Car Brake Rotor Replacement / Resurfacing

[Travelover]

I used to do all my own car repair, then took 25+ years off when I had a new lease vehicle from work every year. Now I'm back to owning and maintaining my own vehicles, but a little behind the times.

My question is about brake rotors. If the rotor thickness and run out is within specification, does it need to be turned or replaced when new pads are installed?

Thanks.

[dave1949]

I think they are typically resurfaced with a grinder to make everything true again. They don't cost an arm and a leg to replace like they used to for the average car.
Dave.

[Bird]

We used to "turn" brake drums and rotors, as you probably remember, on a machine that shaved a bit of metal off. In more recent times, if the rotors are not warped, we just use something like an angle die grinder to remove any glaze from them, sometimes without even removing the rotor from the vehicle. Sandpaper can be used, although they also make some pads specifically for the purpose.

[JDeerekid]

Like others have said you can have the rotors turned or replaced. But if they are not to bad you can just take a hand grinder and touch them up. If they got hot and warped they need to be replaced.
Most new rotors are only a few bucks more to replace than to get the olds ones turned. So usually recommend getting new ones if they are warped or grooved real bad.

[MikeD74T]

Changing rotors has become the norm. I just bought a pair of brake lathes from a mechanic that works for a dealership and at home evenings & weekends for private clients. At the dealership it was determined a while ago that they make the same or more money selling new rotors/drums than they could charge to have a mechanic turn them. With multiple mechanics you wouldn't want them waiting for their turn at the machine, less waiting at the parts room. The mechanic figures he can just order new and guarantee the clients car will be ready on time, he makes the same money, & puts in less time. The machine shop I've used in the past has upped their charge to turn a rotor to $25 to discourage customers from asking. I paid $250 for two lathes, one for rotors & one for drums, old but in good working condition. I've turned 8 rotors since September and am only two from breaking even. Since I do my own work on family vehicles I find it worthwhile to be able to take the vibration out of one rotor at my convenience & before it gets real bad. MikeD74T

[carpenter383]

If they're within spec I'd just put new pads on and go. But it would'nt hurt a thing to do a little sandingt on them to knock the glaze off.

[om21braz]

The newer brake rotor machines turn the rotor while still on the vehicle. They seem to do a good job of making the surface true and match the rotor to the caliper.

[ultrarunner]

I'm easy on brakes and use Factory Pads...

I inspect for problems and if the brakes are working fine... only the pad is near the end of useful life, I hang new pads...

Some will say you can't do it...

I've done it on a whole line of Chevrolet Cars and Trucks... Toyota and BMW... never had a problem so far.

[charlz]

Our local NAPA store turns them for $5 each, for my Toyota Sequoia they want $130 per 'premium' rotor Guess which way I went

[Travelover]

Originally Posted by ultrarunner

I'm easy on brakes and use Factory Pads...

I inspect for problems and if the brakes are working fine... only the pad is near the end of useful life, I hang new pads...

Some will say you can't do it...

I've done it on a whole line of Chevrolet Cars and Trucks... Toyota and BMW... never had a problem so far.

This is what I always did, too, back when I was servicing my own cars. I'd check the thickness and run out of the rotor or drum and only turn if needed. I guess I can see where the pads might not break in as fast on a glazed surface.