Brake rotor problems... due to unbalanced wheels?

[Rebelbuc1]

First let me say that I love my '03 4runner V8 sport - the X-REAS suspension and V8 power are incredible and make it a pleasure to drive. It's an all around great vehicle - I traded in my 4 year old 2000 4runner (my first) for the new look, leather seats, and V8 power. However, I noticed that my break rotors became slightly out of round starting at about 7k miles. I previously had the dealer change one bad Dunlop tire, but had no other problems. At about 9k miles I finally got around to having the dealer fix the rotor problem. According to the dealer rep, they "slightly" turned my rotors (I'm not happy they weren't replaced) and balanced my tires. I'm at 11k now and my 4runner feels great again as it did when I drove it off of the lot.

My questions: Should they have replaced the rotors? Can I force them to do so? Has anyone else encountered this problem?

Thanks to all, especially the creators of this website!

Reb

 

[jharris2]

First let me say that I love my '03 4runner V8 sport - the X-REAS suspension and V8 power are incredible and make it a pleasure to drive. It's an all around great vehicle - I traded in my 4 year old 2000 4runner (my first) for the new look, leather seats, and V8 power. However, I noticed that my break rotors became slightly out of round starting at about 7k miles. I previously had the dealer change one bad Dunlop tire, but had no other problems. At about 9k miles I finally got around to having the dealer fix the rotor problem. According to the dealer rep, they "slightly" turned my rotors (I'm not happy they weren't replaced) and balanced my tires. I'm at 11k now and my 4runner feels great again as it did when I drove it off of the lot.

My questions: Should they have replaced the rotors? Can I force them to do so? Has anyone else encountered this problem?

Thanks to all, especially the creators of this website!

Reb

I've not had the problem, but have had rotors turned on previous vehicles. Didn't have a problem with them after turning. There are limits to how much can be taken off the rotors, and "slightly" sounds like they maybe took off a couple of thousandths. Since they feel OK now, you should be in good shape. If they start to feel out of whack again, though, then you might have grounds to have the service manager re-think turning the rotors again.

 

[mikes4runner]

:iagree:

 

[boston_kevin]

which rotor was affected?

Since the sport has 2 different size rotors (front and back), which rotor was the problem?

As far as turning the rotors, they have specified limits how far they can turn the rotors without affecting the stopping ability of the vehicle and the structural integrity of the rotor itself. "Slightly turned..." you should have nothing to worry about.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Lug nut torque?

Being new to the 4Runner, I don't know if this is necessarily true, but on my WRX, they had serious problems with rotors warping, due to over-torquing the lugnuts...

Since then, I always re-torque all lugnuts with a torque wrench after anyone else has touched my wheels...

 

[sharp4runr]

To add to what Jharris posted. If it is ok now, then now worries. Don't hesitate to bring it back to the dealership though if you start to experience anything. Document it with the dealership each time, that way if you ever have a bad dealing with them you can always pull the "Lemon Law" Card.

That's odd how you're having these problems with your rotors so early in the lifespan of your Runner. Discs usually last a very very long time. Did you do any hard driving with your 4Runner? Or heavy towing? They say to break in the rotors and discs when you get your Runner. No sudden stops for the first 500 miles I think and no towing. I'm sure the towing is for putting wear and tear on your engine, but probably takes into account other aspects of the vehicle like the transmission and brakes. I can tell you I had to get used to the braking of the 4Runner when I first got it and had a "panic" stop or two : Lets just say I was used to the brakes on my Celica and the Runner didn't stop like a sport coupe

July