Ceramic Pads

[moose500]

So I recently did a rotor and brake job on all four wheels. This is the first time I have ever done it on my X5 myself. I have done it several times on my E36 and my wife's Pilot. I am getting severe steering wheel vibration only while braking between 60-70mph. I went back to the person who sold me the front rotors and had them replaced. Still the same vibration. Could it be the ceramic pads? This is the first time I have ever tried them and am thinking maybe to just go back to regular pads. I only tried them because they are supposed to reduce brake dust, no?

[mrbmwx5]

have you compleled the Break-In Procedure. ?

http://www.x5world.com/submit-articl...procedure.html

[moose500]

Ugh. I used a simple method to break them in but nothing as elaborate as what you've posted. Does this mean that my rotors may be shot again?

[supersteve]

try balancing your tires. Could also be lower control arms.

[JohnD]

Make sure you torque your wheels properly. I had the same problem after doing my brake job. Although I thought the wheels were tight, the problem went away after proper torqing

[The Cleaner]

Check for dirt, rust or other debree under the rotor where is mates with the hub. Most vibrations in rotors are cause by that rather than a warped rotor. Use a wire brush to clean the inside of the Rotor had AND the hub surface. Rotate the rims to see if it goes away if that does not help. After that change control arms.

[klnteg]

Did the shaking occur before or after the brake job? What rotors are they? What was wrong with the originals? I heard you cant or not supposed to turn the originals, not sure but if you can then do that. Stay with original stuff especially on a BMW. I wouldn't use a wire brush on the rotors anytime!! The pad is suppesed to make itself bed into the rotor and scoring from a wire brush won't help any! Did all of your pistons in the calipers retract nicely? Just re-trace your steps you might find the problem.

[JCL]

Two sets of rotors and no improvement greatly reduces the chances that it is the rotors.

Agree with the wire brush on the hub and rotor mating surface, as well as where the wheel sits on the hub, to ensure they are seated properly. We aren't talking about the friction surface, but rather the mounting surface.

It isn't likely a brake problem (pads, caliper, or rotor) but rather something not balanced rotationally (ie not seated properly, or dynamically unbalanced), or something loose in the suspension (mentioned by others) that braking sets off. If it wasn't there before the brake job, I would be looking for the former.

[moose500]

Thanks all. going to open everything up this weekend.