What causes rotors to need resurfacing?

Most likely, your brake rotors will require resurfacing or replacing roughly every other brake job. When a brake rotor wears unevenly, or grooves are worn into it, or corrosion develops on its surface, one remedy is to have it resurfaced.

Should you resurface warped rotors?

Those severely damaged rotors usually need to be replaced, not resurfaced. Some vehicle manufacturers even require that you replace your rotors rather than resurface them. Otherwise, most industry experts suggest that you should replace them every 30-70K miles.

Do warped rotors cause damage?

In case you suspect any problem with rotors or that your car’s brakes are failing, avoid driving your vehicle and make a mechanic oppintment right away. Driving with warped rotors will result in a brake system failure, which can cause injury to yourself and those around you.

Can I change brake pads without resurfacing rotors?

If the brake discs are still smooth they may not need to be resurfaced, but most professional brake mechanics will not install new brake pads without resurfacing the rotors. Resurfacing restores a flat and even surface that minimizes vibrations and allows for maximum brake pad friction.

How long does resurfacing rotors last?

On paper, brake rotors can last anywhere between 30,000 and 70,000 miles—some of them even longer than that. However, there are several factors that affect the lifespan of your rotors.

Can you resurface rotors without changing pads?

What happens if I don’t resurface my 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.

Can a warped rotor cause vibration while driving?

Problem 1: Warped Brake Rotors When your brake pads are pressing against a warped rotor, this will cause shaking or vibrations to run through your vehicle. Beyond just the inconvenience of shaking, this can raise safety concerns and create trouble for your brakes.

Can you resurface rotors with hot spots?

If this is caught early on, you can possibly remedy it by bedding in your brakes with a more abrasive pad, or resurfacing your rotors. If the heat spots are extensive, you will need to replace your rotors.

Is it better to resurface or replace rotors?

What happens if you don’t resurface rotors?

There is no need to resurface them as this may actually produce runout and will reduce their service life. If your vehicle originally included brake rotors with a separate hub and disc (composite rotors) they can safely be replaced with cast iron brake rotors.

What happens if you drive with a warped rotor?

Increased wear in the braking system: A warped brake rotor not only causes brake pads to wear more quickly than necessary, but it can also cause damage to the brake calipers, which can be a very expensive mechanical repair.

What causes brake rotor warping?

When a brake rotor becomes warped, the surface of the rotor becomes rough and uneven. The primary cause of brake rotor warping is excessive amounts of heat build-up when braking. Excessive heat can affect the brake rotors negatively in two ways:

What is a rotor resurfacing?

Rotor resurfacing involves removing a tiny fraction of the rotor’s surface using a brake lathe. Resurfacing rotors help eliminate corrosion and brake pad deposits, which smooths out surface irregularities that may cause braking vibrations.

How do I know if my rotors are warping?

The number one sign of rotor warping is that the car will vibrate when applying brakes. This is what most car owners use to diagnose brake rotor issues. There are other signs such as jittery brakes, car vibrating when it comes to a stop, the smell of burning rubber when applying brakes, and loud squeaking.