>Very possibly warped rotors. Its happened on mine twice before I
>started using non metalic pads. Those damn factory semi-metalic pads
>are not worth a damn when they make the rotors out of pig iron.
>Dodge likes selling those brake jobs.
>
>Alan...
>
>> anyone notice pulsing brakes on their Dak within 12,000+- miles??
>> (warped drums/rotors)
>>
I beg to differ. I have had several "performance" vehicles and have
tried both the standard and the semi-metallic pads. The semi-metallic
pads are FAR SUPERIOR to the standard pads. You lose critical stopping
distance with the standard pads. Yes, they don't heat up as much, but as
you remember in science class, less heat mean less friction. More heat,
more friction, more stopping power, less stopping distance. The best thing
to do is make sure your rotors are not turned more than once; even if they
are still "in spec." I tried with a Beretta GT, to keep having a pair of
rotors "turned" to get rid of the warp, but never succeeded. Even turned
them on the car, and they still vibated when they got warm. Went to the
autoparts store and found rotors for 19.95 each. Fixed it immediately and
never had a problem again.
Also, I completely agree with someone who stated make sure that
air-wrenches are not used on your rims. They will warp a rotor in a
heartbeat. As soon as your rotors get warm with odd torque settings, you
can forget getting them smoothed back out. A reputable tire store will use
a hand wrench and a torque wrench to put your rims back on. And the
tighting pattern should be across from each lug as you slowly tighten all
lugs. Plus it will save those chrome lug covers on your lugnuts.
I do agree that complete metallic pads are overkill for the street and do
heat up too much. They will wear rotors out fast also. For racing, go for
the complete metallics. For the street and any car, go for a good set of
semi-metallics. That is what came on your vehicle and for a good reason!
(They cost maybe $5 more at a local autoparts store. You don't have to
have the job done at a dealer.)
*******************************Rob Robinson ********************
Red 96 Dakota Sport V8 3.55 Burgundy 68 Barracuda Fastback
Shortbed, Standard Cab 318-904 8 3/4 rear3.23 sure-grip
K&N filterpack-clone Moser cut van axles w 11" drums
Rhino performance muffler Duals with Formula S exhaust tips
w/dual exhaust Power steering/Dealer installed
airconditioning
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