Do you need to machine a brake rotor?
A proper brakejob means replacing or machining the rotors. A shop should do this; a DIYer can choose not to do so and let the chips fall where they may. Machining a rotor does not neccesarily mean the rotor will be more prone to problems than a new one. It all depends on;
When does the rotor wear down the brake pad?
The rotor itself wears down to a point that it is too thin and could possibly break when used (this generally occurs when brake pads made of a material that is harder than the rotor material and the rotor wears down instead of the brake pad)
How long do rotors last on a car?
When rotors were thicker, they could take the wear from the brake pads, be machined and still have enough metal left to dissipate the heat. Today, new rotors are often intended to last for one set of brake pads.
What happens if you run rotors below specifications?
Running a rotor that is below specifications can cause safety issues like cracking and fading. 5. Not machining the rotor: New pads almost always require a fresh rotor surface so the pads can deposit a thin layer of friction material to increase braking performance.
When do you need to replace your brake rotors?
Brake rotors must meet a certain thickness requirement to be considered safe. If they are thinner than the manufacturer’s recommended thickness, then you need to replace your brake rotors immediately. Some vehicles always require new pads and rotors because the rotors cannot be resurfaced. In fact, 99% of German cars are this way.
When rotors were thicker, they could take the wear from the brake pads, be machined and still have enough metal left to dissipate the heat. Today, new rotors are often intended to last for one set of brake pads.
Do you have to turn the rotors on a BMW?
Remember that some vehicle do not have their rotors turned at all. At BMW, a brake change meant new pads, new sensor, and a rotor check. The outcome of the rotors thickness meant either keep or replace, but never turn.
How much does it cost to cut a brake rotor?
My local Napa store charges $10 to cut a rotor and will do it while you wait. Brake warping, is a misnomer, brake rotors generally do not warp. The pulsating condition felt through the brake pedal is actually pad material burned onto the rotor in one spot.