98 Sierra Z71 rotors warping.

sounds like you may have a bad caliper or two. are both rotors warping? don't waste your money on "premium" pads and rotors, get the cheapest of each at a chain store. if you were driving a Vette I would advise otherwise. you're not one of those "two foot" drivers are you? some guys use their left foot for brake and right for throttle, this definitely beats the crap out of your brakes.

Your problem is largly caused by the bigger tires which not only add extra leverage to overcome when braking but also more tire/wheel mass as well which works the brakes a lot harder and makes more heat which can lead to early failure. My suggestion is to dump the hard OEM style pads which are made for max pad life not for their ease on rotors and they aggrevate your problem because they can create more hot spots of rotor which leads to warpage. Try some after market pads that are softer (and cheaper) as they will lessen strain on rotor. You will change pads a bit more often but they will be a lot easier on rotors. I have only had to replace rotors on one vehicle of mine in last 25 years and it was on my wifes 2000 cherokee because I did not take off factory pads when it was new and replace them with softer ones like I normally do and hard OEM pads ate and warped the rotor even though the pads were never worn through. I replaced rotors and pads (softer ones) and I have had no more problems with it and it has better brakes than when it was new too. I have had a few vehicles go past 200K with original rotors using softer pads with no warpage or wear problems. Never happen with stock OEM type pads unless you really feather the brakes lightly. Think about it, they make more money selling you a vehicle with hard pads that require frequent rotor replacements with brake jobs rather than with softer pads that only require you to change them a bit more often.

tell 'em SnoMan! get the cheap stuff. I never even turn rotors anymore, I replace both rotors and pads at each brake job because the parts are so cheap at the chain stores. just did the wife's van and the rotors were around $23 each. they never warp and last between 20k and 30k. at $75 for a front axle brake job it makes good sense. my '95 K1500 is a bit more, but still worth total replacement.

I just checked your responses. Wish I had checked before I went out and spent $480.00 Canadian on new pads and rotors from the local GM dealer. Since I have already installed the OEM product I cannot return it so I will change out the pads real soon and hope that I have better luck.

Thanks Guys,

Blair

Knock yourself out with rotor change. I haver a 89 4x4 burb with 176k on original rotors that are still smooth and not warped. I have used softer pads on it since it was new. For what it is worth, the quality of those 23 dollar rotors may be in question and there is no need to change them with every brake job if the correct pad type is used.

I would never do a brake job without turning the rotors, so between the cost, hassle of dropping them off and picking them up, and ending up with a thinner rotor, I feel better replacing them altogether. maybe if I put on a lot of miles I wouldn't replace the rotors every time, but at less than 10k a year, total replacement isn't gonna break the bank.

peace