Comments on: Auto Brake Repair – Do the rotors need to be replaced?

By: Wanger

Wanger — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 02:34:59 +0000

If the rotors have never been turned before and the grooves are not more than about 1/2" to 3/4" of an inch deep or less, you can take them and have them turned or resurfaced. It sounds like to more that the refusing to make the repairs is trying to jack the price up by adding on some parts. Without looking at the rotors I can’t be sure. Have them taken off and carry them to a reportable machine shop and have them miked. It is the only way to be sure. Also, If it was a dealership, most of them won’t make the repairs unless they replace the rotors. That way they can warranty the work they do.
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I grew up in a family of mechanics and do most of my own repairs, unless it’s something that I can’t do.

By: loon_mallet_wielder

loon_mallet_wielder — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 01:55:59 +0000

The only way he can tell if they need to be replaced is by resurfacing them and then measuring them with calipers to see if they are under the minimum width allowable for that particular rotor, which as was mentioned is cast or stamped onto the rotor somewhere. Your problem is that you are being held hostage by a dishonest mechanic who has your car taken apart and won't repair it unless you let him soak you for extra. Live and learn. As was also mentioned before, brakes are pretty easy to do yourself if you have any mechanical aptitude.
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By: Good White Boy

Good White Boy — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 01:18:59 +0000

The rotors can be resurfaced if they are not too thin. They can be measured with a micrometer to see if there is enough metal left to resurface. Usually if they have never been resurfaced before and there is not much damage to the rotor it can be resurfaced. Some repair places like to sell new rotors rather than resurface because it is more profitable and faster to do.
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36 years experiance in brake and front end repair

By: mrgadget55

mrgadget55 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 01:03:59 +0000

Yes it will be done right the first time than.
You can have them machined but that makes them thinner and more prone to warping and than you will go back to him and complain.
He wants to do the job right the first time.
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Been there done that

By: GQsmooth

GQsmooth — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:17:59 +0000

no unless they have a sensor on the rotor to where you cant resurface the rotor... But no you dont have to replace the rotor.
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By: fr2fish

fr2fish — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 23:42:59 +0000

No but scored or bad rotors will wear down new pads a lot sooner that good rotors. The damage may not be that visible to you. The rotors may be warped cause by heat with bad pad's. It is usually a good idea to replace both pads and rotors at the same time. With rear drum brakes you can get away with only replacing the pads a couple of times. My suggestion is to sell the Land Rover and buy a good Ford F150.
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By: jason M

jason M — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 23:32:59 +0000

If the rotors have any grooves in them, yes How to tell if they look ok then run your finger nail over them if there isnt anything bad then they can just be spun and leveled out for WAY less than replacing them but if grooves are deep then replace them
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By: al

al — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 23:02:59 +0000

Only if they are too thin. The minimum thickness is cast into them. It will be like min/ 1.875.
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By: yonitan

yonitan — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 22:23:59 +0000

you can test the rotors by running your finger over the edge. if there is a lip on the outer edge, you need new rotors. it takes a while for bad pads to wear down the rotors
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