I have had much trouble with brakes and rotors since 11/04. I
have an 02 Rodeo with 32,000 miles at present. In November my brakes
started vibrating and making grunting noises. My mechanic said it was
warped rotors and changed them. It is still making grunting noises,
mostly when I come to a slow stop. I have brought it back to my
mechanic twice since then and to the dealer once to have it checked
out. They said that the ABS system is very sesitive and it is probably
engaging when it should not. But they all keep telling me that
everything "looks" alright. Why did it not make this noise for the
first 1 1/2 years and now I cannot get rid of it? Oh, and now my
rotors are warping again.
Edited by: jenko

I have a 2001 Rodeo. When it had about 36,000 miles it started making a
similar noise as you describe. It mainly did it when it was hot outside
and at slow stops. Everything in my braking system looked OK also.

I took it to a mechanic who suggested that I may need new tires (It
still had the original ones from the factory). I didn't do anything
immediately, but about 10 months later I changed the tires and it
hasn't made the noise since(It has been about 5 months).

( I finally changed the tires because they were looking worn out. I guess the mechanic was right on his one.)

Thanks so much for the info. My tires are the original ones but
they still look pretty good. But it's nice to know that there is hope.
Maybe when I change them it will stop. Has anyone had any trouble with
rotors?

hey jenko


just something with ur rotors, it could be the fact that ur calipers could be jamming on a little and heating up ur brake pads, does ur brakes feel like thay r loosing preformance as u drive the car? if so i would probably get the calipers checked as well

Thanks for the info but everything has checked more than one time. It
is a little frustrating but maybe when I change the tires it will stop.
One can only hope.

The brake rotors on these rodeos are very thin. A mechanic told me it is an attempt to shed excess weight for better gas mileage. My theory is it is an easy way to get another couple hundred bucks outta you every time you need a brake job. I am looking at getting some performance rotors for my 02 isuzu for 2 reasons. Ths first is poor OEM quality of rotors. I refuse to buy new rotors every brake job, that is ridiculous. The second is for increased brake performance. I will be getting a tow hitch here shortly, and I am not at all comfortable with the factory brakes stopping the truck AND a trailer.