Yesterday morning I went to get my rear rotors resurfaced (fronts I did not too long ago as they get more wear and tear) and thought I would show some pictures.

Here is a short video to start, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXGlH2Us200

 

Can't wait to get mine resurfaced! I did a brake job months ago, but I didn't resurface the rotors. It's on my to-do list this week

 

The machine itself uses a diamond drill bit to cut off the layers of the rotor kind of like a record player plays a record. I knew I had some issues with the rear rotors given some noise I had on the passenger side rear rotor upon stopping, so I decided to take care of this along with flushing out the brake fluid again with some ATE SuperBlue.

 

Down here, it's cheap, just under $40 USD (400 Mexican pesos) for all rotors, though I just did the rears for about $25 USD.

 

Here is a closer look at the bit doing its work. The darker areas were the top, uneven layers.

 

And another look at the area after the resurfacing is complete.

 

A wider, before shot and notice the darker, uneven area on the top of the rotor.

 

And after the resurfacing is complete.

 

Here is a good shot of the division of the layers, the machine cuts from the inside to the outside.

 

One last shot and notice the smoothness of the resurfaced rotor.

Eventually, I plan to get some Rotora slotted rotors, but this isn't a bad way to keep the rotors in shape, though resurfacing them over time leads to less effective braking, since there is less rotor and thus more heat.

 

Great pictures, I always wonder why Lexus won't design a vented rear rotor. Not only have more metal to absorb heat, but also better cooling with those vanes.

 

I was thinking perhaps then Lexus can make some more $$$ off of consumers on service by keeping the rotor the way they are.

 

Excellent pic’s. thanks for sharing lexmex. I never realized the rear rotors had the potential to develop such variation in runout. By the way, I think you’re being charged too much for the resurfacing, you would think it would be much cheaper then in the States, it’s $6/rotor here!

 

Everything is bottom line. Vented discs mean bigger calipers and bigger calipers means more cost, weight, etc. Most of the braking load it taken by the front brakes, so rear solids discs are not too bad. Hey, if you want to baby your car, then add them aftermarket by Brembo for about $1000/pair. I personally just switched to drilled and slotted (to cheat) for better performance.

 

Definitely cost is the issue, also how different brand position itself. BMW puts vented rear rotor for the entry level X3 but cheaps out on painting those bumpers on previous x3s.
I already have Rotora slotted rotor for the rear and BBK for the front. I am going to cut rotors because pads and rotors beat the heck out of each other anyway