This is a follow up on my last thread, here's a recap. My car was vibrating a bit at high speeds and shuddering quite a bit when I was braking (noticeable past 60km/hr). The garage has let me know that my wheels need to be rebalanced and my front rotors re-surfaced although both of these were fine before my accident. Could my rotors have warped from not being used for 3 weeks? They have suggested this may be the cause and in my opinion this is accident related as I would've been driving it everyday if not for the accident so the rotors wouldn't have warped! Does anyone think I have an argument for the insurance company to pay for this?
2007-03-20 04:27:42 · 11 answers · asked by Lokie 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Rotors can warp if overheated by heavy braking, sitting still? not likely.
2007-03-20 04:34:14 · answer #1 · answered by cimra 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you had an accident and didnt have this complaint before, then you have damage elsewhere. It is not the rotors. Check the tire balance if it was a front end collision. The repair center can see if the rim is damaged when they put the tire on the tire balancing machine. If the rim is bent, you can reopen your claim with the insurance company. Explain that the damaged rim may have been overlooked at the time of the repair estimate, and now you need a new rim. The insurance will cover the claim. If the rim is good, begin to look at frame damage or front end damage, possibly a rack or half shaft became damaged.
good luck..........
2007-03-20 04:55:42 · answer #2 · answered by mailbox1024 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rotors become warped by heating and then quick cooling.
So if you have driven for a length of time (say over 20 miles), and then they get wet by driving through a puddle or you go to a car wash, this will quickly cool the rotors and you'll end up with warping.
Standing will not effect the shape or construct of the metal. It would however cause debris buildup which might result in squeaking for a few stops.
2007-03-20 04:40:54 · answer #3 · answered by Brutally Honest 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Insurance will only pay if the technician diagnoses that it was accident related. Rotors don't distort while vehicle is parked, they just get rusty. If the rust is too much you might experience some vibs when braking. It is highly likely that the accident might have caused the vibration depending on the point and extent of the impact. If it was front end, then you might want to suggest inspection of the chassis alignment, front for any signs of damage, distortion or shrinkage.
2007-03-20 04:36:27 · answer #4 · answered by Life Dynamics 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rotors cannot warp from standing still for 3 weeks. Although, they can build up rust and crap like that. This would cause harsh braking for a bit but will go away shortly after a few stop and go's
2007-03-20 04:32:53 · answer #5 · answered by creatingmars 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no your rotors wont warp from sitting but they can get rust on them causing a thickness variation which can cause pulsating when braking but this will be temporary and go away after using brakes several times. if you had no pulsation before your accident and now u do,have them remove the rotors and take a reading on the hub flange with a dial indicator if the readings exceed .003 you will feel this when driving as a vibration and will get worse when braking.
2007-03-20 04:35:04 · answer #6 · answered by DRFIXIT 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I doubt it. How can a rotor, which is not being used in any way, warp? Ask the garage for clarification if they think it could happen. If it sounds feasible, ask them to write out a statement and give that to insurance and see what they say.
2007-03-20 04:34:36 · answer #7 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
rotors warp from heat, as in, always being a little on the brake, a little on the gas, rather then only using the brakes when nessacary. however, the rotors could potentially bend from an accident.
2007-03-20 04:44:01 · answer #8 · answered by KC 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they can get rust buildup after one night, even. as far as warping goes, theyd have to get really hot, than suddenly cold, as we all know about expansion and contraction. these are strictly possibilities, not what happened. its hard to tell.far as insurance goes, good luck with that. its very doubtful. most times, warranty companies wont cover these things, let alone insurance companies. its just not, in the grand scheme of things, an expensive fix.
2007-03-20 04:33:26 · answer #9 · answered by kevinc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they dont warp sitting there.....they warp from overheating and cooling off too fast. rebalance ur wheels..you may have bent a wheel or busted cord in tire,,or bent axel
2007-03-20 04:32:44 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋