solution to 2003 Accord rotor problem???

About to go in for my second resurfacing in less than 5000 miles, and hear
this is a common problem. Has anyone heard the whole story behind this, an
ofcial resposnse from Honda, or better yet, a solution?


Bob

 

No but I've had mine done once at 30,000kms and suspect it will be
coming again soon. Hopefully a recall will happen and they will change
the rotors to something that are made of something stronger then
graham crackers.

Jody

 

Does anyone know if this problem is all accords or just certain models or
earlier ones? We have a 2003 EX-4L that was built July 2003. We have 4K
miles and the rotors seem fine but I keep seeing this problem in the group.
I had this on our last car. I hope history doesn't repeat.
THANKS!
Jim

PS- Jody says once at 30,000 KM? That's pretty good no? Our last car had
them cut and replaced 3 times before 20K.

 

2003 Ex 4 cyl 4 door.

First cut at 9800 miles, although it needed it somewhat sooner. The
dealer didn't charge me, and when I asked the cause of rotors needing this
so soon, he said probably sand or pebbles caught between the pads and
rotors. I was going to ask why then was it covered under warantee but
figured I should just accept it and leave. Didn't know then that I would
need them surfaced again 3000 miles later.

I dont travel anywhere that is pratricularly heavy with sand or pebbles.
Most of my driving is highway under normal conditions. When I go in to have
this fixed again, I will see what the service manager knows. Even if they
will continue to fix it under warantee, I dont look forward to having to do
this every 3-4m miles. There has to be a better solution.

When I first saw the 2003 Accords on the lot last Spring, they all had
rusty rotors, and because of the design of the alloy wheels, the rotor,
caliper, the entire brake mechanisim is very exposed. If the service techs
assumption that pebbles are getting in there is correct, I can see why it's
happening.

 

I think this is just nonsense. My dealer told me I must drive too
fast.
I have a standard transmission and hardly use the brakes.

Do a Google advanced search and match all words.
Put in "2003 honda accord brake problems"
I came up with 4300 matches. They are all not directly related to this
problem, but a fair number are.

Jody

 

As fas as I'm concerned, 30,000kms is ridiculous! I put 85,000kms on a
1996 Dodge Neon hard driving before I needed pads or rotors turned.
The Neon my daughter now drives has 240,000kms on it and still has
original back pads!

As soon as some aftermarket slotted/cross drilled rotors are available
for the Honda I will be putting them on. Oh yeah and non-dust pads! I
can't believe how much dust these pads throw!

Jody

 

Yeah - did that before my original post. All kinds of brake problems out
there with Accords: warped rotors, rear pads wearing out in less than 30m
miles, and my problem - the rotors wearing too easily and quickly for
whatever cause is yet to be reliably determined.

I have been a Honda owner since 1979 and brakes heve never been their strong
suit, but this particular rotor problem is a new one. I'll be looking
forward to what the service manager has to offer on my next dealer visit.

 

There is a Service Bulletin on the 2003 Accords.
Check with your local dealer and get them done for free

 

Where can I find this Michelle? Do you have any HTTP for it?
My local dealer tried to shrug responsibility. It would be good to
take this ammo into them.

Thank you,
Jody

 

If you have to force your dealer to do the right job,I'd consider taking my
business elsewhere.Would you trust them after that?

 

the bulletin covers certain l-4 and v-6 models in a specific VIN
range. the solution is to re-surface the rotors and replace the pads
with a newer style.
make the dealer look it up on ISIS.
slotted and cross drilled rotors are a good investment also. just
make sure you can find someone who can machine them in the area,
conventional lathes won't work, they need to be stone ground.
Chip

 

the bulletin covers certain l-4 and v-6 models in a specific VIN
range. the solution is to re-surface the rotors and replace the pads
with a newer style.
make the dealer look it up on ISIS.
slotted and cross drilled rotors are a good investment also. just
make sure you can find someone who can machine them in the area,
conventional lathes won't work, they need to be stone ground.
Chip[/QUOTE]


ISIS?

 

I'm not sure I fully understand what you're saying. I should take it
somewhere else and pay to have it done as opposed to covered under
warranty?

I have my own mechanic for normal non-warranty work. (I keep him in a
jar :- P )

Jody

 

Thanks for the info, crossed drilled are definately on my wish list.
Problem is no one makes them yet.

Jody

 

Is there only ONE dealer for your brand auto in your town?

 

Actually there are none in my town. I have to drive 35kms to get to
the closest dealer. (where I bought it)

Jody