Do you experience vibrations each time you apply the brakes of your BMW? If your BMW shakes, vibrates, or produces unpleasant sounds every time you step on the brake pedal, then there is a high chance that your brake rotors are warped. The brake rotors, also known as brake discs, are very important in your car’s braking system as they help to slow down the vehicle. When the brake pedal is pressed, the brake pads come into contact with the rotors, and through friction, the car is brought to a halt.
However, if the rotors are warped or uneven in any way, this will present a major problem in braking, which compromises the car’s performance and safety. When a BMW owner fails to address warped brake rotors, he should expect longer stopping distances, uneven wear of the brake pads, and higher stress levels on other brake components. If you think your BMW has this problem, fixing it as soon as possible is advisable. Below are the causes of brake rotors warping and how to go about it to ensure your BMW is safe and in good condition.
How Do Brake Rotors Turn Out to Be Warped?
- Worn Brake Pads: Brake pads worn out or not worn uniformly will not put pressure on the rotors uniformly. This can cause localized heating on the rotor surface; after some time, the rotor may take on the shape of the heat source.
- Excessive Heat Due To Braking: Another major cause of brake rotors warping is heat. When you drive in a congested area, apply hard brakes, or descend from a slope, your brakes may get hot. If the rotors heat up and cool down too quickly, the rotors get to wear out and may end up being uneven or even warped.
- Poor Quality or Thin Rotors: Some BMW owners opt to use low-quality rotors that are less durable than the original ones. Thin or low-quality rotors take less time to heat up and are also likely to bend. When replacing rotors, you should always use only OEM or performance rotors made for BMWs.
- Uneven Lug Nut Tightening: If the wheels are not placed properly, the lug nuts apply uneven pressure on the rotor, leading to warpages. Lug nuts must be tightened to the right torque when changing the tires or servicing the brakes.
Ways of Repairing Warped Brake Rotors on a BMW
- Resurfacing the Rotors: In some cases, if the warping is not too severe, a mechanic can resurface the rotors by mechanically removing a thin layer of metal to flatten them. However, if the rotors are too thin or have a significant warp, resurfacing cannot be done.
- Replacing the Rotors: There are times when the best solution is to have the warped rotors replaced with new ones. If you want to enjoy better braking on your BMW, then you should consider getting high-quality rotors that can last longer. When replacing rotors, it is advisable to replace the brake pads so that they wear evenly.
- Performance Rotors: Performance rotors are advisable for those who often encounter heavy traffic or use their BMW for sports car-like drives. These rotors are built to withstand high temperatures and are less likely to twist.
- Proper Installation: When replacing rotors, one should ensure that they are well installed and that the lug nuts are tightened properly to the correct torque. If the installation is not done properly, the same issue reoccurs.
JCL Automotive Can Help With Your BMW Brake Repairs
If you are experiencing some signs that your BMW’s brake rotors are warped, do not hesitate to seek the services of a mechanic. At JCL Automotive, one of our main focuses is the brake repair and servicing of BMW vehicles so that your car can provide responsiveness, dependability, and safety when braking. Our expert mechanics are capable of assessing your brake system, repairing or reconditioning your rotors, and fitting the best brake pads for your BMW to enhance your car’s braking system.
Located in Hellertown, PA, we are BMW owners’ preferred destination for automotive services in the region. For any queries or if you wish to book an appointment for your BMW brake system check, please feel free to contact us.