Brake rotor/pad question

88911coupe · 10-06-2012, 07:22 AM

I did a search and can't seem to get a clear answer on this so thought I'd just ask the Saturday morning crowd.
What are the rules, if any, about replacing pads and rotors...I seem to recall reading somewhere that it's not a good idea to replace both at the same time. This did not make much sense to me but IIRC it had something to do with bedding in the pads. My front pads AND rotors are both at their wear limits so have all new parts in my Pelican shopping card and ready to pull the trigger unless told otherwise.
TIA

Oh Haha · 10-06-2012, 08:23 AM

Rotors don't NEED to replaced at each pad change unless they are worn/warped. If they can be turned to eliminate the warpage, then do that.

If yours are at the wear limit, replace them.

88911coupe · 10-06-2012, 08:57 AM

Thanks, my rotors are about at the limit per spec, my main issue is there any reason to not replace them at the same time.

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88911coupe

Thanks, my rotors are about at the limit per spec, my main issue is there any reason to not replace them at the same time.

No, that is the best time, they will wear in together and be better for it.

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

There are some good threads that talk about bedding in the pads. I just searched and saw a post in a thread about 'warping" and the suggestion was to follow the directions that came with the pads for bedding in. Doh.

mpetry · mpetry's Garage

I just replaced my car's pads, rotors and sent the calipers to John at Goldline here in Seattle for a rebuild / refurb. For those who don't know about Goldline, they are the premier brake shop in the PacNW - your calipers come back to you better than new!

I was surprised to discover how long it took to get the brakes to really work the way they should - according to one post, you need to have several hundred miles on the pads / rotors before they develop the best possible friction characteristics. To do that, you need to do several stops from about 80 MPH down to 30 or so, AFTER the you have several hundred miles on the pads and rotors. This will allow the pads and rotors to be "bedded in". Do not come to a complete stop during that process !

Anyway, Goldline is at Goldline Brakes - Rebuilt Disc Brake Calipers