Warped rotors after 25k miles?

**kkarson** · 01-16-2017 04:10 PM

Hi all,

I have a 2015 A6 3.0T Prestige with black optics package.

So when I went in for my 25k maintenance, I reported to Stevens Creek Audi in San Jose that my brakes were pulsing/vibrating when braking at high speeds (60-70+ MPH) on the freeway, and after they did their inspection, they said the front rotors are warped due to heat. The Bay Area doesn't even get that hot, and it's a daily commuter with no stop and go traffic, so I see no reason that it would have warped. They said it is not a safety concern and that the pads still have 90% life left. They wanted $900 to replace the pads/rotors, so I left it alone since I didn't have time to deal with it and safety was my only concern, so if it wasn't going to affect the safety, then it's fine.

That was nearly 6 months ago. Now, at 35k, I'm ready to go for maintenance again, and the pulsating is even worse. I don't see how the brakes could have possibly warped in these instances. Can I bring this up to warranty? I have a 2000 Mercedes S500 with 120k miles on it, on the original brake rotors so I just don't get how these could have warped in just 25-30k miles.

I've seen other instances of people having this issue, so is it plausible that I could get these replaced under warranty?

**RAF_S7** · 01-16-2017 06:00 PM

Warped due to overheating doesn't mean due to high ambient air temperature.

They mean the actual heat generated from the friction material on the brakes themselves has caused the rotors to warp.

It's quite unusual, but not unknown, especially if you have done any tracking, or are a naturally heavy braker when decelerating.

Also, if the brakes were not properly bedded in when the car was new, that can also cause similar symptoms, as can a stuck pad causing excessive heat while the car is being driven.

You can have the discs skimmed, if the discs themselves are still within minimum tolerance - Audi won't do this though, you need to go to an independent shop. There are also plenty of aftermarket rotors available for the platform.

New discs normally also means new pads, so figure that into your costs.

Rotors and pads are generally considered a wear and tear item. Unlikely to get any warranty on them.

**Borg54** · 01-16-2017 06:56 PM

Rotors don't actually warp. The term is somewhat outdated. The pulse comes from pad material that transfers to the rotor causing a high spot. IMO audi's are more prone to this because of the electronic parking brake. If the car is parked when the brake rotors are really hot and the e-brake applied then the pad is held against a hot rotor. Not ideal. Some of the pad material can transfer to the rotor and you're SOL.

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**Unnaturally A4** · 01-16-2017 06:57 PM

We've had a couple RS5s have theirs swapped for the same reason. Low mileage warped rotors but hit up your dealer. Good luck! #SDAC

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**RAF_S7** · 01-16-2017 08:36 PM

Originally Posted by Borg54

Rotors don't actually warp. The term is somewhat outdated. The pulse comes from pad material that transfers to the rotor causing a high spot. IMO audi's are more prone to this because of the electronic parking brake. If the car is parked when the brake rotors are really hot and the e-brake applied then the pad is held against a hot rotor. Not ideal. Some of the pad material can transfer to the rotor and you're SOL.

Sent from my iPhone 8

OP reports his front discs are warped.

**tenspeed** · 01-17-2017 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by RAF_S7

OP reports his front discs are warped.

Some service advisers use the "warped rotor" excuse because it's easy to understand, hard to prove, they can sell parts and deny a warranty claim.

Originally Posted by Borg54

Rotors don't actually warp. The term is somewhat outdated. The pulse comes from pad material that transfers to the rotor causing a high spot.

Originally Posted by RAF_S7

You can have the discs skimmed, if the discs themselves are still within minimum tolerance - Audi won't do this though, you need to go to an independent shop.

Before I replaced the rotors and pads and if the rotors were thick enough, I would have them skimmed as suggested and then burnished in.

Here's some links that might be helpful.
http://www.stoptech.com/technical-su...nd-other-myths
http://www.mossmotors.com/SiteGraphi...ake_discs.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdPX6rzuINc