Wednesday, November 24, 2010

How can you tell when it's time to replace the rotors?

I've had my brake rotors resurfaced once already, how can i tell if i need to replace them? can i have them resurfaced again? will it make them too thin? is there a chance i might not even have to touch the rotors, just change the pads?How can you tell when it%26039;s time to replace the rotors?
when your brakes don't last.How can you tell when it%26039;s time to replace the rotors?
Ask your mechanic or the guy in the machine shop to measure it for you. He should know if it's within safety standards. Check if it's bent out of shape, etc. All these depend on your driving habits, the type of car and the quality of your rotors and pads. If you have a muscle car and like to break hard, or if you drive a lot on mountain roads, it's a good investment to buy decent quality, heavy duty, vented rotors and matching pads.

The life you save maybe my own....How can you tell when it%26039;s time to replace the rotors?
Most manufacturers put out a minimum thickness for the rotors check that or go to a reputable aftermarket brand and they will also tell you the minimum thickness

To measure get some inside calipers (vernier preferably) to measure the thickness of the rotor at a number of pointsHow can you tell when it%26039;s time to replace the rotors?
Some rotors can be resurfaced and it is cheaper. Most brake shops prefer you buy rotors because there is a money factor and time involved.



The cost of resurfacing a rotor is around $15.00 each. Rotors on some cars are as little as 25.00 each. Is that price difference worth safety? In most cases the rotor has to come off of the car to be turned. There would be no change in labor to turn or replace. It actually takes longer to have your rotors turned. New ones are ready out of the box after cleaning them. Turning them takes 20 min. to a half hour each. Not good if your shop charges by time on the rack. At my shop, I prefer you buy new rotors because it is safer and the job is done right, the first time.



Hardly ever, unless the brake pads wear down to metal and damage it.Take it to a parts store and have them measure the thickness.







You must not forget about heat. There is a lot of friction on the brakes after all, that is how they stop the car. One job of the rotors is to dissipate heat.

Heat warps the rotors and also causes hard spots. Warped rotors will cause a pulsation in the brakes when they are applied. Rust is also a factor in replacing rotors. I have seen too many to count that have been rusted. I recommend every time you change pads or every other time at least. I know there is some expense there but, ask your self what is the cost of not stopping when you need to. How can you tell when it%26039;s time to replace the rotors?
it depends on how much they took off of them the first time they were turned. i believe i would just get onesHow can you tell when it%26039;s time to replace the rotors?
typically i would leave the rotors alone unless i feel 'shaking' in the steering wheel when I'm braking. Depending on the type of vehicle and how bad the rotors were initially the first time you had them turned, i would say that it is safe to have them turned twice. Also whoever turns them for you should measure them and let you know if they are safe to turn. Hope this helps