FAQ: Vibration under braking: warped rotors? NO!

[Andy C]

Can confirm Kia Corporate is aware. I barely got out 2 words and they knew exactly what I was experiencing.

My Hawk HPS 5.0 pads on new OEM front rotors have been great so far! One week in so won't post a review yet.

 

[MerlintheMad]

I barely got out 2 words and they knew exactly what I was experiencing.

"My brakes ..."

 

[WRXtoStingerGT]

Foolish question but what is the corporate number?

I called Kia of North America twice and wanted to let them know. I am now scheduled for my SECOND appointment at the dealership for the same brake/rotor/pad problem.

Car has about 3300 miles right now. They "fixed" the issue about a week ago.

Looks like I should ask them to install an aftermarket brand for me or reimburse me for an aftermarket brand? What happens if this happens a third time? Lemon law the car or get a full vehicle replacement of the same make/model/trim then?

 

[MerlintheMad]

What happens if this happens a third time? Lemon law the car or get a full vehicle replacement of the same make/model/trim then?

When you get aftermarket pads on good rotors (OE rotors are good unless they are trashed by getting cementite spots on them from overheating), your problem with pulsating brakes will fade (pun intended).

 

[ChaneRZ]

Get a full vehicle replacement. Some miles later the same problem lol.

 

[JP's_Stinger]

Get a full vehicle replacement. Some miles later the same problem lol.

How hard the dealership and Kia will fight you on this, though...

 

[WRXtoStingerGT]

Foolish question but what is the corporate number?

Thank you for the prompt replies!

I understand that the OEM pads/rotors have issues together and the problems will continue to come back over and over; even if rebedding correctly and following the necessary steps.

My question is... how can I get Kia of North America or the specific dealership to use pads and rotors that will not have this issue? I love the car and I want to keep the car but this issue has happened TWICE within a three week period on a car with around 3000 miles and less than six months old.

Does not make sense.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Does not make sense.

Warranty work. Some on here have had Kia replace pads and/or rotors multiple times. If you are after eliminating pulsating brakes, aftermarket pads should do it. If your rotors are still good, you'll know it by rebedding the pads and feeling the pulsating go away. If it comes back days later, that means the rebedding worked: the rotors are still good. Ask Kia if they'll meet you on the price of new aftermarket pads. If not, oh well, at least it didn't hurt to ask. Provide your own aftermarket pads. When you get the car, bed them in. And everything should be happy, happy, joy, joy going forward. That's what the odds say.

 

[JP's_Stinger]

Foolish question but what is the corporate number?

Thank you for the prompt replies!

I understand that the OEM pads/rotors have issues together and the problems will continue to come back over and over; even if rebedding correctly and following the necessary steps.

My question is... how can I get Kia of North America or the specific dealership to use pads and rotors that will not have this issue? I love the car and I want to keep the car but this issue has happened TWICE within a three week period on a car with around 3000 miles and less than six months old.

Does not make sense.

And yet, you're the 963rd and counting complaining about that exact problem. The fix is simple : buy new aftermarket performance pads and replace the shit Kia has put over the Brembos. Sure you can waste a lot of time and energy trying 10 different solutions, as a ton of owners already did...but everyone ends up upgrading their pads and permanently fixing the problem (some also go for new better rotors also, but it's not a "must"...pads are!).

No, Kia won't pay for the pads themselves, but if you argue with them enough, they can absorb the labor cost. Do it now and save yourself from a lot of dealership visits in the near future!

 

[JP's_Stinger]

Warranty work. Some on here have had Kia replace pads and/or rotors multiple times. If you are after eliminating pulsating brakes, aftermarket pads should do it. If your rotors are still good, you'll know it by rebedding the pads and feeling the pulsating go away. If it comes back days later, that means the rebedding worked: the rotors are still good. Ask Kia if they'll meet you on the price of new aftermarket pads. If not, oh well, at least it didn't hurt to ask. Provide your own aftermarket pads. When you get the car, bed them in. And everything should be happy, happy, joy, joy going forward. That's what the odds say.

The most important thing you need to do, after getting the new pads installed, is to PROPERLY bed them in!

Here's the proper procedure that I recommand you follow step-by-step ("New Kids on the Block" style) : How to bed in your new brakes for street/urban driving

I personnally did everything that's written on this procedure, when bedding in my new EBC Redstuff ceramic pads, and now, the problem's gone and I'm f****** releaved!!

 

[WRXtoStingerGT]

So just so I understand...

1 - Get aftermarket pads (front only or all four? / which brand?)
2 - Ask Kia to reimburse the cost of the purchase or at least cover the installation/labor fee
3 - Bed them in "properly" by following the guidelines on the forums
4 - Accept that this is "normal" when purchasing a brand new flagship vehicle at this price point
5 - Never worry about the vibrations and thudding and shuddering while driving ever again

 

[MerlintheMad]

1 - Get aftermarket pads (front only or all four? / which brand?)

Front only, unless you were getting shuddering through the back of your driver's seat. Brands are subjective. I have my eyes on KNS Brakes's dissertation on brakes, for when I will be replacing pads. FAQ: Vibration under braking: warped rotors? NO!

 

[stingertig]

Looks like I was too quick to declare the problem solved. My fronts are also vibrating and Kia Canada is refusing to do anything about it despite it still being within the warranty kms.

Anyone in Canada had success filing an arbitration case with CAMVAP?

 

[D.J.]

Looks like I was too quick to declare the problem solved. My fronts are also vibrating and Kia Canada is refusing to do anything about it despite it still being within the warranty kms.

Anyone in Canada had success filing an arbitration case with CAMVAP?

Kia Canada? Or the dealer?

My dealer usually gave me no issues replacing my rotors the last 4 times - and there is no other solution available to the dealers other than replace the rotors - return the vehicle to normal operating condition temporarily.

 

[stingertig]

First the dealer, then Kia Canada refused it. They claim it is not covered under warranty because there are signs of "excessive breaking" and "excessive heat" or something like that.
I run out of options with Kia, they won't do anything so next is probably arbitration.

 

[ChaneRZ]

Changed my front pads. Feels good. Probably just my mind. Super easy to change. Took an hour. Probably less if I didn’t have to clean my wheels haha.

 

[WRXtoStingerGT]

Crazy stories and very good information being shared here!

I appreciate it everyone. Thank you all so much!

 

[Helo58]

First the dealer, then Kia Canada refused it. They claim it is not covered under warranty because there are signs of "excessive breaking" and "excessive heat" or something like that.
I run out of options with Kia, they won't do anything so next is probably arbitration.

That is the same place I ended up. Kia repurchased my car yesterday when they could have fixed it for less than $500 USD. By refusing to fix a legitimate and known issue with the car and forcing me to seek legal assistance to resolve the matter, they ensured that I will never buy a Kia, Hyundai, or Genesis ever again. It is a shame too. I loved the Stinger and I owned a Hyundai and a Genesis prior to the Stinger.

 

[narsnail]

Does anyone that had the vibrating have it happen when NOT braking? I know super warped rotors could cause it potentially.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Does anyone that had the vibrating have it happen when NOT braking? I know super warped rotors could cause it potentially.

Only a sticking caliper could cause pulsating when not touching the brake pedal. (warped rotors do not occur, i.e. the rotor is never malformed under intense heat; it takes massive, sustained, repeated braking from speeds that top end race cars experience to even get hot enough for that)