Machining Brake Rotors?

[nvexplorer]

The rotors on my 04' Explorer are original with 60K miles on them and they look great. I'll be replacing the front and rear pads here shortly and I'm wondering if I can simply take the rotors down to a local brake place to machine them for me, or do I have to have the rotors machined on the hub? I thought I heard somewhere that a rotor should be turned on the hub to prevent run-out (putting a perfect rotor on a possible imperfect hub).

 

[scdix50]

Why do you think they need to be machined. Are they warpped? If not, leave them alone. If they are cut down or have deep grooves, replace them. If you machine them they will warp from heating up and you will have to replace them anyway.

 

[03explorerL]

You should never just replace the brakes without doing something to the rotors. As cheap as rotors are nowadays, I would just go ahead and purchase new rotors. Do it right. No rotor is "perfect".

 

[racer_x_one]

If you machine them they will warp from heating up and you will have to replace them anyway.

That would depend on how much you take off. From what he has said it doesnt sound like he would be taking much off.

You should never just replace the brakes without doing something to the rotors. As cheap as rotors are nowadays, I would just go ahead and purchase new rotors. Do it right. No rotor is "perfect".

and were the hell you buying rotors...or maybe I should be asking how much you make...

 

[guilateen]

03explorerl has a valid point. Make sure the rotors are measured with a micrometer. A reputable shop will measure thickness before and after the shave. Some manufactures skimp out on thickness although at first they drive fine thinner rotors are prone to warp under heat and fade which will require replacements of pad and rotors prematurely. Most shops can not shave on vehicle and those that do will charge extra for the service. Because the mobile lathe tool is no longer popular The cost is close to and sometimes more than replacing the part with an oe spec rotor. So unless you have an upgraded brake rotor it doesn't make sense financial wise. The choice is yours

 

[nvexplorer]

Thanks for all the feedback...

From all I've heard from folks, I thought most people had the rotors machined when replacing pads; as long as the rotor thickness was still within specs after completed. My rotors have never been machined, and appear flat, so i just figured they needed a little shave for a new pad.

I'm just concerned about the rotor portion of the job ever since I did my trucks brakes. I replaced those rotors with the ultra premiums from Napa.... long story short, I still have a slight pulsation even after verifying that the rotors are dead flat (run-out on the hub???? Who knows...).

 

[SyberTiger]

Always, and I mean ALWAYS either have your rotors turned or buy new ones. When you have them turned by a shop that performs that function daily they should mic them out and make sure they are within spec. It is not all that uncommon for you to be able to turn them once if they've never been turned before. It is typically not common to be able to have them turned a second time. If you go on Ebay you can purchase brand new rotors for about $25 a piece. If you have them turned expect to pay anywhere from $12 to $15 or more dollars to have them turned. Personally, I would just buy new ones off of Ebay.