It’s time for new brake rotors if your current ones are noisy, unsteady, or not slowing the car down as they should. Brake rotor replacement cost is not fixed. However, the cost varies depending on a number of factors, but when the time comes for this service, you want to make sure it is completed quickly before your on-road safety is jeopardized.
There is a different servicing schedule for every vehicle. This makes it ideal to adhere to the instructions provided in the owner’s manual. Your neighborhood dealership is another source for this information.
Nevertheless, the majority of brake rotors require replacement every 50,000 to 75,000 miles. Depending on the type of vehicle you drive and how you use it, these schedules vary.
For instance, your brake rotors may deteriorate more quickly than they would for a daily commuter if you are towing hefty loads. It’s crucial to watch out for any signs that a replacement is coming. Well, in this article, the answers to the following questions will be discussed:
- How much does brake rotor replacement cost?
- What are the factors affecting brake rotor replacement cost?
- How to tell when your brake rotor has gone bad?
- Can a brake rotor be resurfaced?
- Is it safe to drive with a failed brake rotor?
Read more: Brake pad and rotor replacement cost
Ok, let’s get to it.
Contents
How much does brake rotor replacement cost?
The brake rotors replacement cost on average between $200 and $500 per axle. The price of each rotor could range from $30 to $75. Per axle, labor costs between $150 and $200 to replace the rotors and pads.
You can save money on the service in a number of ways, including by performing the work yourself or by selecting brake rotors of lesser quality. You should budget an additional $50 to $100 to replace the front brake rotors because they are usually pricey than the rear rotors.
Read more: Brake pad and rotor replacement cost
What are the factors affecting brake rotor replacement cost?
Below are the main factors affecting brake rotor replacement cost.
Front or Rear
It’s possible for the brake rotors in the front and back of your car to be different sizes. Because of this, the cost may vary depending on the axle being worked on. Typically, a car’s front brake rotors will provide the majority of its stopping force. Costs will inevitably increase if they are larger than the rear rotor diameter.
Vehicle Make/Model
The cost of replacement parts will vary depending on what you are driving, just like it does with all automotive components. The cost of replacement should reduce with the size of the brake rotors. For instance, replacing the rotors should be less expensive if you drive a compact car rather than a heavy-duty truck. Because the job could be easier, the labor might also be less expensive.
Performance Level
You might prefer to spend money on performance rotors if you do a lot of towing or off-roading. Otherwise, spending more money on high-performance rotors is unnecessary. You can choose a variety of performance rotor types. Slotted, drilled, and vented rotors are available options, and each one has a distinct advantage.
OEM or Aftermarket
Brake rotors come in a variety of pricing ranges, just like any other item you could purchase. There are also more affordable models as well as the more expensive choices.
You can pay more if you choose OEM brake rotors than if you use aftermarket parts. However, certain aftermarket parts can also be more expensive. Think about how long they would last and the performance you may expect as you evaluate these possibilities.
A longer lifespan and good operation do come at a higher cost, but the enhanced peace of mind is well worth it. You should also include warranty protection, in case something does go wrong.
Material
It is better to have a professional handle the brake rotor replacement if you are unsure how to do it yourself. Using a repair shop will cost you extra money, though. However, you can save a lot of money if you ’re competent changing your own brake rotors. The only thing you need to purchase are the brake rotors; the labor itself only requires time.
Corrosion Resistance
It is best to prevent the rotors from corrosion if you live in an area with a lot of snowfall or high humidity. To reduce corrosion, manufacturers employ a variety of techniques, which add to the cost. Brake rotors with electrophoretic zinc plating are available; they have a longer lifespan. Rotors can also be painted or powder-coated to extend their lifespan.
The person carrying out the job (DIY or Professional)
Depending on your needs, rotors can be made from a variety of materials. Cast iron is used to make inexpensive brake rotors, however this material doesn’t last for very long.
On the other hand, if you’re prepared to pay a little bit more or have a race car, you can decide to use steel, aluminum, or a carbon ceramic material. The quality of the rotors increases with price.
Read more: Everything you need to know about brake pad thickness
How to tell when your brake rotor has gone bad and needs replacement
Here are a few signs and symptoms you’ll notice when your brake rotor has gone bad.
Grinding or Squealing Noises
The squealing sound you hear when hitting the brake pedal is the mostly first sign that the brake rotor has gone bad. Although the brake rotors may still be fine if the pads are changed quickly.
You can tell when you try to stop that metal is contacting metal once the grinding sound starts, though. This noise is a sign that the brake rotors need to be replaced since they are being worn out.
Physical damage
The rotor should be replaced right away if it sustains physical damage. This could involve significant, noticeable damage like cracks. Damaged rotors, however, could also appear to have a scratched or grooved surface.
These are commonly brought on by tiny particles or stones being wedged in between the rotor and the caliper. In these case, resurfacing the rotor rather than replacing it is occasionally an option.
Pulsating Brake Pedal
The pedal will feel like it is pulsating when the rotor starts to warp. However the brake rotor is no longer flat, which causes this sensation. The brake pad contacts various areas of the surface differently when the brake rotor is warped. The pulsation results from the issue, which slows down as the speeds drop.
Can a brake rotor be resurfaced?
Instead of replacing certain brake rotors, they can sometimes be resurfaced. With the aid of a lathe, a little portion of the surface is scraped during the resurfacing process. For a longer lifespan, any rust or deposits can be removed while the surface is being smoothed out.
Resurfacing the rotors might be suggested if the mechanic replacing the brake pads notices slight flaws in them; the service is cheap. It’s crucial to understand that not all rotor surface flaws can be corrected by resurfacing.
There are also some rotors that cannot be resurfaced because they are already too thin. Fortunately, the mechanic should be aware of when it is and is not suitable. If in doubt, it is always better to replace the rotors rather than simply resurfacing them.
What causes a spongy or soft brake pedal (and how to fix it)
Is it safe to drive with a bad brake rotor?
Driving with a bad brake rotor is not safe. A bad brake rotor can result in a severe loss of braking force for your car. You may lose control of the steering wheel if the force required to move it is unpredictable due to a warped brake rotor.
You run the risk of brake failure and an accident if you don’t replace the rotors when they need to be. When you hit the pedal, the heat will be transferred by the rotor. The rotor’s capacity to absorb heat increases with its thickness. The rotor will deteriorate due to this extra heat.
Read more: Understanding clock spring
FAQs
How much does it cost to replace rotors brakes?
The average cost of replacing rotors is between $200 and $500 per axle.
How often do brake rotors need to be replaced?
Brake pads should normally be changed every 25,000 to 65,000 miles, while brake rotors should typically be replaced every 30,000 to 70,000 miles.
How do I know if my rotors are bad?
Steering wheel vibration. When you slow down, your rotors might be in jeopardy if you experience pulsation in the brake pedal and vibration in the steering wheel. Intermittent screeching, a blue color, excessive wear over time, etc.
Are rotors worth replacing?
Even some manufacturers claim that you replace your rotors rather than simply resurfacing them. However, the majority of industry experts recommend that you replace them every 30-70K miles. If the rotors cannot be resurfaced, replacement is your only choice.
What happens if I don’t fix my rotors?
You run the risk of brake failure and an accident if you don’t replace the rotors when they need to be. When the brakes are engaged, heat is absorbed and released by the rotor. More heat is absorbed as the rotor becomes thinner. The rotor warps due to this extra heat.
Should I replace all 4 brake rotors?
However, it is recommended to replace the rotors and pads as a set for each axle front or rear at the same time. You do not have to replace all 4 rotors at once. Rear brake replacement is not necessary if the front brakes require replacement but the rear brakes have not yet worn out.
How long do rotors last on average?
To keep wear to a minimum, you should basically change your brake pads every 10,000 to 20,000 miles. To maintain the best possible condition of your brakes, you should replace your rotors every 50,000 to 70,000 miles.
What is the life expectancy of rotors?
The lifespan of your brakes depends on a number of variables, including the size of your vehicle, your driving habits, and the quality of your brakes. Brake rotor lifespans typically range from 30,000 to 70,000 kilometers.
Why do mechanics always want to replace rotors?
The performance and lifespan of your vehicle’s braking system can be enhanced by replacing both brake pads and rotors in addition to maximizing maintenance effectiveness. Your brake pads’ efficiency and rate of wear are influenced by your brake rotors.
Is replacing rotors easy?
A great way to cut the cost of brake replacement is to replace the own brake pads and rotors. This is not only a great way to save money, but it’s also a reasonably simple task that a fairly skilled DIYer can complete in a few hours.
Why are front rotors more expensive?
Each rotor requires more material to manufacture due to its greater diameter and thickness. As the front brake rotors perform the majority of the vehicle’s stopping work and have a greater diameter than the rear disc brakes, the choice between the front and rear brakes is again probably a matter of size.
That is all for this article, where we discussed the answers to the following questions:
- How much does brake rotor replacement cost?
- What are the factors affecting brake rotor replacement cost?
- How to tell when your brake rotor has gone bad?
- Can a brake rotor be resurfaced?
- Is it safe to drive with a failed brake rotor?
I hope you learn a lot from the reading. If you do, kindly share it with others. Thanks for reading, see you around!
