Warped rotors on '03

[4RNR-LOVN]

I can't believe it...took the 4Runner in to the dealer to flush and change the coolant and asked them to check the rotors while it was in as I've felt a slight vibration over the past six months.

The service writer just called me and said it indeed has some runout on the fronts. But get this, he tries to tell me that this isn't a warranty related item...with only 28k miles on the odo which probably started at around 20k miles. What's wierd is that the vibration when braking really wasn't that bad. I've had a vehicle with warped rotors before and the vib's were much worse. In fact, the steering wheel didn't really shudder at all, I could feel it more in the pedal and the seat than anything. So...I remained as calm as I could and said that it was unacceptable that this should be considered an out of warranty item and that rotors are clearly part of the bumper to bumper warranty. Well, he just called back as I was typing this and said Toyota will be replacing the rotors but they want us to pick up the tab on the pads ($55 bucks) since they were down to around 35-40%. I told him that was fine but I want to see the old pads and compare them to a new set out of the box becuase if there is more than 50% left then Toyota is going to cover the pads as well.

This sucks!!!

 

[sharp4runr]

Yeah this is starting to rear its head on the board. I think this is the 3rd or 4th person to say they are having warped rotors in the front. I know the truck is pretty heavy (4500lb curb weight approximately) so its half expected. I think the Landcruisers experience the same issue as well.

 

[BigDog4All]

I thought wrapped rotors was a common thing. I have known many to replace their rotors. I replace my rotors every two years, since the third year. I just include it as normal maintenance. The wrapped rotors is the 4-Runners biggest downfall. Other than the rotors, it's the best SUV for the money.

 

[4RNR-LOVN]

Well, it may be getting more common than most of us hoped with the 4th gen's but they're definitely not a two year replacement item nor should they be.

 

[kdx2000]

FYI Overtightened lug nuts can cause warped rotors. I would watch next time you have your tires removed for rotation. Most times I see the mechanics use the air impact to put the lug nuts back on, never even chaecking the proper torque of the lug nuts. This is totally incorrect! The only way the torque can be checked is with a torque wrench. Be forewarned!

 

[4RNR-LOVN]

FYI Overtightened lug nuts can cause warped rotors. I would watch next time you have your tires removed for rotation. Most times I see the mechanics use the air impact to put the lug nuts back on, never even chaecking the proper torque of the lug nuts. This is totally incorrect! The only way the torque can be checked is with a torque wrench. Be forewarned!

Ya, that's why I do them myself and use a high end torque wrench.

 

[slyangel9]

Can you explian how overtighten bolts lead to warped rotors?

 

[Northof49]

Yeah this is starting to rear its head on the board. I think this is the 3rd or 4th person to say they are having warped rotors in the front. I know the truck is pretty heavy (4500lb curb weight approximately) so its half expected. I think the Landcruisers experience the same issue as well.

I think it's just that the 4rth gens are starting to get to that age were drivers that are harder on brakes will start getting warped rotors. IMO the 4rth gens brakes seem MUCH less-prone to warping than the 3rd gens were. That said, warping rotors on any vehicle is almost always due to the driver and/or driving conditions, rather than fault of the vehicle's braking sys.

 

[4RNR-LOVN]

I think it's just that the 4rth gens are starting to get to that age were drivers that are harder on brakes will start getting warped rotors. IMO the 4rth gens brakes seem MUCH less-prone to warping than the 3rd gens were. That said, warping rotors on any vehicle is almost always due to the driver and/or driving conditions, rather than fault of the vehicle's braking sys.

That's funny becuase I had a 3rd gen (2000) for almost 4 years with 40k miles and I had no front rotor problems. When I sold it there was over 50% of the front pads left and my driving style or conditions have not changed.

 

[Northof49]

That's funny becuase I had a 3rd gen (2000) for almost 4 years with 40k miles and I had no front rotor problems. When I sold it there was over 50% of the front pads left and my driving style or conditions have not changed.

Weird, I had the exact opposite experience from my 2000 to the 03. The 2000 warped rotors like every 20,000kms, if not sooner but the 2003 never warped a set in 40,000, including a decent amount of towing, and overall faster driving....cause the 03 was so much fasters with better handling.

 

[zig]

I've got 77K on my '03 and have no problems with the rotors and still have a lot of pad left as well. Of course, most of my miles are highway as I hate the city. I do feel like changing the pads over to a higher performace pad along with SS brake lines and a better rotor this fall before I start to pull my trailer again.

Have dogs and guns, will travel:rocker:

 

[4RNR-LOVN]

Weird, I had the exact opposite experience from my 2000 to the 03. The 2000 warped rotors like every 20,000kms, if not sooner but the 2003 never warped a set in 40,000, including a decent amount of towing, and overall faster driving....cause the 03 was so much fasters with better handling.

How funny is that! So yours were warping around every 12,500 miles on your 2000 huh...not good. How many miles do you have on you're '03 now?

 

[Northof49]

How funny is that! So yours were warping around every 12,500 miles on your 2000 huh...not good. How many miles do you have on you're '03 now?

I sold it last November with ~40,000kms...

We basically live on side of a cliff tho, so local vehicles tear through brake parts with many less kilometers than average.\

Ex,

 

[jharris2]

I sold it last November with ~40,000kms...

We basically live on side of a cliff tho, so local vehicles tear through brake parts with many less kilometers than average.\

Ex,

Wow, incredible view!! :bigok: