What causes hard spots on rotors?

Although the term "warped" rotors is very commonly used, it's in fact one of the least common causes of brake vibration. In fact, what happens in almost every case of a warped rotor is simply uneven pad deposits or heat spots. Uneven pad deposits happen from using incorrect break-in procedures.

What causes crystalized rotors?

Quite simply, brake glazing or “crystallization” is hardening of the brake friction material due to excessive heat.

What causes pits in rotors?

The main reason brake discs rust and become pitted is overexposure to moisture. Where possible, keep your wheels and tyres clean and dry. The longer your vehicle remains stationary, the more likely it will develop a build-up of rust.

Why are my rotors not smooth?

Sometimes your rotors may need to be resurfaced because they have worn unevenly, warped from heat, or become damaged by worn brake pads or pitted from corrosion or rust. Resurfacing rotors removes some of their metal, until the surface is smooth and even again.

Is it cheaper to resurface or replace rotors?

Resurfacing these rotors with an on-car lathe can virtually eliminate runout problems, but it requires investing in the equipment. Some installers tell us it's cheaper and easier just to replace the rotors.

Blue Spots on Brake Rotors

Do pitted rotors need to be replaced?

Brake rotors will rust. Usually it's just surface rust that will wear off after a couple of miles of driving. If the rust is deep — to the point of pitting — it is certainly possible the rotors need to be replaced.

Can you turn pitted rotors?

That will cause the shimmy, denature the lubrication on the slide pins, cause the pads to wear unevenly All that will overheat the caliper further, which will then cause the caliper piston return problem to reappear. Turning the rotor won't help, either.

How long rotors should 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.

What does it mean when rotors are glazed?

Glazing is where the brakes have been heated to the point that the material within the brake pad hardens and smooths to the point that it mirrors and can no longer create effective friction against the rotor.

Why do my rotors keep glazing?

Glazing happens when temperatures exceed the brake pad limits. The pad material hardens and forms a glassy, smooth pad surface. Pads may also crack and fracture. When glazing occurs, brake pads can't provide the necessary friction with the rotors to stop the vehicle.

How much does resurfacing rotors cost?

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.

Do glazed rotors need to be replaced?

Usually when someone says the rotors are glazed, they mean that the surface has acquired a high polish form long term use. Sometimes this might lead to brakes that screech when you are coming to a stop. If that is the case, you will need to replace the rotors to quiet things down.

Can you deglaze rotors?

If they are glazed, you'll have a nice hard pedal that doesn't stop the car very well. The only way to deglaze them is to remove and skim them a bit on a belt sander.

How do I stop my brakes from glazing?

Typically, brakes glazed like this will fix themselves with 2 or 3 hard stops from highway speeds. To avoid it happening in the future, use the brakes with more authority, and avoid repeated light application of the brake pedal.

How do you know if your rotors need resurfacing?

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.

Why resurfacing rotors are bad?

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.

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.

Are rotor resurfacing worth?

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.

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.

Can you resurface rotors without changing pads?

Rotors can usually only be resurfaced once, if at all, before they must be replaced. Ultimately, resurfacing rotors when you install new brake pads is a middle price point and a good compromise if you don't want to spend more money on new rotors.

Should rotors be smooth?

Over time, your rotors will also wear down and you may find the pads have created a slight groove in the rotor. This is very harmful to the rotor and this must be avoided. A healthy brake rotor will be a smooth and uninterrupted surface, free of dust, grooves and grit.

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.