Heres what's going on :

3 weeks ago I put new Wagner TQ semi-metallics on the front end. Stock brakes had about 38k miles on them. Took the truck out and went through the recommended bed-in procedure. During, and after, the procedure, I noticed that the brakes were making noise when coming to a stop. Above 10 mph it sounded like a rubbing noise. Below 10 mph the brakes sounded like they were grinding, and felt rough. After a stop, the brakes make a rubbing noise again until I get up to a decent speed. I drove the truck to physical therapy and back this morning, about 4 miles each way, and I'm still getting the same noise. I don't think the metal shield behind the rotor is contacting the rotors due to the changing noise and the grinding feeling below 10 mph. If nothing else, I'm going to have a friend come over and take the tires off and inspect it (I'm 2 weeks after back surgery, otherwise I'd so it myself). I didn't think with 38k on the rotors they'd need to be turned, should they be? What else could it be? I didn't damage any seals on the calipers, and I triple checked all the bolts were torqued before putting the tire back on.

 

Had to go drop something off, 10 miles each way, get a pulsing now, sort of like warped rotors. Going to try and get them off asap and get them surfaced and give everything else the once over while I'm at it. Still open to suggestions.

 

IMHO, Wagner is not what I would consider a "good quality" product. It's basically a high volume line, that , well, some are happy and some have noise, etc issues. resurface the rotors, sand the pads, clean everything well...if the issue continues, replace the pads. I would recommend EBC organics, Carbotech (carbon fiber), Hawk velvaTouch.

 

Did you put brake caliper grease on the spring clips and and on the backside of the brake pads before final installation?

 

I would say with installing new pads on old rotors could be the problem. You are mixing pad material. I could be an issue of the rotors being warped a little or a combination. I alway replace the rotors when I replace the pads personally. I have found that turning the rotors really only last about 6 months and they normally warp anyway. Replacing the rotors is costly but in the long run just saves you a lot of extra work and headaches.

 

I did not, the TQ pads come with the insulation layer already on them.

 

With a shop, manual and tools could the average guy do this? Costs? Tips?

 

im very pleased the my wagner TQ. no noise, great braking, and NO dust. and thats with older rotors as well