Front Brake Rotors had to be replaced on 2003 Buick Ultra with 40,000 orig miles. Did I get accurate info?

Question

mine were at 1.28 and 1.234. Cole Muffler and Brake said 1.224 is the lowest they're allowed to turn them down to. and if they put the rotors on the machine it would be difficult to turn such a small amount off and still have 1.224 left. So I paid $304 incuding tax for new rotors, ceramic brake pads, labor and including incidentals worth about $16.

They told me that original factory equipment (rotors) are inferior to the aftermarket rotors they put on the car. the new pads are lifetime warranteed but that's small consolation if I'm going to have to replace rotors regularly.

1. How many turnings should I be able to expect before replacing the rotors?

2. Shoud they be turned every time i replace the pads?

3. Are Ceramic pads the best for my car, or is something better?

Answer 1

You did get accurate information. Your rotors were too thin to machine. They would have been below specs. I don't know if your measurement is in inches or millimeters, but for arguments sake, let's use inches. You're thinnest rotor is 1.234" and minimum thickness is 1.224". That's only a margin of .010". Generally, it takes .020"-.030" to true a rotor, so at the minimum .020", your rotor would be .01." too thin, and WILL get thinner as the brakes wear! A very dangerous situation, as the rotor could break, and you would loose most of your braking ability. You don't need to turn the rotors every time the brake pads are replaced (assuming the rotors are in excellent condition), but very few shops will replace pads without also turning the rotors, fearing a "come-back". Personally, I prefer ceramic brake pads, especially with Aluminum/magnesium wheels, as they produce a lot less brake dust. But that's just my opinion. I hope this helps answer your questions, I don't feel you got "taken to the cleaners" on your brake job. Good rotors are about $75 each, ceramic pads, $60-$75 dollars plus labor.

Answer 2

GM has a dirty trick up their sleeves about rotors. They make them thin enough to get you one trip to the mechanic, just to get them replaced on a brake job. Not too sure about inferior parts from GM, but know, and heard that they are thin to save weight(which is B.S.) The aftermarket rotors, are most likely going to be similar thickness to the OEM's when they are new. So, It's a wild guess, you might be replacing them again on your next brake job.

1st answer...Usually you can probably get 2 to 3 turns out of a rotor, depending on specs, and if everything was wearing properly.

2nd answer...Yes, you should have your rotors turned each time pads are replaced. Rotors will warp naturally due to heat, hot spots, and heavy braking from time to time.

3rd answer...Ceramics are about the best ones to get for street. They are hard, and produce very little dust. But if there is other brake issues in your car, they may make noises more easily.

Hope these help some. Good luck.

Answer 3

Brake life depends on how and where you drive. If you do a lot of rapid stops, or drive hilly terrain, you can expect your brakes to go quickly. 40,000 miles is good life for a set of brakes. With the ceramic pads, you should expect the rotors and the pads to wear out about the same time, so don't expect to be able to turn your rotors. Ceramic pads are the best because they last longer and create less dust than non-ceramics. And $300 for the set of brakes is not a bad price, either. You did good.

Answer 4

1. i have seen rotors last only 40,000 miles as the dealer pads are so hard, to last longer, that they eat rotors. softer aftermarket pads of mixed composition will help rotors last longer. so, if you have softer mix pad and a decent rotor, you should likely get at least two-three full rotors turnings out of a good rotor.

2. some people say yes, turn them every time you change pads, as it helps the new pads seat quicker on the rougher surface of a newly turned rotor. but, if you are not getting any wheel wobble under mid-heavy breaking, the rotors are not likely warped and should not "need" to be turned.

3. ceramic pads are great, but are often hardest composition out there, so the rotors will be subject to more wear. ceramic are also marketed by some as "dust free" too. softer composition pads will wear quicker but, as said earlier, are easier on the rotors. they may not last as many miles as ceramic, but are also less costly.

Answer 5

most O.E.M.'S have this little game they like to play, make the rotors as thin as they can so you will only get through the warranty period. then you pay

the aftermarkets will last longer even with the ceramic pads cause they are designed thicker in the first place but 1 to 3 times to the mechanic for brakes is common. also depends on your driving and whoever puts your wheels back on after a rotation.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

1. one to two turnings depending on the amount of wear.
2. not unless they are warped, GM does not recommend turning them.
3.ceramics are ok but wear rotors faster than other materials.