[DevilleNut]

Guys,

I believe that the front brake rotors on our '04 Deville are warped, because when applying the brakes at highway speeds, there is quite a bit of shudder in the steering wheel. The rotors were replaced about 8,000 miles ago so I'm guessing that the shop that did the work used cheap rotors. I'm sure that the brake pads are still in good shape. Is it possible to replace the rotors without replacing the brake pads. If I get the Cadillac dealer to replace them, are the Delco/GM rotors likely to be better than the ones that you buy at an auto parts store?

 

[RON93]

Just a little tip, some will say you can't warp a rotor and that it's just pad deposit causing high spots on the rotor. Others will say yes you can warp a rotor. Either way I know exactly what your feeling as my car did the exact same thing. I have had cars in the past that did the same thing. I have always changed the rotors and it became butter smooth after the change. On my 2000 Deville I used auto zone rotors, I think they were $42 each with a 2 year or lifetime warranty I don't remember. Just checked 2 years.

 

[cadillac_al2]

Whenever I have a shudder with modern wimpy rotors I just ride the brake for a half mile or so and they smooth right out. I never clamp my brakes hard at stop lights if I can help it because I am always worried about pad deposits.

 

[Submariner409]

Before you condemn the rotors, take the car out to the boonies and perform 5 or 6 aggressive stops from 50 mph+. Do not hold the brakes at each stop - drive away and do it again. After the last top, drive for 5 or 6 miles to cool the rotors.

This may scrub off any pad deposits and thus smooth out the braking feel.

Read this Stoptech/Centric white paper for a better understanding of what you're up against.

https://www.apcautotech.com/getmedia/aff05081-b7c5-4089-b572-28081c018d29/CommonCausesofBrakeJudder.pdf

 

[Ranger]

Is it possible to replace the rotors without replacing the brake pads.

Yes.

If I get the Cadillac dealer to replace them, are the Delco/GM rotors likely to be better than the ones that you buy at an auto parts store?

Hard to say for sure. I don't think you can buy an American made rotor. They are all made in China.
If a dealer replaces them, they most likely will insist on doing the pads as well. Find a local shop to do it. It'll be MUCH cheaper and you can still request they use A/C Delco rotors if that's what you want.

 

[jmf1964]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Q8CXI8A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I put these on my 04 two years ago. They have got about 10,000 miles on them now and I have had no problems with them, plus they are coated so they won't rust, they look as good today as they did 2 years ago. I also bought their rear ones as well.

 

[jms2004]

Does anyone have any experience use the brake kits from rock auto that come with the pads and rotors?

 

[Enterprise 4Cam]

"Does anyone have any experience use the brake kits from rock auto that come with the pads and rotors?"
Well, the kits should be less...but...
Last time I went with coated rotor/ceramicpads, Raybestos, lifetime war. $65+$12ship
About $10 more than a kit, well worth it since I usually paint the rotors.
No more paint
Thanks RA