I was told I need new front brake pads but that the rotors seemed ok.
Can I put the new pads on with the old rotor? Some people have said yes but others have said no.
This is more a question becuase I have the cash to change the pads but not the rotors.
If it is not a good idea, would it be better to wait until I can do them at the same time? I am getting no grinding or anything, they are just starting to get worn.
2007-09-06 07:47:33 · 8 answers · asked by mattbf2003 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
As long as the rotors aren't worn or warped, then you can change just the pads just fine.
2007-09-06 07:54:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
very seldom will you need to change the rotor out. It is wise to take the rotor down and have it "turned". It only costs around $5 or $6 per rotor and will ensure that your brakes work properly. Besides, you can pack grease in the bearings while you have it off. can you put the new pads on over the un-turned rotor? yes, but if you don't want to be doing it again in a month or so, have the rotors turned. They'll measure the thickness of the rotor, turn it (meaning that the scrape a microscopic layer to even out the entire braking surface), and tell you how long that rotor "SHOULD" last. It'll save you money in the long run.
2007-09-06 07:59:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this is the first pad change for those rotors and the rotor's shiny metal surface feels perfectly smooth, then I'd go ahead and put new brake pads on without changing the rotors. Remember though that eventually rotors need to be checked for minimum acceptable thickness using a micrometer. Rotors wear out just like pads do and eventually they have to be replaced even if they don't need machining.
2007-09-06 07:55:37 · answer #3 · answered by bobweb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will need to machine the rotors (referred to as turning) to determine if there is enough thickness. If there is, then you may put the new pads on the same rotor.
2007-09-06 08:03:29 · answer #4 · answered by kontrolfreak66 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your rotors aren't bad, all you need to do is resurface them. You have to pull them off and take them to an Auto parts place to have them do it. It doesn't cost much...maybe $20. They only have to be replaced if they are way warped or warn down past spec. The auto parts place will measure them before they resurface.
You can place new pads on the rotors without resurfacing, but it'll shorten the life of the pads.
2007-09-06 07:59:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can , Now you can not see the bad places on the rotor they could be out of round or have hot spots on them that is why they have them turned but you can take some sand paper and smooth them out that will help,
2007-09-06 07:53:30 · answer #6 · answered by JT B ford man 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of the time pads are all you need.
Damaged rotors are not usual.
2007-09-06 08:00:31 · answer #7 · answered by Irv S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ALWAYS MACHINE THE ROTORS OR YOU WILL BE SORRY LATER.
2007-09-10 01:26:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋