Sorry for the somewhat misleading subject line, but I have yet to run across a high performance car that does not have "warped" brake rotors as a common "problem."

And since the RX-8 is bound to get driven hard, I thought I'd give a few tips to the new drivers on how to avoid "warped" rotors.

The truth is brake rotors rarely actually warp, very rarely.
What is actually happening is pad deposit on the rotor that changes the iron properties much the same way as alloying (mixing more than one metal or mineral to create a new compound).

Since this happens in an uneven manner around the rotor you get very different characteristics in the different parts of the rotor. Causing the brakes to vibrate and shudder.

This almost always happens because the pads (not the rotors) got too hot for what temps they where designed to handle. Then allowed to cool while the car stood still.

To avoid this problem one only need use track pads when on the track or be sure to use very good street-performance pads when hitting the backroads or the evil-orange-cones in the parking lot.
(IMO: Axxis Ultimates are perfect for street and cone-carving).

Then drive the car slowly for about 2-5 minutes depending on how hard you've been to the brakes to allow the pads/rotors to cool evenly (try keeping your foot off the brakes).


If it happens anyway (which is possible) then there's a 90% chance you will need new rotors. Once the rotor iron has changed no amount of turning will solve the problem in the long run. However, if you suspect you may have this "warping" problem and you act early you may salvage the rotors.

If your rotor look like this then you need to:

You'll need to remove the rotor and basically sand the thing down. Or use fine steel wool to polish the surface. This will remove the pad material before it has a chance to do it's nasty work.


For a great write up on "warped rotors" read this from StopTech:

http://www.stoptech.com/whitepapers/...otors_myth.htm