Brake Drums/Discs - Turning them yourself

MarEng · Mar 16, 2006

Does anybody do this themselves? I have always just replaced the pads and moved on but the surfaces are getting pretty wavy - more surface area = better braking right?!? Can I do it with the home metal lathe? I see many of the exotic sports cars with a ground finish - swirls on the surface. However, the old Dodge has never had anything other than concentric circles. Just curious what is involved - I also want the control of stopping before I hit minimum thickness even if the surface isn't totally flat - something the local machine shop won't do.

rdln · Mar 16, 2006

You have a valid point about the machine shops turning more than needed or wont turn if doing so leaves you underspec. Dont see why you cant turn yourself, make sure hub attachment surface is true with dial indicator b4 turning.

Nasty135 · Mar 16, 2006

I've seen brake lathes for sale in the classifieds but haven't bought YET! maybe one day just for the time savings of it...
I try to do all I can do myself, But if I finally aquire all the tools and equipment I need to be self reliant ,I might have to open a shop of my own /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif NOT!! intentionally anyhow

But to answer your question, If the rotors are still true even if slight grooves are there , IMO I don't see that as a problem but if they are warped forget it, they need turned...

your machinist lathe would have to be pretty large for the diameter of a rotor. perhaps a milling machine would work better...

I have never had a drum turned, IMO they aren't as prone to warp but will indeed get grooved, or even crack... Both drum & rotors are cheap when it comes to safety!! if there is any question of there integrity replace them... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

HomeBrew2 · Mar 16, 2006

My dad used to turn his on an 11" Logan lathe. I'm afraid that I never saw his setup for that job though.
Cheers!

Jagmandave · Mar 16, 2006

I agree with nasty, they're so cheap anymore, I just replace them if they're questionable.....

As to the swirl patterns, those are done by using a small pad sander as the rotor turns, the idea is that not having the concentric grinding will allow the pads to seat in better.........

MarEng · Mar 16, 2006

No warpage to deal with, just the uneven surface due to wear. Time is really the other issue. Truck is out of commission while the drums/rotors are at the shop. Guess a second set might fix that. I can install the new ones and then send the removed ones out. Leaves a 100,000 miles or so to get them back. I'd probably loose them before I needed them again!

Jstpssng · Mar 16, 2006

I just replace rotors if they get bad, my experience has been that turned rotors wear pads faster. I try to catch my rear brakes before the drums go bad though, the last pair I replaced was $100 per side.

Nasty135 · Mar 16, 2006

( I'd probably loose them before I needed them again! ) You could always make a grinder stand out of them or some other handy ornament... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif they can hold a wayward tarp down quite well. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

escavader · Mar 16, 2006

If the rotors arent warped i dont worry about it THE NEW PADS ,OR SHOES WILL TAKE THAT SHAPE!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
ALAN

erich · Mar 16, 2006

I have removed the rotors and taken them to my mechanic. He turns them for a reasonable price. He is as honest as the day is long so I never have to worry about him taking more than is needed. He always took top notch care of the local kids by doing a safety check on their cars before they went off to college. Lord knows he doesn't need the extra work. In raising my kids I always made sure they had good tires and good brakes. It was one area I would not cut corners on. It was cheap insurance. I also believe that if your able, doing things yourself is one of the best ways to save money. My mechanic has even lent me the right tools for the job! Like I said, he has more business than he needs.

Eric