How many times can you resurface rotors?

Even resurfaced rotors need to be replaced every 70,000 miles, doesn't matter that they are in good working condition. Look for signs of uneven wear, excessive runout, and heavy pitting, spotting, grooving, hard spots, or cracking.

Can you resurface rotors more than once?

If your brake rotors have sufficient metal remaining with no hard spots, cracks, severe grooving or rusting, then the rotors could be resurfaced. Some have the opinion that unless the brake rotors have surface issues needing to be fixed, the rotors should not be resurfaced every time the pads are replaced.

How long do resurfaced rotors last?

Typically, brake rotors last between 30,000–70,000 miles. But you should bring your car to a licensed mechanic for regular brake inspections and pay attention to your vehicle to know when you might be due for brake service.

Is it better to buy new rotors or resurface?

In the long run, it's likely less expensive to replace your rotors when there are consistencies in the face of the rotor. New rotors won't wear as quickly on your brake pads as damaged rotors, and resurfacing the rotors means you'll only get one last "hoorah" out of them before they need to be replaced anyway.

Is it bad to resurface rotors?

A resurfaced rotor must meet the minimum thickness specification defined by the rotor manufacturer. If a rotor can't meet the minimum thickness, you shouldn't resurface it as it'll become too thin, unsafe, and warp easily. Next, the rotor mustn't be warped or cracked. Always get a new rotor for this type of damage.

To Resurface or Replace Your Breaks and Rotors?

How much should it cost to resurface rotors?

Resurfacing cost per rotor can vary widely. If you remove your rotors yourself and take them to a shop or parts store for resurfacing, the cost can range from as little as $15 to over $45 per rotor. To have a repair shop remove, resurface and reinstall your rotors can cost up to $100 per wheel, $400 for the whole car.

How long should rotors last?

As a general rule, you should get your brake pads replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 miles to keep wear to a minimum. When it comes to your rotors, you have a bit longer. Your rotors should be replaced between 50,000 and 70,000 miles to keep your brakes in peak health.

Why do rotors rust so quickly?

The nature of disc brake operation is such that the friction pads constantly wear away at the surface of each rotor. Each time you park your car, the freshly minted surface of each rotor is exposed to the elements. As you have discovered, the fresh unprotected cast iron will begin rusting almost immediately.

Do rusty rotors need to be replaced?

If your rusty rotors show visible signs of being worn out, you should replace them. Physical signs of worn-out brake rotors include: Heavy rust: Brake rotors will rust. It's usually just surface rust that wears off after a couple of miles of driving.

Can rotors last 100 000 miles?

Rotors are very capable of lasting more than 100,000 miles with proper brake inspections, maintenance, and brake pad changes. When brake rotors are replaced, it's advised to replace all of them and brake pads at the same time.

How long does it take to resurface 4 rotors?

You can take them into many auto parts stores and get them turned for about $15/ea and it should take about 15-20 min./ea. You can take them into many auto parts stores and get them turned for about $15/ea and it should take about 15-20 min./ea.

How do you keep rotors from warping?

Upgrade to cross drilled rotors or cross drilled & slotted rotors to prevent warped brake rotors. Cross drilled rotors and cross drilled and slotted rotors will provide better heat ventilation. It will bring the temperature of the rotor down to a point where heat spots are least likely to form.

Can you put new brake pads on old rotors?

When properly bedded and used over time, a thin layer of brake pad material is transferred to the brake rotor surface, and this helps create optimal friction for stopping. When a set of pads is worn out and need to be replaced, it is perfectly ok to install a new set of pads on the old rotors.

Do I need to replace pitted rotors?

Can pitted brake discs be repaired? Unfortunately not. As mentioned earlier, while pitted brake discs don't always have to be replaced immediately, they are a sign of damage that will get worse and affect your braking over time.

Why do rotors turn orange?

Ever noticed that nasty looking orange dust that takes over your rotors after a while of no driving, periods of humidity, or a rain storm? Your brakes are fine, but they're rusting. In basic speak, rust is a form of corrosion (read more). Over time this rust can begin to etch and cause pitting in your rotors – not fun.

Will brake cleaner remove rust from rotors?

Use Brake Cleaner to Remove Rust From the Rotors

Put down a tray to catch any runoff, then spray the rotor with brake cleaner. Let the rotor dry, then wipe it with a clean rag (no oil on the rag). If some rust remains, apply more brake cleaner and work the surface with steel wool or a wire brush.

What happens if you change brake pads but not rotors?

A: Unless the rotors are worn beyond the mandatory discard thickness, we prefer to replace the pads only. Not only does this obviously save money, but time. New pads must be burnished into new rotors before the best braking performance is achieved.

How much rust is OK on rotors?

They only contact the inner 60 or 70%. If the inner or outer portion of the ring is rusty, that's normal. If you have recently had rain, the humidity is high, or you washed your car in the driveway and you see rust on the rotors (see top of page image), you need not worry.

How can you tell if rotors need to be replaced?

Should I replace all 4 rotors?

You do not need to replace all 4 rotors at the same time, but it is recommended to replace the rotors and pads as a set for each axle front or back at the same time. If the front brakes need to be replaced but the rear brakes are not worn out yet, then you do not need to replace the rear brakes.

Do rotors need to be replaced in pairs?

Rotors should be replaced in pairs, and should be the same type (composite or cast) as the original. New rotors are ready-to-install out of the box and should require no additional resurfacing (doing so only shortens their life and risks creating runout and vibration problems).

How much does Oreilly charge to turn rotors?

Cost to Turn Rotors at O'Reilly Auto Parts: It costs around $40 to turn all four rotors. Restrictions: Meineke auto stores turn rotors that are thick enough. If the rotors are too thin, then Meineke will need to replace your rotors.

Are machining rotors worth?

Machining rotors may be less expensive upfront, but the maintenance and repair are more costly in the long run; if you're at the point where machining your rotors makes sense, you're at the point where a rotor replacement will soon be necessary.