Brake Question

[masonm]

I had new rotors and shoes put on the front-end of my 1992 Camry about 5 months ago. When I do my weekly car wash and spray the front tires, there is a TON of brake dust that gets washed off (takes at least 10 seconds for the water to run clear). That seems excessive to me, but wondered if anyone has any input.

I only ask because the front-end has starting to shimmey when I brake off the highway. Could this be because of excessive wear? I trust my mechanic, but he used after-market Monroe shoes. I've not had much luck with anything after-market. Comments?

[Mike Gerber]

"I only ask because the front-end has starting to shimmey when I brake off the highway."

Most likely the new front rotors are already warped. Take it back to the mechanic who replaced the front rotors and pads.

Mike

[JohnGD]

Aftermarket rotors are fine, such as the $15-20 Raybestos Raymold (Red label service grade) rotors.

However, I'd always use the Akebono ProAct ceramic pads. Great stuff for typical driving. These are gentle on the rotors and very low dust (light in color). The ProActs have FF friction rating. One owner claimed the Akebonos he got in the Toyota box had EE friction rating. Check the edge codes AK XXX-XXX EE (or FF).

These ProActs are about $50 a set + shipping.

Also make sure the mechanic uses a torque wrench to tighten the lugs. You should keep one in the trunk as these are <$15 from your local Harbor Freight.

http://www.akebonobrakes.com/afterma...ads/index.html

Originally Posted by masonm

I had new rotors and shoes put on the front-end of my 1992 Camry about 5 months ago. When I do my weekly car wash and spray the front tires, there is a TON of brake dust that gets washed off (takes at least 10 seconds for the water to run clear). That seems excessive to me, but wondered if anyone has any input.

I only ask because the front-end has starting to shimmey when I brake off the highway. Could this be because of excessive wear? I trust my mechanic, but he used after-market Monroe shoes. I've not had much luck with anything after-market. Comments?

[JohnGD]

I wonder what kind of warranty Monroe has? And I hope they replace the rotors for him.

Originally Posted by Mike Gerber

"I only ask because the front-end has starting to shimmey when I brake off the highway."

Most likely the new front rotors are already warped. Take it back to the mechanic who replaced the front rotors and pads.

Mike

[Hajoca]

Brake dust you see is just the colour of the brake friction material. Different pads will range from a coffee brown/black to light tan for conventional materials, and a grey to white for ceramic compounds.