Summary
When your brake rotors are no longer in good condition, you may have the choice to perform brake rotor resurfacing. However, some people may prefer Brake Rotor Replacement instead.
When you apply the brake pedal, the brake rotor is squeezed between two brake pads, and it’s natural for this metal disc to wear down. The rotor is subjected to a great deal of abuse due to the intense friction of the brake pads and the on-and-off pattern of use.
Rotor resurfacing is utilizing a brake lathe to remove a tiny fraction of the rotor’s surface. Resurfacing rotors aid in the removal of corrosion and brake pad deposits, as well as the smoothing out of surface defects that may create braking vibrations.
When it’s time to change your brake pads or if you’re having braking problems, resurfacing your brake rotors is an alternative. This procedure removes a tiny portion of the rotor’s mating surface, restoring it to a uniformly flat state.
Now, let’s go deep to explain what brake rotor resurfacing is, its benefits, and when to perform it!
Contents
What is Brake rotor resurfacing?
Rotor resurfacing is utilizing a brake lathe to remove a tiny fraction of the rotor’s surface. Resurfacing rotors aid in the removal of corrosion and brake pad deposits, as well as the smoothing out of surface defects that may create braking vibrations. It is a brake service process that is usually performed in conjunction with a brake pad replacement to generate a ‘fresh’ surface for maximum brake pad friction.
Rotors resurfacing will not address hard areas in cast rotors because these typically extend well below the rotor surface. Shaving can help remove these hard places and allow the rotor to run true, but they will reappear eventually.
Factors to consider before performing brake rotor resurfacing
It is not always recommended to resurface a rotor. In some cases, a replacement is preferable. This is true if your rotor is thinner than the minimum specification or will be after resurfacing. Each rotor is made with a minimum thickness specification.
This spec is sometimes stamped on the rotor hub, but you may need to look it up with software like ALLDATA. Determine the present thickness with a micrometer, then compare it to the minimal specification. If there is a difference, the rotor may be resurfaced. Learn when to replace or resurface your brake rotor replacement:
When do you perform brake motor resurfacing?
The first factor to consider is the rotor thickness. A resurfaced rotor must fulfill the rotor manufacturer’s minimum thickness criteria. If a rotor does not reach the minimum thickness, it should not be resurfaced since it will become too thin, dangerous, and prone to warping.
The rotor must also not be deformed or damaged. For this type of damage, always replace the rotor. While resurfacing rotors isn’t always required when installing new brake pads, it does ensure the new brake pads have a solid surface to grip.
Benefits of brake rotor resurfacing
When done correctly, brake rotor resurfacing can be an effective approach to save money because it is often less expensive than replacing the rotor. Other advantages include:
Increased braking pad life
A rough rotor surface can prematurely wear down a brake pad, frequently tens of thousands of miles sooner than a new rotor surface.
Smooth, and efficient braking performance
When you resurface rotors, you should expect shorter stopping distances and a smoother, less tiring drive.
There is less noise and vibration
If your rotors are resurfaced, the humiliating sensation of screeching or grinding brakes in traffic can be eliminated.
Misconseptions on Brake Rotor Resurfacing
There are a few myths you shouldn’t ignore if you’ve been considering having your rotors resurfaced;
- The first is that while changing brake pads, it is always required to resurface the rotors. You can just put new brake pads on if the rotors seem to be flat, in good shape, and there are no vibrations.
- Second, not every rotor can be saved. Sometimes the grooves on a rotor are too deep or the runout on the rotor is too considerable to remove without going over the discard thickness barrier.
- And finally, you ought to understand when to resurface and when to replace the brakes. Rotor resurfacing is not always less expensive than replacement.
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FAQs
Is resurfacing brake rotors a good idea?
If the brake discs are still smooth, they may not need to be resurfaced; nevertheless, most professional brake specialists will not install new brake pads unless the rotors have been resurfaced. Resurfacing creates a level and even surface that reduces vibrations and maximizes brake pad friction.
What is brake rotor resurfacing?
Brake rotor resurfacing is a process that involves removing a small bit of the brake disc’s material with a lathe to remove corrosion and brake pad deposits. It can also smooth out surface abnormalities, such as changing thickness, that might produce vibrations.
How much does it cost to resurface a rotor?
The cost of rotor resurfacing varies depending on location and vehicle type, however, it normally ranges from $15 to $40 per rotor.
How long are rotors good for after resurfacing?
Even refinished rotors must be replaced every 70,000 miles, regardless of whether they are in good operating order. Uneven wear, excessive runout, and significant pitting, spotting, grooving, hard areas, or cracking should all be looked for.
Do I need new brake pads if I resurface rotors?
The frequency of rotor replacement is affected by rotor quality and driving conditions. If a mechanic finds warped or excessively worn rotors, they will recommend replacing them with new brake pads. Resurfacing rotors is another option, although it may impair their durability and expedite brake pad wear.
How do I know if my rotors need resurfacing?
- When braking, you may notice vibrations in your steering wheel.
- When you apply your brakes, you may experience vibrations in your brake pedal.
- Wobbly wheels, possibly caused by worn-out wheel bearings, could result in warped rotors or uneven brake pad wear.
What are the signs of bad rotors?
A vehicle taking a long time to stop, loud bangs while braking, vibration or pulsation in the steering wheel, high-pitched squealing noise when braking, shaking steering wheel, large edges on the outer part of the brake rotor, and scratch marks on the rotor are some common signs of bad rotors.
Is it better to replace the rotors or resurface them?
When the rotor face is consistent, it will probably be less expensive in the long run to replace the rotors. Damaged rotors may cause your brake pads to wear more quickly than new ones will, and resurfacing the rotors will only give them one more “hoorah” before they need to be replaced.
How many times can brake rotors be resurfaced?
Never turn the brake rotors more than once. The ability to turn brake rotors depends on a variety of factors. Tolerances will vary depending on the rotor’s design and material thickness. The amount of material that can be safely removed without endangering the rotor integrity will be shown by these specifications.
Why do people resurface rotors?
The removal of rust and brake pad deposits from rotors through resurfacing evens out surface abnormalities that could result in braking vibrations. To create a “new” surface for maximum brake pad friction, it is a brake maintenance technique that normally goes along with a brake pad replacement.
Bottom Line
Keeping your vehicle’s best braking performance and safety depends on your ability to comprehend the nuances of brake rotor resurfacing. When carried out by qualified experts, resurfacing can be a cost-effective solution for problems with uneven wear or extending the life of your braking components.
When rotors reach the minimum thickness requirements, it’s crucial to understand the limits of resurfacing and the potential need for replacement. Regular brake maintenance, including resurfacing or replacement, is an essential part of responsible car ownership and will increase your safety while driving. To make knowledgeable choices about your braking system, always seek the advice of knowledgeable specialists.
That is all for this article, where I explained what brake rotor resurfacing is, its benefits, and when to perform it. I hope it was helpful, if so, kindly share with others. Thanks for reading, see you around!
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