Dodgy disk rotors?

mickbag · 23-08-2007, 10:39 AM

Hi all

I'm looking for some advice.

I bought my AU3 Fairmont a couple of months ago- low k's - and the front disk rotors needed machining to get RWC for the sale. No cost to me - all good.

Now I find that the brakes are 'pulsing' again after about 3000k...

1. Is it normal for them to need machining that soon?
2. Should I persist with them or replace them with after-market jobbies? If so, can anyone recommend alternatives that won't break the bank? What should i expect to pay?
3. I am in the outer-east of Melbourne. Has anyone had any good/satisfactory experiences with brake mechanics out this way and be happy to recommend them?

Thanks in advance, ladies and gentlemen.

howesy · 23-08-2007, 10:45 AM

They probably machined them too thin. doesnt take much to warp when thin. Ebay has good selection of slotted rotors cheap just replace them.

mickbag · 23-08-2007, 10:46 AM

Is it a big job to do yourself? Any pitfalls for someone who is reasonably handy?

GK · 23-08-2007, 10:46 AM

One of the pistons in the caliper may be sticking a little. You could try a recondition kit. JC knows lots about this.

If the problem persisted, then you'd know it's the discs. Then you could fork out for discs knowing that's where the actual problem is.

GK

FGII-XR6 · 23-08-2007, 11:52 AM

this is a common problem and is mostly caused by not preparing properly before re installing the rotor here is an article at DBA explaining the problem and solution http://www.dba.com.au/2006/techdocs/T026.asp hope this helps

mickbag · 23-08-2007, 12:47 PM

Thanks for the input guys. Much appreciated.

Soooooo.....

Are the standard Ford rotors soft? Would I be better off (in the long run) to replace with soemthing better/after-market?

I must say, I would be disappointed if they were machined too thin in line with Howesy's suggestion... as I said, it was done for a RWC. Surely machining too thin would be illegal and therefore un-RWC? The car was purchased from a (seemingly) reputable dealer...

OzJavelin · 23-08-2007, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by au3xr6

this is a common problem and is mostly caused by not preparing properly before re installing the rotor here is an article at DBA explaining the problem and solution http://www.dba.com.au/2006/techdocs/T026.asp hope this helps

I don't think I've ever seen anyone do this?! :(

I'm in the same boat with my AU ute .. almost continual brake shudder. I'm ready to replace the front rotors (too thin now). How much to get the calipers reco'd (typically)?

howesy · 23-08-2007, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mickbag

Thanks for the input guys. Much appreciated.

Soooooo.....

Are the standard Ford rotors soft? Would I be better off (in the long run) to replace with soemthing better/after-market?

I must say, I would be disappointed if they were machined too thin in line with Howesy's suggestion... as I said, it was done for a RWC. Surely machining too thin would be illegal and therefore un-RWC? The car was purchased from a (seemingly) reputable dealer...

If you know the dealer thats fine but having worked in the industry I can tell some really shocking stories of bodgy stuff. Just look at the "ticking noise" post and how a Ford dealer wrapped a rag around a purge valve to shut it up for warranty and one would think a Ford dealer would do reputable work.
Check for the caliper releasing properly and measure the disc or a brake specialist should measure them up for nothing for you.

waggaclint · 23-08-2007, 08:25 PM

this is a very common problem of AU falcons also on commodores as well....proper machining is the way to go also after market DBA rotors the slotted ones help alot.... there are also reports the changing the bearing hubs to SFK ones
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/AU-BA-BF-SKF-...QQcmdZViewItem
help alot also (they dissipate the heat faster) also try and get into the habet of putting the car in netruel at the lights etc and pulling on H/brake on hills etc this helps alot....Im a mechanic and worked for ford for 7yrs when AUs were new..and even now i see alot of falcons with this problem also use good quality BENDIX brake pads as well....

GK · 23-08-2007, 08:55 PM

Personally I'd much rather rda rotors over the dba units. Cheaper too!

GK

au2sw · 23-08-2007, 09:54 PM

i recently just had my front rotors machined and new pads put on. found that one pad was just about completly gone while the other 3 were still good. found that one of the slides were dry and sticking. pull them all apart, good clean and re-grease and all good again. in other words, always check that the slides are in good working order to prolong the life of your pads and rotors. and when machining your discs, a good idea to replace pads at the same time to ensure all problems are eliminated.