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. The brake rotor normally deteriorates as it is compressed between the brake pads when the brake pedal is applied.
Because of the high friction of the brake pads and the intermittent use pattern, the rotor is put through a lot of stress. 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. In this reading, we’ll learn what brake rotor resurfacing is, factors to consider before doing it, when to do it, its benefits, and common misconceptions about brake rotor resurfacing.
Let’s get started!
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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.
It is a brake service process performed with 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 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 specification 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.
Signs that Resurfacing is Needed
Once brake rotors are installed, they are subjected to friction, heat, and corrosion, which contribute to wear and tear, particularly for aggressive drivers. Indicators that rotor resurfacing may be necessary include:
- When you hit the brake pedal, especially when driving at high speeds, the steering wheel vibrates. This is sometimes called warping and is brought on by a difference in thickness in one or both of the front rotors.
- Grooves run around the rotor’s surface. You might detect these hand-feelable grooves due to typical wear and tear.
- The car’s body trembles or sways, usually sensed through the brake pedal or seat. For a rear rotor, it is typically caused by changes in the rotor surface thickness, similar to steering wheel vibration.
- The brake pads are worn out. When performing a brake job, you should resurface the rotors to provide new brake pads with a clean, flat surface on which to grip.
- You may hear squealing noises when you apply your brakes. Dirty or glazed rotors may be the source of this screech and longer stopping distances.
- The brakes make a grinding sound when you apply them. When the brake pads are completely worn out, the backing plate of one brake pad presses against the rotor, or the brake pads come into contact with the rotor’s rust or corrosion, which results in the noise.
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When To Do Brake Rotor 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
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.
Increased Brake 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.
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Misconceptions 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.
Conclusion
Brake rotor resurfacing is a maintenance process that restores the flat, smooth surface of the rotor by removing minor imperfections, warping, or glazing.
It’s a cost-effective way to extend rotor life and improve braking performance, but it’s only recommended if the rotors are within minimum thickness specifications. If rotors are too thin or damaged, replacement is a safer option.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is brake rotor resurfacing?
It’s the process of machining the brake rotors to remove uneven surfaces and restore proper contact with brake pads.
When should I resurface my rotors?
You should consider resurfacing if you feel vibrations when braking, hear unusual noises, or notice scoring or uneven wear on the rotors.
Is resurfacing better than replacing rotors?
It depends on the condition. If the rotor is still thick enough and not deeply damaged, resurfacing is more affordable. Otherwise, replacement is safer.
How much does rotor resurfacing cost?
It typically ranges from $10 to $25 per rotor, depending on the service provider.
Can all rotors be resurfaced?
No. Rotors must meet the manufacturer’s minimum thickness. Severely warped, cracked, or worn-out rotors should be replaced.
How long does resurfacing take?
Usually around 30 minutes to 1 hour for a pair, depending on the shop and condition.
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.
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.
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 can cause faster wear of brake pads, and resurfacing only temporarily extends rotor life.