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Understanding the Problem
Brakes stop your Armada, Titan or QX56 by virtue of friction and heat. The brake calipers, which contain the brake pads, “squeeze” against the round iron rotors, slowing the vehicle down. The friction heat that is generated is what stops your vehicle.
The pads must be of friction producing material that has good “grip” as well as be long-lasting. Modern brake pads are a composition of many materials so as to produce the best possible braking action.
The rotors, or “brake discs” as many people know them, look like shiny circles. These “brake discs” are made of cast iron (or composite metal), and are meant to dissipate the heat once the braking action is finished (vehicle stopped).
IF the rotors do not have enough surface area and/or they are not able to dissipate the heat produced by the braking action, the rotors will “warp”, or distort. The rotors must be flat to operate correctly. If it “warps” (distorts), the effect is much like a needle trying to play a warped record on a record player.
Armada’s, Titan’s and QX56’s
Brake rotor “warping” along with premature brake pad wear lead to what is known as “brake judder” or “steering shake”. This is caused by the pads “riding” up and down on the warped rotors – transmitting this into steering wheel “judder” or “shake”. Severely warped rotors will cause the vehicle to shake so violently that the driver’s ability to hold onto the wheel and steer safely can be substantially impaired.
The “OEM” (original equipment manufacturer) parts used in factory production of the 2004 (and some 2005) year-model Armada’s, Titan’s, and QX56’s were found to have one or more of the following customer complaints:
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Steering wheel shake upon braking
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Vibration in the foot pedal upon braking
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Excessive noise/squeal/grinding sound upon braking
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Premature brake pad wear
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Premature “grooving” and/or “warping” of the brake rotors.
The manufacturer released a “TSB” (Technical Service Bulletin) outlining a “fix” for what they called a “brake judder” condition in calendar year 2004. The “fix” was comprised of some new parts and various procedures. Not withstanding this “fix”, many owners continued to complain that the brake problem continued.
About May of 2005, authorized dealers starting receiving parts for yet another “TSB” to “fix” the problem with the brakes. The “newest” brake kit (and accompanying TSB) was meant to be a permanent “fix” for the brake problem. We do not yet know the long-term effect of this newest “fix” (TSB).
A consumer can evaluate whether their Armada, Titan, or QX56 has the newest brake parts by a very easy review of the dealers most recent repair invoice(s). Look for the part numbers which will be listed below the repair work performed. The newest parts will contain the letter “z” within the part number on the
brake pads, and also the rotors (brake discs).
California’s Largest Lemon Law Firm
Our law firm is currently collecting data statewide on the performance, durability and effectiveness of the new brake fix (TSB).
We would like to stress that this is not an issue that affects every Armada, Titan, or QX56 owner. This is, however, an issue that is affecting
many owners of these vehicles, much to their frustration.
We invite all California consumers who have had 3 or more visits to the dealership for “brake judder/shake/vibration” symptom to call us on our toll-free information line at 1-800-647-8127. You may be a candidate for a California lemon law claim that could potentially yield you a refund, or a new replacement Armada, Titan, or QX56 vehicle.
Email Us @ experts4u@aol.com
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