I have an '01 SE and had a new set of tires out on in July (Michelin Pilots-expensive but excellent tires). My brakes were okay, but the guy told me I needed new pads on all wheels. I had ~ 50k miles on the car, so I had the brake job done.

After that, I had a squeaking noise from the brakes, but attributed it to the new pad break-in. They continued to make noise from time to time, but I've been too busy to bring it back. Recently, the braking power of the car has gone downhill and I brought the car back for an oil change and rotation and asked him to check the brakes. He's now telling me that the rotors are shot and I need new rotors. I argued that I shouldn't need new rotors, because I just had a brake job 8k miles ago and there was no mention of a problem with the rotors. He said cutting the rotors was part of the brake job.

Is it possible that I need new rotors at 60k miles? I spoke with a friend and he is telling me that I should get > 100k miles on my rotors and this guy likely did something wrong when he did the initial brake job in July. I've seen some things while waiting in the shop that strengthened my belief that this shop is half assed. ANy help? Is this typical of Maxima brakes?

 

It IS possible to need new rotors at 60k. But then I needed them at 45k.
Here's a question for you...what do you mean when you say the braking power has gone downhill? Does the pedal feel soft? Does the car shake when you brake? Do the brakes just squeel when you stop?

My brake pads were still pretty good when I changed to stillen setup. I just got tired of the shaking. When I first changed them, no squeels. About 3 weeks later, they started making noise every time I stop. Still make noise now. But the stopping power is there and no more shakes.

 

The 'shuddering' has increased when I hit the brakes at highway speeds. The brakes are starting to make a chirping noise (sounds like crickets) when driving, even if I'm not braking. The brakes still slow the car down, but I think not as quickly as it should. Then again, maybe the shuddering makes me think they aren't stopping properly.

After posting this question, I did a search and see this seems to be a problem with Maxima rotors that many people have experienced. What have others done to eliminate getting new rotors every year ior two? Is there another brand of rotors that are better?

Thanks

 

The shuddering is definitely the rotors (they go up too often, in fact, I bought Raybestos aftermarket rotors for mine and I've already had to get them resurfaced... did that today).

As for the "chirping", that sounds a little odd... maybe your calipers are seizing up too? I know when I had OEM pads & rotors on there, the pads themselves were stuck (they wouldn't back off the rotor very well when you released the brake pedal), but consequently the brakes felt a bit "faded" too...

 

So is there any brand of rotor that will wear and perform good, or will I be stuck getting $500 brake jobs every year? I wouldn't mind paying extra if they don't keep wearing out.

 

I think people have luck with Powerslot rotors (and probably Brembo as well...)

I recall someone talking about Bendix rotors, and how they're made with North American steel, vs. OEMs made with Japanese steel (something about Japanese steel being of lower quality)... makes me wonder
My Raybestos rotors were made in Canada... wouldn't know what type of steel they used though

 

My rears made that "cricket noise when they wore down, but stopped when I changed them. hat shake can be unnerving, especially at high speeds; definitely the rotors.

I have the Stillen cross-drilled rotors with the Axxis pads. I changed to them in April. So far, so good. No shakes but they squeal whenver I stop.

 

How much are the Stillen vs. other rotors and where can I get them and have them installed? Do they require special pads also? Would this be something I would have to buy and then install myself?
Thanks