I'm debating whether to just get new OEM brake rotors or just resurface them. I already have a set of OEM brake pads with 55K original miles for a 2001. I was told my brake pads are cracked and overheated. Midas suggested I resurface them and pay $500 for a brake job! Yeah right!! Then again, my friend suggested cross-drills. What to do?

 

I wouldn't get cross-drilled rotors unless you intend to do some serious racing in your RX! You should get 100,000 miles out of OEM rotors without re-surfacing (unless they were warped from overheating/overtightening). Do the brakes shudder when you apply them? If not, just replace the pads.

 

There's no squeeling or screeching sound when I brake normally, but if I brake hard suddenly, it'll make a grinding sound. Otherthan normal driving in the city and highway, there's no sound. Just visually inspecting the rotors, it looks fine. Just save money and swap out the pads then?

 

Those look better than mine, and i don't have shuddering when i brake. What you need to watch out for is the inside of the rotors rusting. If that happens, when you go to brake, the rotors touch and you get the same shuddering feeling. Depending on how many miles you have, you should probably just put new rotors on, because the new brakes will outlast the rotors, and you should replace them together.

 

Slap on some new pads and keep driving. IMO

 

I still have the rotors on my RX that I resurfaced to hell...not an issue since 3 years after coming back from south of the border. Unless you get some major hesitation say upon slowing down on an off ramp on expressway...I wouldn't do a thing with the rotors. Just slap on the pads.

 

You may want to check the other side of the rotor as well.

One of my OEM front rotors was fine at the side facing street. But the other side was very bad due to rust and the surface was rought. I replaced both front rotors purchased at local AutoZone store, about $50 a piece, with new semi-metallic pads as well. All parts cost less than $160 and a DIY is a job for less than 2 hours (I am slow).

 

I thought about it and finally made a decision because my finances are a little tight... I'm going to just have a mechanic install the brake pads and leave the original rotors on because there isn't any "rust" on the other side of the rotors. If there are any issues, I guess I'll just buy another pair and then purchase new rotors.

Last question, should I buy a bottle of brake fluid just to refill when they bleed the brakes? Also, should the emergency parking brake be adjusted (tightened) while they're doing it?

Much thanks to everyone for their input...

 

I only would adjust the parking brake if there is some issue with it.

A liter of brake fluid should be sufficient. If they bleed the brakes, they should of course have fluid on hand, but if you have a preferred brand go ahead and buy it and bring it to them.

 

Hi guys. A couple of brake questions:
1. What is the minimum thickness a rotor needs to be to be serviceable?
2. Do the emergency brakes function thru the front or rear brakes? Do they work thry the existing calipers or do they have their own?
3. How difficult is it to remove the front rotors?"

Thanks
Scott
2001 RX300 AWD