Shaking Steering Wheel - Dealership Problem - I am going to donate money

John_Kay

Hello Guys,

So to start off, happy holidays to everyone readying this or on this amazing forum.

Recently my cars (14,000 miles) steering wheel started shaking when i brake @ high speeds (freeway).

I read a few threads here and they all state that its probably resurfacing issue with the rotors.

1. well i called a brake shop (i trust) and they told me its probably rotors and could also mean break pads. and they said it should be covered under warranty and that i should probably email corporate if the dealership is not honoring it. (due to such low millage for resurfacing)

2. I call my dealership and they tell me its not covered its wear & tear and that its the brake pads as well as the rotors (resurface). when i asked i just want rotors resurface they said the problem will exist if i do that!

My questions is:

1. do i need to replace the brake pads when i don't even hear squeaking sound? and i only have 14K on the car?

2. how about warranty? is it really wear and tear? or should i email corporate?

3. if i do need to replace pads, are there any upgrades for the brake pads? or do i have to change the rotors as well?

any suggestions and recommendations is much appreciated it.

Finally, because you are putting the time to read and respond to this, i will donate $50 to Syrian children relieve fund.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Trips

Your asking for advice on something that hasn't been verified.

Have the brake shop inspect them, And if the rotors are bad? Either have them resurfaced or replace them along with pads.

If it still does it after the front brakes are done? I suggest to have the wheels looked at to insure their not out of balance.

__________________

John_Kay

ok any input on warranty? and any recommendations as far as the brake pads are concerned? (i have not done any brake jobs yet, and i think its the front brakes)

enkei2k

Wear and tear items (such a brakes, clutches, etc) usually aren't covered under warranty.

Check out forum sponsors for deals on brake upgrade packages (2 piece rotors, pads, etc..etc...)

PS - 14k miles isn't considered 'low', in my opinion for a 2013 Z (based on your sig).

__________________
...need boost...

kenchan

yah, wear and tear items are not covered. how much pad do you have left? my Z is also around 14K. i still have like 80% pad left.

no shaking either.

if you have a lot of pad left, you can just get the rotors turned, but since you are removing the caliper off the car, why not just get the entire service done? i would install new rotors and pads, maybe even longer studs while im at it, and call it a day.

somms

My 2011 370Z developed this exact same problem at 24k miles after storing the car for three months during the summer. Dealer said the rotor developed a "high spot" and that was the cause of the vibration on the front rotors. It was considered normal wear and tear and not covered. The brake pads were at 50%, but since I had a dealer service coupon for new brake pads, they would do new pads and resurface for basically the same cost as a resurface, so that's what I did. Never did they mention that I *had* to replace the pads to solve the problem.

My guess (I'm by no means an expert) is that the rotors rusted during the summer and fused to the pads. I had to give it a good amount of power to "unstick" them at the first drive, and that might have caused the variation in the rotor surface.

SouthArk370Z

Could be several things but the most likely is a glazed spot on the rotor(s). If there is no grinding/squealing sounds coming from the brakes, make a few "panic" brakes (45-5mph). Don't stop completely or you can re-glaze the rotor. If that doesn't fix the problem then look at having the rotors/pads resurfaced or replaced.

__________________
Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub
Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

John_Kay

Everyone thank you so much for all te amazing responds. I will go to the shop and let u know of the outcome for future reference.

Ok for brake pads any suggestions?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Trips

Stock pads should be fine unless you're going to be tracking.

Hawk pads are the one's some choose.

__________________

John_Kay

Hello everyone,

back for the results. my front rotors need resurfacing, and i still have 50% pads life.

i decided to keep driving the car for another 3-6 months until the pads get worn out, and then do a nice brake job. Replace pads and resurface rotors.

thank you for all who contributed into this thread, and i hope this information will help future Z owners in answering their day to day questions.

$50 - Donated!

mults

Good deal with the donation...

Also, if the rotors are not at the minimum thickness, resurfacing should not be an issue. Just remember that the thinner the rotors get, the more susceptible they are to warp.

__________________
mults
40th Anniversary 'Z', 312.06HP/260.58TQ (Dynosty EcuTek Tune)
Build Date/Number: 1/27/2010 #706
Berk HFC + CBE, R2C CAI, Clear Bra, Cleveland Z Club