Warped rotors... what else?

[Jim Griffin <JGriff@pobox.com>]

While we are on the subject...

The car: '92 100S FWD

I had warped rotors (most likely from last year's Lime Rock event), but
it wasn't too bad... so I lived with it. Until, that is, when I had my
Eibach springs put on. While the front rotors were accessible, I had the
Audi mechanic turn the rotors to try to cure the slight problem. (He
didn't charge me for it either!! Nice guy...). It did cure the problem.
The car was back to "normal"... braking nice and smoothly. It was a nice
1.5 hour drive home.

But now, more recently, I am getting a very strong pulsation that moves
the steering wheel back and forth (side to side that is... hee hee..),
whenever I hit the brakes. It is most noticeable (and more violent) at
slow speeds. It is very annoying to say the least.

Is this definitely warped rotors (again)? Before I go and buy some new
ones, I want to make sure it could not be something else. Are there any
suspension components that would give this very same symptom? Keep in
mind that I had an alignment done after the springs were installed.
Could something have loosened up?? Tie rod end? Wouldn't the car then
"pull" to one side?

Does this make sense.... that they were fine (after turning)... but then
gradually warped again... even if I didn't do anything aggressive to
cause it (i.e. just normal street driving)? Does having an open rim
(5-spoke) design contribute.. i.e. cold rain on a hot rotor? (I know
that sounds like a stupid question, but the OEM rims are a flat-faced,
closed design.)

Lastly, anyone have any recommendations for aftermarket rotors that are
less prone to warpage? I'd like to get something of better quality than
OEM... if not too pricey. The pads are fairly new... and are OEM. Any
advice or BTDT would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

--
                     Jim Griffin
                 ICQ # 1315286
               JGriff@pobox.com
           http://pobox.com/~jgriff
     http://wwp.mirabilis.com/1315286
'92 Audi 100S - '87 VW Quantum Syncro
 "Perception is often stronger than reality!"
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