What The Hell Is This
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 278
From: Kiln MS
What The Hell Is This
So I decided to finally pull the Vette out today. It’s been awhile as I was waiting until winter and the rainy season to pass here in the south. I admit I do not drive the car enough.
I purchased it last July and this morning rolled a whopping 1375 miles. Anyway the car hasn’t been moved in two months. So I pull the car out to go fill it with fuel im on the highway of course the car in front of me slowed down so I did as well. Thats when I noticed a slight shimmy on the steering when I braked the car.
I don’t abuse this car. I drive defensively and the transmission slow the car down whenever possible. There hasn’t been any emergency braking situation. After I pulled in the driveway lm looking at the driver side front rotor and it looks burnt. How could this happen on a new car? It almost appears like the caliper locked up.
Popular Reply
May 16, 2025, 11:48 AM
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 12,769
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From: Garden Valley CA
Looks like the car was put away with the brakes wet and rust formed between the pads and rotors. Try doing some hard stops (without coming to a full stop) and see if the shimmy goes away.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2016
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From: Garden Valley CA
Looks like the car was put away with the brakes wet and rust formed between the pads and rotors. Try doing some hard stops (without coming to a full stop) and see if the shimmy goes away.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 1,309
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Agreed, put a good heat cycle through them and see if it gets better. Doesn't look burnt to me. Just rust/film from sitting.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 278
From: Kiln MS
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2016
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From: Garden Valley CA
It could also be a pad imprint from getting the brakes hot, coming to a stop, and holding the brakes for a while while hot. It will eventually go away with enough braking.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 157
Likes: 65
From: Hollywood Florida
This is normal, on all cars!! Even after 2-3 days on non usage. Happens more if you park the car outdoors, its normal surface rust, that discs are made of metal. Drive it and it will go away after 30 minutes.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 11,139
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From: Missouri City, TX
There is still moisture in the air and the car had not been driven in a couple of months. We are in the humid South. Rust will still occur if left alone long enough. Some city driving with a number of stop and go braking should clean the rotors.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2020
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Just drive it around and do some braking and it'll go away. No need to get yourself worked up and go to the dealereship wasting your time. Enjoy that car.
All the best. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Lake Worth Beach, Florida
If you feel shaking or juddering in the brake pedal, then you might have a warped rotor.
Instructor
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From: Port St. Lucie, FL
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If you feel shaking or juddering in the brake pedal, then you might have a warped rotor.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2016
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From: Garden Valley CA
As a side note, pulsation is rarely due to warped rotors. They pulsation is generally due to uneven pad transfer to the rotors:
https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/18...ped-rotor-myth
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Good luck getting this solved. Let us know what works.
