problems with brakes and rotors

[Kiddunot]

have a question for all of you, i own a 2002 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Prerunner TRD, i am having issues with my rotors warping to quickly for instance every 10,000 miles, the brakes are usually around 50% when the rotors are warped. How often are people installing brakes on their trucks and resurfacing or replacing rotors. I dont think this should be happening. I only have 34,000 miles on my truck and have had to have my rotors replaced twice already. Has anyone else had this problem or does anyone have any advice as to what I should do????? Please let me know

[superjoe83]

How hard do you brake?

[reb]

My '94 T100 still has the original brakes (and pads) at 125,000 miles, with lots of life left. Of course, I don't drive in the LA area. However, using 1/2 your brake pads in 10,000 miles sounds extreme to me even for your part of the country. My guess is that you tend to brake hard and don't use engine braking when you could.

[snobdrblinkchik]

new tacoma rotors are prone to warping....but a lot of it does depend on the driver...sometimes it feels like a warped rotor when you're braking, but it's actually not....did u check the rotors to make sure they're warped or just bring em in and replace them? you could try upgrading to brembos or some other aftermarket rotors...

[jdougall]

I know that getting the rotors wet after getting them hot is bad. This can cause cracking and warping. I would recommend the slotted rotors. These are not known to crack as easily as cross-drilled and they stop excellent. Also, what kind of pads are you using. Get factory pads, they will be a little nicer on the rotors, and stop you a lot smoother with less brake dust.

[wendy_miller]

I am currently having the same problem. I have had my rotors changed on my 2002 Tacoma THREE times. Toyotas will not cover the problem even though it is still under warranty. I am very displeased and will NEVER buy another Toyota. Good luck resolving the issue.

[humanoid]

Spend the $$$ and get a pair of Brembo rotors, have heard nothing but good things about them. Yota rotors tend to warp very easily no matter how hard or easy you are on your brakes.

Wendy_Miller, you're gonna get rid of your Taco becuase of some stupid brake rotors warping?!?!? Just spend the extra moola and upgrade to better rotors... you can thank me later if you wish!

[Alin10123]

Something really important that the dealer often overlooks is the torque of the lugnuts. Most dealers use the airwrench to tighten the lugs. This causes rotors to warp prematurely since the airwrench does not have a torque setting. Either the dealer needs to hand torque using a torque wrench or after you get home, retorque the lugs yourself (i believe to 83lbs).

One other thing, when your rotors warped the first time; did you replace the rotors? Or did you have them turned/machined and reinstalled? Turning is only a quick fix and you'll be back to the shop in no time. When a rotor warps, it develops hot spots and that will cause the rotor to warp again. Turning also makes the rotors thinner and so as a result, they are more likely to warp again very soon.

My advice, when the rotors warp, get new ones. Then, make sure that the lugs on wheels are handtightened, NOT with the airwrench. The airwrench is ok to loosen the lugs, but will overighten when they are put back on.