I'm getting some serious brake judder from my 2000 GLE. I have read in other threads that this is usually fixed by cutting the rotors and possibly new pads. Is this something that I should get the dealership to do or should I attempt to do it myself? If there is any thread or documents that explain how to do this, that would be mucho appreciated. Also, what type of rotors / pads are suggested? Thanks in advance!

 

i think there is a TSB out for your yr. not sure, do a search

 

Now many miles you got on the car? The TSB covers until 36K. If you have more, it might be worth considering a brake upgrade while you working on the car anyway.

 

I've got just over 50K so the TSB would come out of the pocket. What would you suggest?

 

Do some searching here on brake rotor upgrades, cross drilled, and other brake related terms.

Also, check out the Group Deals forum to see if you can get in on a brake set deal.

 

Here's what I'd recommend:

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?threadid=191239

 

i'm a little confused of brake juddering. i've done searches and i think i'm more confused. Does the steering wheel vibrate while braking? or is just the brake pedal that's vibrating? i'm starting to feel something when i brake. i don't think it's vibrating, it's kind of like if you were pressing teh brake pedal and releasing it quilkly and repeating it. and it's not TOO noticeable but it is. I'm almost hitting 40k.

 

Actually both. Steering wheel shudder is definitely when it is time to address it.

As for the pedal pulsation...how hard are you braking and from what speeds? This might be related to the ABS, but if you have the steering wheel issue as well, it is rotor time.

 

my steering wheel doesn't shake at all. i'm not braking very hard and like i said it's not TOO noticeable. I'm probably driving around freeway speeds to about 40mph? (I'll double check today when i head home from work). i haven't changed my brakes yet. cuz at my 30k check up they said i had 6/32 left and said i should be good for a little bit longer. i would have thought squeling would be an indication my brakes needed to be changed. any thoughts? thanks

 

First off...squealing and rotor warpage have nothing to do with each other. Rotors can warp with pads that have plenty of life left.

Second...I am not certain how many brake manufacturers still use the 'squeal' indicators. I was talking to a friend I helped do his front brakes on his truck and we both commented on how many pads, etc. do not come with those 'squealers' any more. I would not wait for noise under any circumstances. Since tires should be rotated every few thousand miles, you will have plenty of opportunities to check on the condition of the pads and rotors.

 

cool. i always thought squeling was an indication of brakes dying. it's probably time for me to change my brakes, there goes my savings. thanks jjs.

 

I do remember it certainly was the norm, but guess not now. IF you only have slight pulsations and $$$ is an issue right now, it might be worth taking the car to a brake shop to have them turn the rotors (if there is enough to work with) and replace the whole thing later. I know my AE had about 30K on it before I needed the brake TSB performed and have put 4K on it so far no issues. I would think your rotors have enough to 'turn' unless they have been serviced before.

Good luck!!

 

I'd say that depends on how much your mechanic wants to charge you to turn your rotors. Nissan says that the front rotors need to be turned on an on-car lathe. That's not inexpensive. And brand new Brembo blanks can be had for $44.00 each. So it may make more sense to just replace your rotors if they're out-of-warranty. That's what I plan to do when my OEM rotors give up the ghost. (I've already purchased Brembo blanks just to be on the safe side.)