How to prevent brake judder

Dirt and corrosion: One of the major causes of DTV is the build-up of debris between the hub and disc mounting surface. The axiel runout caused by even the smallest particle of dirt or rust, is magnified as you move towards the outside of the disc. To put this into context:- a single spec of rust measuring only 0.05mm in diameter, the size of a human hair, can cause axial runout of over 0.1mm when measured at the centre of the braking surface. With excessive runout the disc wobbles as it rotates, causing uneven disc wear, and in turn thickness variation.

Improper bedding-in:

Anytime you install new brake pads, it’s critical to bed or break them in by avoiding hard and excessive braking during the first 100 miles or so. This will help to transfer an even layer of friction material from the pad to the disc. Conversely not doing this can cause uneven pads deposits on the discs face, leading to uneven heat build-up. The high-spots can become very hot compared to the rest of the disc. If the temperature at these high spots exceeds 650°C, the cast iron changes structurally and transforms into a hard material called cementite, altering the discs make-up and causing the disc to wear unevenly.

Overheating of brake discs:

A brake disc typically undergoes about 100,000 heating and cooling cycles during its lifetime. This in itself is not an issue – discs are designed to cool rapidly between applications. However when brakes are used repeatedly, and/or in quick succession, for example on long downhill descents, the discs don’t get enough time to dissipate the heat and can overheat. Aside from initiating possible brake fade, disc temperatures may exceed 650°C and change the structure of the disc, resulting in DTV.

Seized calipers:

Whilst less common, a seized caliper can also cause DTV. Rusty or damaged pistons or slide pins will prevent the caliper housing from moving, holding the pads against the disc even when the brakes aren’t applied. This leads to an uneven build-up of pad material and hot spots on the disc.

Other factors causing brake judder

If there’s no evidence of thickness variation, it’s important to investigate other areas. The wheel bearings for example could be badly worn and have excessive play, resulting in erratic disc wobble. Another potential cause, especially with thin-hat discs, is poor wheel installation. Excessive torque on the wheel fasteners could lead to a warped disc hat. The same goes for tightening torque on the discs positioning screws. This could distort the hub contact surface. All of these issues could result in judder.

Best practice advice to prevent brake judder

By following a few simple guidelines, brake judder can be virtually eliminated:

• Before refitting a disc, first check the discs thickness. Using a brake disc micrometre measure the discs thickness, 2.5mm from the outer edge, at eight equidistant points around its perimeter never base the measurements on any one single spot. Compare the results with the specification. If it’s outside the manufacturer’s tolerances then it cannot be serviced and must be replaced. In general, the maximum allowable thickness variation is around 0.015mm.
• Ensure that both the hub and disc mounting faces are scrupulously clean and free from rust or any other form of dirt or grease. Use a cloth and appropriate solvent to clean the disc, and a wire brush for the hub.
• Once fitted, use a dial indicator to check the discs lateral runout. The dial test indicator must be securely mounted to a stationary, yet adjustable fixture, for example, a control arm. Position the dial indicator’s plunge tip about 2.5mm inside the rotor edge, set to zero and rotate manually through 360°, recording maximum and minimum runout. Whilst tolerances will vary from make to model, less than 0.05 to 0.10mm is a good target for maximum runout limit.
• If runout is out of tolerance recheck the disc fitment onto the hub, if this is correct remove the disc and carry out a run out check with the DTI on the wheel bearing/hub unit.
• Ensure that the caliper carrier is clean and that the slider pins are lubricated, free of rust and moving freely.
• Torque all wheel fasteners in the correct pattern and at the correct torque settings.
• Always bed in new brakes according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Prevent overheating the discs by inappropriate use of the brakes. Avoid both continuous, consecutive heavy braking from high speed and holding the car back with the brakes on long steep descents - use a lower gear to make use of engine braking instead.