When I brake, moderate to hard braking, from say 70 down to 50 mph or so, the brakes put off a lot of vibration .

My mechanical experience is limited and I am not sure what is wrong. I have a 2003, TLS, just purchased in Jan 2005, with 52,000 miles on it.

Does anyone else have this problem? If so, what was the problem and resolution?

Thanks.

 

Sounds like warped rotors. Very common with stock rotors. Solution = new rotors. I like rotora slotted (as many others do on this board).

 

Mine did the same thing, it was weird because it was speed related 70-55 hard to moderate braking caused a very noticiable vibration. Dealer installed new front pads and rotors at 45K miles

There is a TSB on this. I would ask the dealer about it. Since technically rotors and pads are a 'wear' item, it is probably up to the dealer in each case on if they will cover under a warranty claim.

 

bring it over to the dealer and see what they say. they dont do anything for you, go order yourself a brand new set of rotora's and you'll be more than satisfied with the results and loooks.

 

I have the exact same issue and upon taking it to the dealer I was told that rotors are slightly warped and would need resurfacing and the brake pads are gone both the front and rear and since this is a wear item it is not going to be covered under warranty - the dealer is charging $360 for both front and rear pads and rotor resurfacing - I asked Sears for a quote and their's is $325 - no tmuch difference.
Should I get this done at Sears or at the dealer - Sears can get the pads from the dealer.
Please advise

 

I had the same issue a while back. The dealer offered to resurface the rotors under warrenty, but I just decided to get some rotoras and hawks instead.

 

Were your brake pads not worn out - was it only the rotors.
Thanks

 

http://www.alldata.com/TSB/01/03013032.html

There is a TSB for vibrating brakes. I just had mine repaired under warranty 2 weeks ago. Dealer should cover this.

 

I know this has been a pretty common issue on TL's with the factory rotors being warped a number of times.

But has anyone with quality aftermarket rotors ran into this problem again after replacing the stock rotors?

 

Does the TSB also apply to the 2002 Acura 3.2 TL

 

TSB does not mean free repairs.

And warped rotors are not under warranty, unless your 3.2TL is less than a year old or has less than 12,000 miles.

djmikel -- They did it on good will, not under warranty. Mine was replaced at 27k miles, out of warranty, but on good will. Chances are, they won't do it again.


JR -- You're probably better off buying new aftermarket rotors and pads.

 

52000 miles on original brakes is a lot, i have 30000 miles and already wrapped

 

34k warped rotors, dealer nor acura customer service will approve fixing under warranty. pads still good. didn't expect acura to be so stingy with their obviously poor quality rotors.

 

thanks for all the input.

could i replace the rotors and pads myself? i have replaced pads before on a toyota, it was a cinch. but i have never replaced rotors before. someone told me that it is not that hard to do.

i assume that one tool i would need that i dont have is a torque wrench, as i have read that torquing to 80 or 85 pounds is important. any other tools i would need, or advise from anyone? thanks.

 

Here's some news that might be inspiring....
I just had my 03 TLS at the dealer last week foir the same problem. (hinshaws Acura in Fife, WA) I had one warped rotor. They resurfaced ALL FOUR rotors, and replaced ALL the brake pads free of charge under warranty.
When I asked them, "did I really need new brake pads on a car with 16K miles?", the service rep replied that once a rotor is warped that the brake pads can develop hot spots. I dont know about that, but I wasn't going to argue.
Check with the dealer before you do anything.

 

He's beyond warranty, they will not cover it.



Your rotors are warped. You need to replace your rotors AND PADS or your new rotors will warp again. I highly suggest the Rotora brand rotors. I have them on all 4 corners and they are great.

 

I had my rotors resurfaced 2 times under warranty. 1st at 32k miles, again at 41k miles, and lastly at 48k miles the rotors AND front pads were replaced. I didn't pay a dime.

 

Yeah, once your rotors are warped, the brake pads will get shot, too. It's definitely a good idea to replace both the rotors and the pads at the same time.

 

Warped rotors = uneven pad wear.

Uneven pads on new smooth rotors = uneven rotor wear = warped rotors!!!!11!

 

Yay, everybody wins!

 

It might be worth your while to try another dealer. I know I was lucky, but my dealer (who I didn't buy the car from originally) replaced my pads & rotors at 45K miles. I casually mentioned the TSB and how I researched it and knew it was an issue with the 3.2TLs. I believe each delaer has some input to the decision if it will be covered under waranty or not.

 

I piuchased a TL about 4months ago. I noticed vibe W/ braking around 35mph+. My amigo @ Discount Tire balanced all 4 and moved a front to back (wheel alittle bent). Problem was reduced but not cured. Finally got time and another friend turned the rotors(used a lathe), replaced front pads and now I have NO vibration.
My suggestion would be R&B the tires and wheels, best one goes on front( no side to side front to back only). Turn the rotors and replace the pads. I talked to a few techs prior to servicing and a strong opion is to stay away from puddles of water with hot Honda/Acura rotors. Good luck what ever you do.

 

Vibration returned at about 75K miles. The prev post mentioned the dealer replaced my rotors, that was at 44K miles, I just replaced all pads with Akebono PRO ACT on front and rear and replaced the front rotor with Brembos. No more vibration and seems to be sticker brakes!!!

 

Doubt it.

 

Woah how did you guys get the dealer to do rotors?? I have the extanted warranty and there telling me that its normal wear and tear and they wont cover it.

 

I don't think it is the norm. I mentioned the TSB and asked nicely, they said they'd look at them and then called to tell me they did trhe work. Mine were just covered within the 4yr/50K Honda warranty, the recent pads/rotors I did myself, hopefully saving a few hundred, but the parts were $250!