble. Sure you havent got a sticking caliper and causing one disk to get too hot? Coming to a stand still generally does it as it causes a heat spot.