When should I replace the brake disc rotors. My car is 6 years old. I've already replaced brakes twice.?

Question

When should I replace the brake disc rotors. My car (Acura RSX 2002) is 6 years old. I've already replaced brakes twice.

I've replaced the front brakes twice, back brakes once during the last 6 years.

65000 Miles

Is it better to buy it online. Where have you bought (please post any weblinks)

Answer 1

Technically when a micrometer measurement of the rotor thickness falls below the specified safe minimum marked on the rotor and published for your car. In practice, if you have any brake pedal pulsation when braking or the rotor surface needs machining, the rotors should be turned down while mounted on the car with a special brake lathe machine. When the thickness of the rotors is marginal (like yours probably are from 6 years of wear), it's usually cheaper just to install a new set of rotors on your next brake job. Then you'll have all around better braking too. You might consider a "slotted" brake rotor and ceramic pad replacement which offer some advantages and are readily available now for cars.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/VehicleBrowse/tf-VehicleBrowse/s-10101/N-111+2002+200728264+600001068/c-10101

http://www.hunter.com/pub/undercar/2690T/index.htm

Answer 2

You don't say how many miles are on the car.
The rotors wear down over time, and there are standards for replacement as they get to a certain "thinness". Any brake shop can measure those.
The rotors are usually turned (ground level) when new brake pads are applied, as rotors can warp or get wear spots. .
I would say you have to be getting close to needing new rotors.

Answer 3

Perform a lateral measurement or disc runout,another procedure is measuring disc thickness with an outside micrometer. Compare measurement to specs, usually minimum thickness of the disc is printed on the side of the disc. If not within specification replace the disc. Resurfacing the disc is not advisable specially for high performance car, where there is the possibility of warpping.

Answer 4

These guys are way too technical. If you can do it yourself its quicker and easier (and less expensive) to just replace them when you need new brake pads. Just do it.