2013~2016 Brakes Need Work Again

[ColoradoDriver]

So in the summer of 2023 I replaced all 4 rotors and sets of brake pads. Replaced the brake fluid, and we bedded in the brakes when done. Fast forward to today and the brakes give me a hell of a wicked vibration at times.

So I figured ok, need to replace the rotors (or have current ones resurfaced, but honestly I don't have a second car to take them to a shop for that so...), slap some new pads in, and replace the brake fluid again.

It's been suggested that since I am nearing 150k miles, might want to replace all the calipers while I am at it. Wondering what your thoughts are towards that. Seemed to be in alright condition in 2023 and all the pins seemed to be sliding fine. Cleaned and re-lubricated the pins and went on my way. Honestly not seeing any tell-tell signs of caliper issues. Car tracks straight when braking.

Guess will see next time I take the wheels off how the pads are wearing, but is there a general rule for when to replace the calipers? Also, any ideas as to cause of crazy amounts of vibration when braking?

 

[RedBaron]

Also, any ideas as to cause of crazy amounts of vibration when braking?

The chances are that this is simply brake pad material baked onto the disc rotors, possibly due to heavy braking followed by holding the brakes on while the discs are hot.

You could try one (or both) of two things. First, redo the brake bedding procedure of (on a deserted straight road) accelerating up to 60mph and braking hard down to 20mph and release the brakes. Repeat 4-5 times, but making sure to wait between repetitions to let the pads & rotors cool.

Alternatively, take off the rotors and GENTLY 'lap' them with a disc sander around the circumference to remove baked-on material. Here's just one article on this: How to Resurface Rotors with Sandpaper: A Step-by-Step Guide - Tool Trip

 

[ruthrj]

Do you have any long downhill descents? Folks tear their brakes up big time on our small mountain. You can often smell hot brakes at the bottom from being dragged the whole way down without downshifting. That’ll screw rotors up and can cause a shudder. As Baron suggested, it can be compounded by holding the brakes against hot rotors at a stop.

What brand did you go with back in 23 for pads and rotors? I haven’t heard complaints on OEM. Didn’t have that issue with Carquest rotors and akebono pads but again I baby the brakes by downshifting. My old Odyssey needed the rotors resurfaced in flat Florida as the OEM rotors were notoriously undersized for that size vehicle, other brands were less prone to warping and reportedly prevented shudder.

 

[Jmaz]

Doesn't sound like any caliper issues if they aren't leaking, binding or damaged. Never heard of a 150k mile schedule for changing calipers either. My cynical self would say that sounds like something a dealer or garage would say. You've been given good advice above, I'd go with that.