Hey everybody. I own a 92 toyota pickup 4x4 v6 X-cab that I am very happy with except for one annoying problem. I have had the truck for the last 17,000 miles and I had to replace the front brake rotors 3 times already. For some reason, the front rotors warp really bad after only 3000 miles after having them replaced or turned. I told one of the mechanics that worked on my truck about this and he pointed out the the rear brakes were out of adjustment which caused the front rotors to get hot. However, after he fixed this, it still didn't help and 3000 miles later the truck started shaking again whenever I touch the brakes. I would fix it myself, but I don't have the time. So now I have to take it to the shop again and I know the mechanics will probably just turn the rotors without fixing the problem behind it. So my question is what do you think is causing the front rotors to overheat? I know it isn't do to my driving because I am easy on the brakes. Any help would be appreciated.

1. Machine rotors to spec.
2. Replace Calipers (sometimes one piston will stick causing premature wear)
3. Replace pads with quality units.
4. Adjust rear breaks for very slight drag

We did this on our 85 4runner and even with the 4 inch lift and 265/16's we have yet to revisit other than inspections periodically. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

If there is a lift on the truck, make sure the Load Sensing Prop Valve attached to the rear axle has been properly adjusted to compensate for the lift:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/4R_suspension.shtml#ProportioningValve

If not done, the rear brake bias is reduced by a great degree, making the front brakes do much more of the work.

Might also consider using a better brand of rotors, maybe you are getting a cheap brand at the shop.

That's what I was thinking too. Cheap Autozone/Checker rotors are junk, you have to ask them for the premium rotors. They're usually three times the price and stamped "Made in Canada."

Also check the pad wear, see if any pads are more significantly worn than others. ie: are the inner pads well worn, but not the outer pads?

im asst manager at autozone, we offer a "valucraft" with 1 yr warranty agiant warping and out brand "duralast" which has a 2y warr. the duralast ones sometimes are canadian but some of them are made in tiwan and it saiys quality assured in the US. I found the valucrafts to be machines almost close to minimum spec. the duralast ones are beefier. also if you get pads from us OE is an organic material. id reccomend them or carbon metalics. People think the carbons are rough on the rotors when they are acualy not ive had mine one for almost a year now and sho no signs of tru wearing or rotor guaging. the rotors also are not warped becuase the carbons handle better in heat and will also disapte the heat better.. Find out if you running a semi-metalic or organic. SEMI's often cuase lots of noise and dust/warping on these trucks. Also do not run ceramics ans they will wear out quickly on these trucks

I agree with 4Crawler; if that LSPV isn't where it's supposed to be, your front brakes are getting most of the energy to stop.

Junkyard and a visit to the machine shop, or www.marlincrawler.com is another place to shop for rotors.

Good luck and welcome to the board!

Try some better quality rotors, maybe some Brembo's (non-mex) from Italy.

Flush out your fluid and use a good brand of pads(like PBR).

Dont worrie about the rears, most toyotas are so wacked out of adjustment in the rear anyway.

The rears do very little of the braking and will not effect how the fronts wear. They will have more effect with a 4runner.

I bet your calipers are sticking partially, possibly causing them to drag a tad. Two toy trucks that I do maintainace on have had this problem (mine and my neighbors). They are 4 piston set-ups and one or both of the inside pistons has frozen up on both trucks. The brakes still seem to work ok, but the outside pistons are doing most the work and loading the rotor unevenly. Reman calipers are only like $40, I'd check this out before I put yet another set of new rotors on.