Brakes...killing me

Saga so far:

Replaced the brakes all around with EBC slotted rotors and orange pads. Lasted a couple of weeks then started to shudder BADLY. Took the truck to the dealer (the only place I could find that did runout testing) and they determined all the rotors were bad. Ugh.

Replaced the rotors with OEM units and, thus far, stopping has been normal and routing.

EXCEPT -

I had some squeal with the original setup, and initially with the OEM rotors and EVC pads it was okay. In the past couple of weeks, it's basically become like I'm driving and stopping a semi. Loud, loud, loud brake squeal all the way through the stopping process. Like, obnoxiously loud to the point where it's embarrassing. I've done my best to try and scrub the rotors/pads doing the bed-in procedure, to no avail. I'm at a loss here, aside from scrapping the EBC pads. That was a wasted $1,200 investment in trying to improve my braking performance it seems.

Thoughts? I've seen sprays and whatnot to try and help, I'm literally at my wit's end with trying to figure this out. The truck ALSO sprung a leak in the fuel line a couple of weeks ago, so I bought a brand new Nissan Rogue and the truck is kind of laid up right now, so I've got time to get around to fixing it, although I might just have the dealer replace the fuel line as well.

 

Did you bed in the pads?

 

Exactly what I was thinking.....

 

How long have you had the EBC rotors? can you return them? Try replacing the pads and if the noise goes away return the EBC rotors and pads.

 

Quoting my initial post as well: "'I've done my best to try and scrub the rotors/pads doing the bed-in procedure"

The original install with the EBC pads/rotors - yes; then tried re-bedding after the violent shudder started to eliminate pad deposits as a possible cause.
New OEM rotors with original EBC pads - yes (asked and verified that the dealership does it when installing every new set - our local dealer here is usually pretty good with this stuff); have re-tried since the awful noise begun

Next steps are replacing the pads. Which probably means a re-surfacing as well to eliminate ANY combination of rotor warp/runout and/or pad deposits.

I worked back with CarID and they said they could send out a new set - I believe currently pending EBC's input, but with test results showing all the rotors were out of spec in just a couple hundred miles, I can't see how they could deny it. If I replace the pads again, it's just going to be plain old OEM. The EBC setup has been disappointing, to say the least. If they do replace them (I honestly don't even care at this point, as I wouldn't put them on the truck again), I'm not even sure what I'd do with them other than sell them. But I'm also not sure I want to potentially sell someone else the problem, if the replacement set is just as bad as the originals.

 

If you're still using your original calipers, did you clean and grease all the slide pins? These are prone to seizing up and causing a dragging brake scenario, which will overheat the rotors. Doubt all 4 would do it simultaneously though. Disappointing to hear about your EBC experience. My 2019 has great braking performance, I'm sure your 2011 had good performance when new. Doing a back to factory overhaul may be the best bet. Flush the brake fluid and replace pads with OEM. May even be worth replacing the calipers if you can't get them cleaned up and lubed back into good shape. The piston seals can degrade over time and let water in as well. Good luck with this.

 

A caliper replacement might have to be my next step. As of right now, stopping power is perfectly fine...just obnoxiously noisy!

The rears I did myself (well, my Dad and I) and everything was by the book, no issues. The fronts were done by a local shop a couple months later, and I'm told they did everything that should be done, but can't 100% say for certain. The calipers are certainly the originals from 2011, and 11 WI winters has taken a toll, but aside from being a little less than perfect visually, we didn't notice any issues. But your point may be valid as I'm definitely not a certified caliper pro!

Brake fluid was flushed when the fronts were done as well.

I did get notification today that EBC is sending new rotors. Anyone want to take the chance on a brand new set? :|