[fonzo10]

Hey guys,

I have a 2011 CTS Coupe that has 103,000 miles. I just replaced the front brake pads and had the rotors resurfaced because of vibration when braking at high speeds. But it is still doing it. What else could it be?

 

[jimmie jam]

As long as everything is tight revisit the rotors...

 

[fonzo10]

As long as everything is tight revisit the rotors...

I was also thinking that, maybe they didn't do a good job resurfacing them. But then I was being told it could be my tie rods, or needing to be aligned amongst other things.

 

[jimmie jam]

If it's a general vibration then check the other items. I'm assuming that you had the brakes done because it was vibrating when you applied the brakes (then it's related to a "pressure" item or event). If it was vibrating under power then it most likely balance, tires and/or alignment. Tie rods? I don't think so unless it was off road.

 

[kkuz]

What about rear pads/rotors. They also can cause vibrations. But probably you will need to replace front rotors with new ones.

 

[fonzo10]

If it's a general vibration then check the other items. I'm assuming that you had the brakes done because it was vibrating when you applied the brakes (then it's related to a "pressure" item or event). If it was vibrating under power then it most likely balance, tires and/or alignment. Tie rods? I don't think so unless it was off road.

Yeah its only doing it when I brake. Other than that it is really smooth. Doesn't really pull enough to make me thing it needs a alignment. But I will go get the tires balanced. If that doesnt help that I guess I will take it to the mechanic to check out the rotors again.

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What about rear pads/rotors. They also can cause vibrations. But probably you will need to replace front rotors with new ones.

yeah but I was told the whole car would shake if the back ones were bad. The only thing that vibrates is my steering wheel, meaning its the front ones.

 

[C&C]

Did you verify that the rotors (got turned), just asking; happened once (with me), brought the car in for multiple items and they forgot to turn the rotors. Pretty sure (my occurrence) it was just an honest mistake.

 

[HurstGN]

If you feel the shake primarily through the steering wheel, it's the front. If you feel the shake primarily in the bottom of the seat, it's the rear.

 

[wcthunder]

How's your tires? what kind? is it poor alignment?

 

[fonzo10]

Hey guys,

So I took it to a mechanic and he said the rotors were warped and he had to resurface them. The shaking has stopped. Now I am fighting O'reillys for a refund lol.

 

[sliderule01]

I had the same thing happen. My pads in the front were getting worn so I replaced them. The mechanic said that the calipers scored the rotors and resurfaced them. Just got back from a trip and whenever I put on the brakes, I get the vibration that I would get from warped front rotors. I guess I will take to a dealer to replace rotors - very aggravating.

 

[illbethere1]

I had the same prob with my coupe and thought it was the front rotors and pads that caused the vibration on the steering wheel during high speed braking. It was not until I resurfaced the rear with fresh pads did it return to normal. Funny how the rear can affect the front end... It also affects the vibration on the gear shift too believe it or not.

 

[HurstGN]

Ensure proper lugnut torque to avoid premature rotor issues like this.

 

[RennyGade]

What is the spec lug nut torque?

 

[c4b4the04]

I have seen a shop cut a set of rotors only to mount them and find that the mating surface where it meets the hub is not true to the surface of the rotor. When the shop cut them for you this last time, did they do it on the car? That used to be a shortcut but now it is the preferred method. I've cut some crazy big rotors that way and had excellent results (Porsche Cup Car rotors are like 15 inchers, no way to keep them true off the car (at least that I've found!)).

Cassidy

 

[steve755]

My 2014 CTS Coupe, 19 inch wheels specifies 110 lbs for lug nut torque. I believe I've seen 100 specified for a 2008. You may want to check out the user manual for your specific year because at some point it changed. If you don't have a copy you can get it electronically on the Cadillac.com site in the Owners section.

 

[tinman]

I was not aware any of our CTS's had only 110 ft. lbs. of torque. I was under the impression they all were 140. I learned something new here. Those coupes sure are different.

 

[steve755]

Agreed Tinman, it is certainly curious. But both my examples were quoted right from the Owners Manuals. Who knows maybe GM is still trying to figure it out. lol

 

[tinman]

110 is more in line with "normal". I always thought that 140 was too high, but that is the recommended torque for my wagon.

 

[idealdreams]

I had the same issue before I sold my 2003 CTS – the whole car would vibrate when using the brakes. My mechanic said the rotors were warped. Replaced them and the vibrating stopped. Problem solved.