Brake Rotor Warp. Front or Rear? - Honda Pilot

MinMet · 05-04-2009, 12:02 PM

Time to change brake pads for my Pilot at ~60k. Thinking to change rotors as well since it has moderate pulsation at stopping. My question is, should I change the front or rear rotors for the pulsation issue. Any body have to change rear rotor for the problem and how you diagnose it? Thanks in advance!

Min

whizmo · 05-04-2009, 12:11 PM

Other than "feel", or actually taking rotors off and doing a detailed inspection, I don't know of any way to tell which rotor is warped.

But, it's typically the fronts, so if I were you, I'd probably change the front rotors, just do pads (if needed) in the back, and hope for the best.

- Mark

CMH-OHIO-Pilot · 05-05-2009, 08:18 AM

70k miles when I changed my brakes. Changed pads all around, and rotors in front only. The front rotors were the culprit for the pulsation. May be the same for you.

Remember, rear pads will wear first, and they led my fronts by about 20%.

Hope this helps.

MinMet · 05-05-2009, 08:23 AM

Thanks, Mark and CMH-OHIO-Pilot!
I will take your advice and do the pads plus front rotors.

Min

belundy · 05-05-2009, 03:43 PM

Rears wear first? Was this a typo? I've already replaced front pads on my '03 at 60k, but the rears were still 50% or better.

front rotor warp is felt in the steering wheel, rear rotors through the seat. Rears rarely warp as they don't do as much, don't go through same temp extremes.

rlapid · 05-05-2009, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by belundy
Rears wear first? Was this a typo? I've already replaced front pads on my '03 at 60k, but the rears were still 50% or better.

front rotor warp is felt in the steering wheel, rear rotors through the seat. Rears rarely warp as they don't do as much, don't go through same temp extremes.

i've always been under the assumption fronts wore out quicker as well. last oil change my mechanic told me i had ~50% left on the fronts, ~80% rears.

CMH-OHIO-Pilot · 05-06-2009, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by belundy
Rears wear first? Was this a typo?

No typo. Go read some of the long brake threads on this board, and everyone talks about the same surprise. I started hearing squealing, made the same assumption and replaced front pads and rotors. Squeal was still there. Then I pulled the rear wheels, and whoa! Nothing left!

rlapid · 05-06-2009, 11:41 AM

very interesting. maybe i should get my pads checked by another mechanic and see if i get a different result.

MinMet · 05-11-2009, 09:01 AM

Changed the brakes over the weekend. I finally changed all four rotors since NE harsh whether took a toll on the metal parts. The rear rotor's outer edges were all raised and the new pads won't fit. The front rotor was completely stuck to the hub. Took me whole day to take them off.
NAPA premium rotors (front and rear) and Honda OEM pads were installed. Since I am reaching 60k and the car is on stand, I changed all fluids and all filters as well. So far everything works good. I am still gentle on brake for now. Will give it a hard test after 100 miles or so.

BTW, the rears do worn faster then fronts. I have about 2mm left at rears and double that left at fronts when took them off.

nefarious · 05-21-2009, 10:34 AM

I had the same brake pulsation problem.

I simply had the front two rotors resurfaced at the local machine shop (~$40) and now the brakes are like new.

(Rear rotors contribute little to this issue or hard braking for that matter)

05-04-2009, 12:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
MinMet Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Metro West, Boston, MA Posts: 51 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Brake Rotor Warp. Front or Rear? Time to change brake pads for my Pilot at ~60k. Thinking to change rotors as well since it has moderate pulsation at stopping. My question is, should I change the front or rear rotors for the pulsation issue. Any body have to change rear rotor for the problem and how you diagnose it? Thanks in advance! Min __________________ 2005 Pilot EX, Sage Brush with Runing Board

05-05-2009, 08:18 AM	#3 (permalink)
CMH-OHIO-Pilot Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 62 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	70k miles when I changed my brakes. Changed pads all around, and rotors in front only. The front rotors were the culprit for the pulsation. May be the same for you. Remember, rear pads will wear first, and they led my fronts by about 20%. Hope this helps. __________________ 2004 Sandstone EX-L OEM Splash Guards, OEM Cargo Tray, A whole bunch of WWong pads (I've been Wonged!), Lund Interceptor Bug Deflector (Smoke color), Stylin'!!! with the stiles_s Rear MDX brace kit.

05-05-2009, 08:23 AM	#4 (permalink)
MinMet Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Metro West, Boston, MA Posts: 51 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Thanks, Mark and CMH-OHIO-Pilot! I will take your advice and do the pads plus front rotors. Min __________________ 2005 Pilot EX, Sage Brush with Runing Board

05-05-2009, 03:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
belundy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 480 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Rears wear first? Was this a typo? I've already replaced front pads on my '03 at 60k, but the rears were still 50% or better. front rotor warp is felt in the steering wheel, rear rotors through the seat. Rears rarely warp as they don't do as much, don't go through same temp extremes. __________________ BE '03 Pilot EX '02 Highlander '01 Civic EX

05-06-2009, 11:41 AM	#8 (permalink)
rlapid Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: West Sacramento, California Posts: 847 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	very interesting. maybe i should get my pads checked by another mechanic and see if i get a different result. __________________ 2006 Pilot EX-LN 4WD \| Taffeta White \| "Amelia" OEM accessories: chrome side steps, crossbars, cargo tray, cargo cover, wheel locks, rear splash guards, door edge guards, full-size spare Aftermarket accessories: Yakima Big Powderhound, LED license plate and door bulbs, Infinity 6012i speakers, 4300k HID, 35% tint, Nokya yellow fogs + yellow Lamin-X

05-04-2009, 12:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
whizmo Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: WA State Posts: 1,817 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Other than "feel", or actually taking rotors off and doing a detailed inspection, I don't know of any way to tell which rotor is warped. But, it's typically the fronts, so if I were you, I'd probably change the front rotors, just do pads (if needed) in the back, and hope for the best. - Mark

05-11-2009, 09:01 AM	#9 (permalink)
MinMet Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Metro West, Boston, MA Posts: 51 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Changed the brakes over the weekend. I finally changed all four rotors since NE harsh whether took a toll on the metal parts. The rear rotor's outer edges were all raised and the new pads won't fit. The front rotor was completely stuck to the hub. Took me whole day to take them off. NAPA premium rotors (front and rear) and Honda OEM pads were installed. Since I am reaching 60k and the car is on stand, I changed all fluids and all filters as well. So far everything works good. I am still gentle on brake for now. Will give it a hard test after 100 miles or so. BTW, the rears do worn faster then fronts. I have about 2mm left at rears and double that left at fronts when took them off. __________________ 2005 Pilot EX, Sage Brush with Runing Board

05-21-2009, 10:34 AM	#10 (permalink)
nefarious Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 24 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I had the same brake pulsation problem. I simply had the front two rotors resurfaced at the local machine shop (~$40) and now the brakes are like new. (Rear rotors contribute little to this issue or hard braking for that matter)

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
Piloteers.org Advertisement

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread: