If lug nuts are improperly torqued when wheels are installed, which brake components are most likely to become warped?

When lug nuts are improperly torqued during wheel installation, it can lead to uneven pressure being applied to the wheel hub and attached brake components. Among those components, rotors are particularly susceptible to warping due to this uneven pressure.

Rotors are the flat and circular components that the brake pads squeeze against to create friction and slow down the vehicle. If the lug nuts are too loose, the wheel may wobble, which can create inconsistent contact between the rotor and the brake pads. On the other hand, if the lug nuts are overly tight, it can cause excessive stress on the rotor, leading to deformation or warping over time.

In contrast, while calipers and pads are essential for the braking process, they are less directly affected by the improper torque of lug nuts compared to the rotors. Similarly, drums can also experience issues, but in the context of disc brake systems (which are most common in modern vehicles), it is primarily the rotors that bear the brunt of improper installation. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the specific vulnerability of rotors to warping due to the initial steps taken during wheel installation.