Front brakes strated to vibrate when hot, turned the original rotors + new pads ...started again 3 months later. Installed new rotors and pads (ceramic)... started vibrating 3 months later (when hot). Only thing I did not do was turn the rotors on the 4runner. I think the new rotors are what ever the brake guy decided to buy (not factory). Any suggestions / upgrades to make the brakes not vibrate would be appreciated.

 

I replaced my vibrating rotors with brembro rotors and have 20,000 vibration free miles with them. They are not expencive. I'm using performance friction pads.

You could also look into cryogenic tempering new rotors to make them stronger.

 

Thank you

 

Have you replaced or rebuilt the calipers? Just because the rotors are new, doesn't mean they are true. I recently returned a pair of rotors to the local auto parts, got another pair, and the vibration went away. Do you see heat marks on the rotors?

 

I would put a run-out gauge on the rotors while still on vehicle. That will be a good starting point.

 

Do you tow or drive a lot of hills? Sometimes it is not the parts just the way it is driven, if you drive hills a lot and ride the brakes downhill, the rotors are going to warp, or if you are towing even a small trailer the same will happen most of the time.

 

I would tend to think that the rotors were straight when new since it started to occur 3 months later and not right away.

 

Follow the brake upgrade link in my signature...


Andreas

 

Two important things to check:

1. Make sure the rear brakes are adjusted and working properly.

2. Check for rotor runout with a dial indicator. As much as .003 of runout will make the brakes pulsate in a short period of time. There may be some rust buildup on the hub flanges where the rotors sit causing this.


Other than that, like aowRS said, look into the tundra brake swap. I did that a few years ago, and it is a huge improvement. I have much heavier rims and tires, and occasionally pull a camper. I have never had another front brake issue since.

 

Might seem nuts but are you over torqueing the lug nuts? No personal experience but have heard from a good friend that it is possibke to warp rotors by over torqueing lug nuts. Just an outside the box suggestion lol.