1997 Other Saturn Models ROTORS

M6E8L2O4DY

MEMBER
1997 SATURN

Brakes problem
1997 Other Saturn Models 4 cyl Wheel Drive Type unknown Automatic 122655 miles

I TOOK MY CAR TO A NATIONAL CHAIN TO DIAGNOSE A SUDDEN VERY LOUD EXHAST SYSTEM SOUND ( AND TO CONFIRM RADIATOR LEAKS AND REASON FOR LOUD CLUNKING NOISE)
THEY TOLD ME MY FRONT ROTORS ARE WARPED AND SHOWED ME THE LITTLE PATTERNS IN THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THEM. I FELT IT WITH MY FINGER AND COULD BARELY FEEL ANYTHING. DO THESE NEED TO BE REPLACED?
SECONDLY THEY SHOWED ME WHERE THE EXHAUST PIPE (BETWEEN THE MANIFOLD AND THE CATALYTTIC CONVERTER) HAD CLEANLY BROKE AT THE SEAM. COULD THIS BE WELDED? THERE WAS REALLY NO VISIBLE RUST OR CORROSION ON THESE PARTS.
THEY SHOWED ME THE CLAMP FOR THE MUFFLER HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKEN

1 Reply

JUSTIN FREED

MEMBER
87 POSTS

Nothing against national franchises but I would be more inclined to find a local, independent shop. You can start by reading "Avoid Car Repair Rip Off" found on the left hand side navigation bar on this site.

You have two distinct problems. Maybe the rotors are warped. Using a dial indicator will confirm this. Sometimes it is so bad that you can take the rotor off, lay it on a flat surface and use the edge of a ruler to see if the rotor is flat or not. A good brake shop can tell you what's up.

A broken exhaust pipe can make a heck of a loud noise. Maybe it can be welded. Maybe not. A good muffler shop can tell you what's up.

Like I said, look for a good independent shop. Both (independent and national franchise) need to generate revenues to stay alive but the local independent folks work and live in your community. They need to do fair, honest and good work (caveat: you can still get ripped so read about how to find a decent shop). Good luck, hope this helps!