I know this isn't a question about a thirdgen, but maybe it's something that someone has experieced in a thirdgen or owns a 4th gen.

here it is:
My dad's 2002 Camaro kicks major butt (not a question) but recently (here it comes) when you hit the breaks at high speed the steering wheel starts wobbling and the antilocks almost kicked in. I'm not quite sure why this is. The car hasn't banged any pot holes or anything. The only thing I can think of is to check the brakes and make sure they aren't wearing funny or something like that. It doesn't happen in accel, or constant speed only when the brakes are hit. Anyone else ever have anything like this happen, and if it's not the breaks what could it possibly be?

the breaks have 20,000 miles on them now so they are probably due for a change fairly soon. What do you guys think?

 

Warped discs? Try asking around on LS1.com

 

Yeah. Warped discs. My 2000 TA had and once again has that problem. GM had a run of bad discs. It was supposed to have been fixed before 02 though.

 

Thanks guys,
I told that to my dad and he said that would explain it. We are going to pull the wheels and brakes off soon and have us a look.
Thanks again

 

Yea that is what I thought too. Sounds like warped discs to me. If they have never been turned before, you should take them to a shop to get machined, or if you are willing to spend the money just totally replace them.

 

The rotors may not be warped, but could have an inconsistent material density or structure. This can contribute to hard and soft spots in the rotor that are made more apparent from brake heating after use. GM did have a problem with some rotors, and switched material suppliers and grades to an iron with a higher nickel contnet to have better thermal consistency.

As a general warning, replacement rotors suffer the same problems. If you buy replacements and have the same pulsation after 10-15,000 miles again, you likely got the cheaper, "Pacific Rim" gray iron castings. If you spent a little more for Raybestos rotors that were cast in Canda or the U.S., you likely got a higher Ni/Fe ratio, and can expect another 60-80,000 miles from the rotors - just like the original set. I have had the same thing happen with rear rotors on one of my cars, and gladly spent the extra $$$ on better material. Those high speed brakings at the strip really heat up the discs, and gray iron isn't up to the task for more than a few applications. In other words, you probably won't see any Chinese rotors around Autocross/canyon cars, unless they're being used as wheel chocks. You usually get just what you pay for.

Your machinist will likely inspect the rotors, start a cut, and if he/she detects any material structure variation (hards spots) she/he should call you right away and advise you to scrap the rotors and replace them - that is, if the machinist has any experience.

Since this IS a ThirdGen specific forum, I hate to kill the party, but... rules are rules. As a hint, don't announce the fact that the car isn't "one of ours" next time. Just like the military, it's "Don't ask - Don't tell" as long as the rest of the rules are followed.

(Besides, you already got the information you needed.)