Full Replacement - SRT8 Pads and Rotors

[srt8dunk]

Fellas,

I know there are a number of threads on this but I do not want mine to get lost in the wash. I flipped the oil yesterday at 16,000 KM (10,000 Miles). I had the wheels off, noticed excessive wear on the rotors and pads since my last oil change. Also noticed a purple haze around the metal of the braking system.

I went to the dealer immediately. I left the vehicle overnight. Just received a call from the service manager. The dealer has agreed to do a full pad and rotor replacement. The only catch is this:

They will do the front immediately. Then wait 4-5 business days and have me come in and place a second order for the rear. Chrysler will not allow them to do both at the same time because of the cost.

I am thrilled, let me tell ya. The only problem is that I assume I'll have the same issue in another 10,000 miles. Well, I'll keep going back.

Don't let your dealer get away with not doing this same replacement for you. Keep going back and going back and going back until you have the same result. Any questions, IM me and I will send you my service reports when I have them. And, if you have further problems, come up to Hamilton, Canada for a holiday and have the job done here by my dealer. Your welcome to stay at my house if you bring beer.......Canadian Beer.

DUNK

[artichoke]

That's an offer that's difficult to refuse -- in the good sense! I have a few questions ...

What is normal wear?
And how much wear did you have?
(I have to know how to justify this to my dealer.)

What's the story on the purple haze -- did they explain it, remove it, or what?

[srt8dunk]

Originally Posted by artichoke

That's an offer that's difficult to refuse -- in the good sense! I have a few questions ...

What is normal wear?
And how much wear did you have?
(I have to know how to justify this to my dealer.)

What's the story on the purple haze -- did they explain it, remove it, or what?

I cannot define normal wear. I must admit, there was no noticeable difference in braking performance. Also too, I primarily do highway driving which is also a bit strange to have a problem like this.

The rotors were SEVERELY grooved. It would be the equivalent of running your finger across a fine washboard. Seriously. With a pen or a stick, you could play in any country band. It was the same on all four wheels. I did not look a the pads, the rotors would be a fine indication of where they are at. The dealer confirmed that they will also be replaced.

The purple haze was a result of having just finished driving in a bit of traffic. Not sure if it is permanent, but regardless it is only on the undercarriage arms and linkage. No cosmetic. Certainly due to excessive heat in the brake system. I'll check that in another month or two once the new parts are installed. I assume a good scrub with a degreaser might take care of it.

I'll keep you updated.

[hemiwagn]

Hmmmm, last Wed, I had all pads replaced per the TSB, but not the rotors. In fairness, the rears were fine, the fronts did have some grooving, but not as bad as you describe. And my dealer is in Grimsby Ontario, right next door to Hamilton, eh....

[WhiteDiamond]

Did the dealer give you any idea how much it costs per DCX pricing? I had a local dealer tell me that all 4 rotors replaced, new pads and the labor is going to run well over $1200.00 on the SRT8............Can't wait for the aftermarket to get onto this vehicle!!!

Todd

[DZeckhausen]

Originally Posted by WhiteDiamond

Did the dealer give you any idea how much it costs per DCX pricing? I had a local dealer tell me that all 4 rotors replaced, new pads and the labor is going to run well over $1200.00 on the SRT8............Can't wait for the aftermarket to get onto this vehicle!!!

That's not out of line with what BMW dealers charge to change pads and rotors on a 540i. It's even higher on an M3 or M5. I had actually expected these numbers to be even higher, since the OEM rotors for the 350Z Track Model (another Brembo-equipped car) were nearly $500 each.

[WhiteDiamond]

Dave,

He just said "well above 1200.00" and had an interesting shrug as he said it. I think he thinks it is going to be much more, but I left it at that. Due to the number of SRT8s being built, I am really hoping somebody steps up to the plate with aftermarket rotors and pads.

Todd

[artichoke]

Originally Posted by srt8dunk

I cannot define normal wear. I must admit, there was no noticeable difference in braking performance. Also too, I primarily do highway driving which is also a bit strange to have a problem like this.

The rotors were SEVERELY grooved. It would be the equivalent of running your finger across a fine washboard. Seriously. With a pen or a stick, you could play in any country band. It was the same on all four wheels. I did not look a the pads, the rotors would be a fine indication of where they are at. The dealer confirmed that they will also be replaced.

The purple haze was a result of having just finished driving in a bit of traffic. Not sure if it is permanent, but regardless it is only on the undercarriage arms and linkage. No cosmetic. Certainly due to excessive heat in the brake system. I'll check that in another month or two once the new parts are installed. I assume a good scrub with a degreaser might take care of it.

I'll keep you updated.

I don't have that kind of grooving. Actually my rotors are quite flat, they were slightly grooved or uneven at 1000 miles but now at 2000 miles they seem flatter than before.

The purplish color sounds like bluing of the metal from heat; you've heat treated your braking parts. It makes the metal stronger (don't know about brittleness) so they use it in making guns. It's probably normal and I would find it if I looked at my brakes too.