How do I know when my rotors need to be replaced?
It could represent four signs that it’s time to replace your brake rotors.
- Vibrating Steering Wheel. If you feel pulsing in the brake pedal and vibration in the steering wheel when you slow down, your rotors could be signaling trouble.
- Intermittent Screeching.
- Blue Coloration.
- Excessive Wear Over Time.
Do I really need to replace my rotors?
Like brake pads, brake rotors wear out over time. 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.
Is it OK to just replace brake pads and not rotors?
Yes, but it depends on the condition of your brake rotors. If they aren’t damaged or thinned beyond the discard thickness, you can definitely change just the worn brake pads.
What do rotors sound like when bad?
One of the first symptoms commonly associated with bad brake rotors is noise. If the rotors are warped (meaning not perfectly flat) or severely worn, they may produce squealing or squeaking sounds. Usually, warped rotors will produce a squeak, while severely worn rotors will produce a scraping sound.
Is it unsafe to drive with bad rotors?
If you suspect you have warped rotors or your brakes are failing, it is important that you avoid driving your vehicle and contact a mechanic right away. Driving with warped rotors potentially will result in a brake system failure, which can cause injury to yourself and those around you.
Is it better to turn rotors or replace them?
This is the correct way to “turn” rotors that need to be machined, and it provides a smooth surface for the new pads. Unfortunately, by turning every rotor that measures up, regardless of need, you lose preconditioned rotor surfaces. Turning a “good” rotor makes it thinner and reduces its ability to absorb and dissipate heat.
Do you have to replace your brake pads every time you replace your rotors?
A. Your brake pads will fade faster than your brake rotors, so no, you won’t have to replace them every time you replace your pads. When you replace your rotors, however, you should also replace your brake pads. Do a rotor inspection every time you replace your pads or rotate your tires.
What does it mean to resurface brake rotors?
Resurfacing rotors, also known as machining or turning rotors, is performed by a mechanic who shaves a thin amount of metal off of each side. This made good economic sense in the past because rotors were more expensive and often thicker.