Hi, Everyone! I don't know much about cars.
I drive a 1997 VW GTi VR6.
Somebody told me that the rear brake pads and rotors of my car have to be replaced.
I know I have to because they do make a squealing sound.
However, I would like to know if it is necessary to replace brake rotors as well.
What happens if I don't replace both of them. (I don't always drive. I just want to save some money :)
Thanks alot for your answers in advance!
2006-10-03 11:28:40 · 6 answers · asked by hyyamdavid 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It depends on if they are actually merely squealing or if they are grinding. Some, but not all, pads have little metal "feelers" that stick out. When the pad wears to a certain level, the metal feelers are audible wear indicators so that you get the pads replaced before the pad material is worn out and you have metal-on-metal contact. Not all pads have this, though, and if you've already got metal-to-metal contact at all, your rotors are toast.
Opinions in the industry differ on whether it's necessary to resurface (turn) the rotors at the time of pad replacement. I don't on my cars unless there is some uneven wear or they are slightly warped. Most warpage of any significance will not be correctable by having them turned; most modern rotors do not have enough "meat" in them to allow any machining to be done, and so they must be replaced. You'll know when you take the old rotors into the parts store that turns them; they can measure them and tell you if they are thick enough to turn or if you must replace them.
If the rotors are turned too thin or if they happen to be worn too thin to start with, the caliper's piston that pushes the pad against the rotor may overextend and fall out of the caliper. Thin rotors also do not dissipate heat well and will warp faster.
If you are able to turn your rotors, make sure they put a non-directional surface on them with some type of sanding block to minimize the squealing.
2006-10-03 11:38:19 · answer #1 · answered by Jay S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I assume you are talking about both front brakes if only one the $150 price is high. Rotors will cost you $20-$30 each and pads $15 - $30 for both fronts. As for the noise I assume its the brake pad wear indicators, little tabs of metal that rub on the rotors when the pads are warn down to a minimum thickness.
2016-03-27 03:47:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
when you replace one rotor you have to take it for a test drive after..the difference in the rotors thickness could cause a brake pull (goes to the right or left)..this brake pull could make it dangerous for you in a panic stop situation...also the other rotor could damage that new pad..so in a month you could be doing the job over again..Its safer just to change the pads and rotors..I hope this answers it a little for ya
2006-10-03 11:35:49 · answer #3 · answered by iusedtohavehair 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if the rotors are scored and grooved, it will be necessary to either grind them smooth or buy new ones.
There are minimum thickness specs for the rotors of each model of vehicle, this is what determines if grinding will be sufficient.
Most brake shops will tell you the truth. But asking three for an estimate won't hurt. You can do the mounting and dismounting yourself if money is an issue.
2006-10-03 11:37:54 · answer #4 · answered by disco legend zeke 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in most cases all you have to do is have the rotors turned...this is normally inexpensive. It is not actually neccessary in most cases but it does insure that you have smooth braking and keeps from prematurely wearing out the brake pads.
2006-10-03 11:36:37 · answer #5 · answered by Kenneth S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
usually you have drums on the rear not rotors. if theyre not to bad of shape you can have them turned. when it comes to brakes i wouldnt skimp on the parts and labor. you do want to be able to stop dont you.
2006-10-06 12:43:22 · answer #6 · answered by duc602 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋