Shaking when braking
You can warp rotors from too much heat from hard driving and then hitting a water filled pothole, or washing the car right after driving it. The hot and cold changes distorts the metal rotors. Ever wash your car and see steam coming off the brake rotors? Thats actually a bad thing for them.
Sometimes after hard braking they fix themselves after time, but if its to the point that it annoys you can have them just resurfaced, no need to replace the pads.
Sometimes after hard braking they fix themselves after time, but if its to the point that it annoys you can have them just resurfaced, no need to replace the pads.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2020
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From: CA
You can warp rotors from too much heat from hard driving and then hitting a water filled pothole, or washing the car right after driving it. The hot and cold changes distorts the metal rotors. Ever wash your car and see steam coming off the brake rotors? Thats actually a bad thing for them.
Sometimes after hard braking they fix themselves after time, but if its to the point that it annoys you can have them just resurfaced, no need to replace the pads.
Sometimes after hard braking they fix themselves after time, but if its to the point that it annoys you can have them just resurfaced, no need to replace the pads.
https://www.mechanic.com.au/news/sol...d-brake-rotors
Personally, I would not replace or resurface rotors without replacing the pads, but that's just me. The initial bedding of the pads to the rotors after a brake job is critical to the long-term performance and reliability of the brakes.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: pa
An article on mechanics.com explaining the warped rotor phenomenon, doesn't lend credence to your perspective:
https://www.mechanic.com.au/news/sol...d-brake-rotors
Personally, I would not replace or resurface rotors without replacing the pads, but that's just me. The initial bedding of the pads to the rotors after a brake job is critical to the long-term performance and reliability of the brakes.
https://www.mechanic.com.au/news/sol...d-brake-rotors
Personally, I would not replace or resurface rotors without replacing the pads, but that's just me. The initial bedding of the pads to the rotors after a brake job is critical to the long-term performance and reliability of the brakes.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
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From: NJ
Lost track of how many brake jobs I have done over the decades. All combinations - new pads with old rotors, new rotors with old pads, new pads and rotors, bedding per Stoptech procedures and no bedding. Never made a spit of difference. Cleaning/lubing slide pins and backing plate ears does make a huge difference. Only use silicone based lube on the slide pins. No Permatex garbage which dries out and freezes the slide pins. Resurfacing rotors is a total waste of money if you are DIY capable. Buy new quality aftermarket rotors instead.
Pole Position
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From: CA
Are you saying you would not resurface rotors that aren't warped, when the pads need replacing? Sure, this will work, but it's not a best-practice for a top-notch brake job. One can save money by economizing on any maintenance job, but for brakes, I don't recommend it.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: pa
If one is resurfacing NON-warped rotors for $15/ea vs buying quality new for $40/ea, how is this a waste of money? Again, I would not resurface warped rotors--would only replace.
Are you saying you would not resurface rotors that aren't warped, when the pads need replacing? Sure, this will work, but it's not a best-practice for a top-notch brake job. One can save money by economizing on any maintenance job, but for brakes, I don't recommend it.
Are you saying you would not resurface rotors that aren't warped, when the pads need replacing? Sure, this will work, but it's not a best-practice for a top-notch brake job. One can save money by economizing on any maintenance job, but for brakes, I don't recommend it.
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Driver
Joined: Jun 2019
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From: Jersey
Originally Posted by artbuc
Making the rotors thinner can dramatically shorten their life, ie when they warp. Modern rotors have no meat to spare. Resurfacing is simply not necessary to remove pad deposits or true the surface. The new pads will quickly confirm to the unresurfaced rotor. Resurfacing rotors is a dealership cash cow similar to engine and transmission flushes. But hey, if you think it helps, go for it...not my money.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2020
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From: CA
Making the rotors thinner can dramatically shorten their life, ie when they warp. Modern rotors have no meat to spare. Resurfacing is simply not necessary to remove pad deposits or true the surface. The new pads will quickly confirm to the unresurfaced rotor. Resurfacing rotors is a dealership cash cow similar to engine and transmission flushes. But hey, if you think it helps, go for it...not my money.
I don't agree with everything dealerships and indy shops do, but one shouldn't categorically distrust all of their best-practices, just because they are in business to turn a profit. In this case, they might even make less money on brake jobs in the long run, if they are performing them in a manner that extends the life of the brakes.
I particularly disagree with your contention that resurfacing rotors dramatically shortens their lives. If the rotors are thick enough to be within spec for allowing resurfacing, then resurfacing can actually extend their lives. When new pads are properly bedded to resurfaced or new rotors, the rotors are less likely to warp. As detailed in the link I provided earlier, there are many reasons for rotors warping, but resurfacing wasn't one of them.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
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From: NJ
Well I guess all balancing isn't alike as I learned. Dealer did "road force balance and matching" on all four wheels and man what a difference. Bye bye vibration. Thank you Prestige Lexus.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: pa
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 2,738
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From: CA
I'm glad we can voice our differences of opinions without angst. That isn't always the case in these forums.