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Hi there guys,

I am having a problem. I read several thread, but none of them asked the question that I have for this project so I am posting this new thread. My rotors are warped so I need to replace them. My steering wheels shake when braking at high speed or downhill. I will go with the recommendation (that I saw a several threads) to buy the Honda rotors and I found the best price at Majestic Honda. There is one question that I need help with before ordering my parts. I checked the brake pads and they are still good so the question is:

Do I replace ONLY the rotors?
or
Do I replace rotors AND pads?

Please advice

 
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You should replace the pads as well, especially if the rotors are warped. The pads usually wear funny when used on a warped rotor, putting the used pads on a new rotor would probably cause uneven wear.

 
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For best results immediately, do both at the same time. Fresh pads and rotors will break in quickly together.

But you don't HAVE to do both at the same time. Pads will eventually settle in against the new rotors, but it may take some miles with many stops before your braking power returns to 100% efficiency.

 
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Thank you for the answer. I was trying to change only the rotors, but I will do both at the same time.

 
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Thank you for your help!!

Will it keep shaking white the old pads settle in againts the new rotors?

 
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No. Rotors cause the shake, not the pads.

If the rotors are true (flat) and the hub flange the rotors mount on is also true, then there should be zero vibration.
(But if something causes the rotor to not sit flat against the hub, such as rust buildup, that can cause vibration)

In the shop we resurface rotors without replacing pads, no problem-- as long as there weren't deep grooves in the friction surfaces.

 
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Excellent... All you have said makes sense. THANK YOU!! I am ready to start my project. I am ordering the rotors this weekend.

Also, yesterday when I removed the front left wheel to visually check the rotors and pads I also checked for a noise that I hear when the vibration occurs (noise is happening only in the left side). I found that the axle is the one making the noise. I grabbed it and shake/moved it around and it was making the noise like it is a little loose.... What does that mean? Is the axle bad and needs replacing also?

 
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I can't see what you are doing.
A CV axle does have to be able to move, but I can't see what you are seeing nor hear what you heard while driving.


Usually if the CV boots are not split open and flinging grease all over the place they are quiet. Rare to have other failures, but again I don't know what your situation is.

 
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Hi there,

So I few things happened and I postponed this project, but I am finally doing this over the weekend.

I got everything already (purchased Brembo Blanks) so I am replacing just the rotors since my pads still have quite a lot to go. I hope that with the new rotors ONLY the vibration will stop.

I will come back to this thread to post an update in case someone is having the same issue with the vibration.

Greetings