When should you machine rotors?
Typically you want to have your rotors turned every other brake change. This ensures that they remain free of debris and do not warp. Regular brake wear and hot spots can often cause your rotors to become warped and having them turned will ensure that they last as long as possible before having to be replaced.
When to have a disc brake rotor replaced?
The disc brake rotors are a very important part of the braking system, and as a result are critical to the overall safety and handling characteristics of the vehicle. If you suspect your rotors may be worn or damaged, have the vehicle inspected by a professional technician to determine if your car needs a brake rotor/disc replacement.
What causes a brake rotor to crack after use?
Low-quality rotors are often poorly cast from non-homogeneous cast iron, and these defects leave weak spots that cannot withstand the forces generated during braking. A rotor that is still in service long after it has worn out will also be susceptible to cracking.
How are brake rotors related to wheel speed?
Brake rotors are bolted directly to the wheel hub, so they spin in direct relation to wheel speed. When the brake pedal is depressed, the calipers squeeze the brake pads against the spinning rotors to slow and stop the wheels and the vehicle. Since rotors work to slow the vehicle by using friction from direct contact with the brake pads,…
How can you tell if your brake rotors are worn out?
Noisy brakes are the first sign of brake rotor wear. If the disc is uneven, you will hear squeaking noises from the wheels. Warped rotors produce a squeaking sound, while extremely ramshackle rotors produce a scraping sound.
When to have your brake rotors resurfaced or replaced?
A technician will assess the rotors to determine if they are candidates for resurfacing. To ensure that the contact surface on the rotor will mate properly with the pads for smooth and safe braking, manufacturers and technicians alike recommend that brake rotors be resurfaced whenever the brake pads are being replaced.
Where are the brake rotors on a car?
A brake rotor is a component of a disc brake system included on most cars on the road today. The rotor is a metal disc that is attached to the hub and bearing, and to the wheel.
How are brake pads attached to the wheel?
The rotor is a metal disc that is attached to the hub and bearing, and to the wheel. The brake pads are sandwiched around the rotor, so when a driver steps on the brake pedal, the brake pads squeeze the rotor and cause it, along with the wheel, to slow and stop.
When to replace the brake pads on a car?
Instead, they recommend that, as long as the rotor is in good condition, the pads should be replaced. Once the rotors show signs of wear, out they go. Sometimes rotors become too worn out or damaged to replace. Sometimes they have already been resurfaced the maximum number of times.