1998 Regal GS, 49,000 mi, bought new - I REALLY like this car !!

I recently noticed (While a front wheel was removed) that the brake rotor is just, sort of, hanging on the wheel lug bolts - it is free to move (slightly) from center. From what I have learned, when the rim lug nuts are tightened the rotor is held securely by the wheel rim. Research tells me that, possibly, there should be some sort of clip on each stud that would center each lug in the rotor bolt hole, thus centering the rotor. If this is true - they are missing.

I am seriously considering installing (myself) higher quality rotors/pads. I am currently running on warped rotors (?) that were (dealer) installed @38,000 7-04 (no charge). These were to replace previous (dealer) installed @31,000 1-04 ($$). Prior to that, had orig. rotors turned @16,000 mi.

My questions are:
1 - What centers the rotor?
2 - If centered by clips where did they go and why hasn't anyone else noticed that they are missing?

I just put new tires on this car (Goodrich T/A - Wow!) - I think i'm going to keep it for a while longer (despite the lack of help from the dealer service dept.!). I'm going to buy or borrow a torque wrench.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreaciated.
Walt.

Rotors are usually car specific although similar models will fit each other. Check with the local parts store or look on the web for high performance rotors. There are no clips that center the rotors as the lugs do that when they are tightened properly. If you are buying high performance rotors don't forget the high performance brake pads to go along with them.

As GTP DAD said, the rotors will self center, and there are no clips.

I've heard terrific things about ceramic brake pads. They stop better, don't squeal, and make no brake dust from what I've heard.

You probably don't need new rotars, but if you want high performance stopping power, go with good rotors too.

Tman is right on all counts. I installed ceramic front pads and drilled and grooved (high performance rotors) on my PA and they are great, and best of all, no dust at all on my wheels. The car stops like a new Vette.

Thank's for the quick replies.
From searching online I had found a comment (Toyota, I think) about making sure the clips didn't extend through the bolt holes such that they could keep the rim from seating tight against the rotor. This made me think that something might be missing on mine. Earlier, after removing a front wheel, I had noticed that the rotor just floats around on the studs and I couldn't see anything that would "locate" it. These rotors evidently warped after about 6 months (5,000 mi. ?) but the Buick shop is not concerned about it - other than replacing them again (for $$).

Tomorrow I'm going to remove a front wheel and look one more time. I'll report what find.

Thats why Gm's are better, we don't need no freakin clips! Plus it cuts down costs, and GM needs all the financial help they can get, even though last month was GM's best since sept 86. Sales are up 41%. Employee discount rocks!

HotZ28, thanks, I don't hear that too often!

I've got a '99 Regal LS and '01 GS. LIke the others said, there are no clips. And be sure not to over torque the lug nuts. 100 lb-ft. Good luck!

I've got a '99 Regal LS and '01 GS. LIke the others said, there are no clips. And be sure not to over torque the lug nuts. 100 lb-ft. Good luck!

Righto. I was going to mention that above but forgot. Props to Bnaylor for catching that!

Thats why Gm's are better, we don't need no freakin clips! Plus it cuts down costs, and GM needs all the financial help they can get, even though last month was GM's best since sept 86. Sales are up 41%. Employee discount rocks!


Its good to hear GM sales are up. Didn't they extend the Employee Discount until August 1?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/01/AR2005070101928.html

Chevrolet is the best selling make of car currently in America. Cadillac is the best selling luxury brand.

GM's on the rise, I'm wondering how they will keep buyers coming after the employee discount runs out.

Really, it's not a better deal than all the march madness and rebates worked out to. It's better though, because it sounds better than rebates, and you had to pay tax on the before rebate price when you bought a vehicle. With a lower price, theres less tax.

Well, after looking things over again, I can see what you mean. The movement I noticed before was circular. The rotor seems to be "located" snugly by the hub (?) - there's no way it could be off-center.

I did retorque to spec. (100 ft/lbs) and I'll see how everything handles for now. After buying new tires (& balance) this feels like a new car again - until I hit the brakes on the highway. Some of the shimmy (when braking) I used to get might have been due to the old (7 yr) tires - not near as bad now. There must be at least 1/4 in. of pad and the front rotors "look" fine. I don't want to melt my VISA card so I'm going to hold off buying rotors & pads for a little while.

The shop tells me that I have ceramic pads now - that's why the rotors have suffered (I think - BULL! - I get a LOT of brake dust on front wheels). From what I have learned at tirerack.com, many have recommended Akebono ceramic pads + Brembo (replacement) rotors as a very good combo (front) - very much improved action and very little brake dust. I'm considering slotted rotors but my driving is not that "spirited".

Thank's to all (gtp, tman, hot, bnaylor) for your help thus far - I thought I had a major problem in the works, but I think everything's under control now. Let me know if you would like for me to comment later (new post) when/if I upgrade my brakes.

Concerning the GM "employee's discount" I'm not going to bite - I'm not ready to give up my Regal yet - they don't make 'em anymore !!

Absolutely comment when you pop for the pads and rotors! We're always looking to get our cars running better, not just to go fast, but to stop fast too!

i have a 97 regal gs, i got new Wagner rotors for the front for $30, and new Wagner rotors for the back for $28.....i searched far and wide for these and this is the best price by far...most places ask about $75...i also used ceramic pads and have approx 15 to 20000 miles on them and still have alot of meat left.....plus ceramics seam to work better when your on mountains and dont smell either, and have less brake fade under load too....i got rotors at Don Jay Auto, they are located on Long Beach RD. Oceanside ny....Phone # 516-766-7140....i went there in person but im sure they will ship