I'm getting a pulsing when I brake on my 2004 Durango. I figured it was the front rotors - apparently it's rather common on these because of the heavy front end and relatively thin rotors.

I replaced them, but I'm still getting pulsing. I mean, I think it's better than before, but it's still there and very noticeable. It might be as bad now as it was a couple months ago when I replaced the rotors.

Anyone else had this? Should I replace the rear rotors also? Or should I check something else first?

Pulse is almost always the front rotors. Check the caliper to make sure it isn't sticking and that it moves freely. Next time you swap them, get a really good set of rotors. It is worth it from not having the time and trouble to have to swap them again. Changes are good the ones that are a few months old are still under warranty. Take them back and pay the difference on an upgrade if possible.

IndyDurango

did you get your old ones turned? Did you get your new ones turned? What kind of rotors did you put on? Some need to be turned before they are put on. I went thru this a couple years ago with mine. Ended up getting them turned and it went away completely. Just get the new ones turned and you should be fine.

You don't turn new rotors before you put them on. And yes if you have warpage, and turn the rotors, it will go away until you warp them again.

Get good rotors and be done with it.

IndyD

I didn't get the old ones turned. When I looked into it, I read that they often are too thin to turn and need to be replaced. So that's what I did.

I called the store where I got mine though. The ones I got have a 2 year warranty. They said they can replace them or turn them no charge. So I'm going to do that for now since I'm strapped for cash. And if they warp again, then I'll trade up.

I'll take them in this week sometime. I'll post and update afterwards, and again probably a month or two from now with how they do.

What ever you do DON'T buy Power slot rotors. Have them on my wife's Grand Cherokee for less than 18 months and they're shot. Called them and they're refusing to honor the warranty. When i purchased them they came with a life time warranty which has since changed to pretty much if you mount them they're out of warranty.

It's hard to honor brake warranties because most people don't do a correct install in the first place. There are many issues that need to be corrected like control arm brake brackets. If they have indentations then they wont allow the proper seating and release of brake pads. Bleeding the brakes. Also lubrication issues and the cleaning of the rotors before install just to name a few. What I'm getting at is lots of mistakes and improper install.

Now I'm not trying to say someone didn't install them right but there is a lot you actually need to do then just a swap. In a companies eyes they don't want to warranty a persons screwed install and I don't blame em.

Next time I do an install I am going to do a write up and post in DIY for all.


Now I've seen brand new rotors warped by storage so there is bad rotors and you can either straight edge em or have the company double check them before you walk out the door with em.

AutoZone replaced my rotors without question.

+1 on PowerSlot. They shirked their warranty responsibility on my set too. They will never be on my "recommended" list.

hepcat503, I would do exactly as you are planning. Try a second set (under warranty) and see how they turn out. If there are problems again, trade up.

IndyDurango

Okay, so I warranty exchanged and put on the new rotors today. It's definitely better, but I'm still getting vibration when I brake. I forgot to have them checked before put them on. I don't know if these were a higher quality pair of rotors or not, but they have a 2 year warranty.

I checked the pads while I was in there, and they were fine. Before I spend the time pulling them off and checking / swapping again, is there anything else that would cause this?

Today I gave up and took my rig to Les Schwab. The guy told me that they recommended turning the rotors on the rig. He said sometimes the hub isn't true, and that can cause the pulsation. But he also said that yeah, sometimes the rotors aren't true right out of the box. He said they'd charge about $85 bucks to turn the front two rotors. If that didn't do it, they'd turn the back two for another $85.

Wanting to take every opportunity to not spend money I don't have, I took the rotors back to the parts store - again - and had them turn them. I don't even remember what brand rotors they are, but the store has been pretty good about covering warranty. I think they are Raybestos Aimco-GS. That's what it says on the website currently.

Anyway I mounted them again. I made sure I didn't over-torque. I made sure I didn't get dirt or whatever contamination on the new rotors. I cleaned them, etc. And... same thing. Pulsating only when braking. On light braking, it's sometimes hardly noticeable. With hard braking, sometimes the whole rig shudders. Feel nothing in the wheel or the brake pedal.

So I'm at a loss. I guess I'll just take it in and give them my wallet.