Do disc rotors really need to be resurfaced with each brake job if they don't have deep grooves / uneven wear? Or is this an excuse to wear them out quickly so you need to buy new ones?

If they are smooth, the dont need to be resurfaced... go to a different mechanic. The only reason for resurfacing is to make them smooth. So, if there is gouges on them, that would be a reason, but otherwise, forget it.

i agree and disagree.... i would resurface them if they are grooved, but also if your steering wheel hops when you stop...the hoping is cuased by warpage of the rotor, this warpage can and still occurs even if the face of the disc is completely smooth.......

Dude this is why I replace my pads WAY before they need to be. If you do a pad slap every 18 months or so your rotors will last for years............

Oh and I have discs front and rear, it takes me all of 2 hours to rotate the tires, slap on new pads, and cost about $60. Keep in mind this is with a floor jack and hand tools, I dont want to hear any of this, I can do it in 1.2 an hour with my lift and air ratchet.....

$60 every 18 (about 30K miles) months for brake pads saves a ton of $$$$$ on brake parts.....

That reminds me the 98 Wrangler (fiance) has got 40K on it, time for a pad slap.......

Only turn the rotors if they are gouged, replace them if they are too thin..........

Originally posted by Crankcase
If they are smooth, the dont need to be resurfaced... go to a different mechanic. The only reason for resurfacing is to make them smooth. So, if there is gouges on them, that would be a reason, but otherwise, forget it.

I concur completely.

Originally posted by jimabena74
i agree and disagree.... i would resurface them if they are grooved, but also if your steering wheel hops when you stop...the hoping is cuased by warpage of the rotor, this warpage can and still occurs even if the face of the disc is completely smooth.......

Oh, I agree, definitely replace them if they are warped. But it sounded like they are still fine, just worn a little bit...

I second Capt. Al,
Concur with 410; be diligent on changing the pads
and motion that we all adjourn for a cocktail.
Damn it! it's only 2pm here on the left.:)

The rotors don't need to be turned every time you replace the pads but you should break the glaze on them so the new pads will wear in properly.

The most common reason it is recomended to turn the rotors every time you replace the pads it to give the new pad a fresh surface to seat into. This is done to help prevent uneven braking, noise erratic wear and is also to eliminate any warpage or hard spots in the rotor surface that will affect the break system. Your question is, do they need to be turned everytime? The answer is: NO. Should they be turned everytime? The answer: YES.