To turn or not to turn the brake rotors?

[Howarda]

All,

sorry if this has been beat to death but I was wondering if there are any opinions about whether or not it's critical to turn rotors on a brake job. This is an 05 up for it's first set of new pads.

Thanks!

 

[Limited02]

Well if the steering wheel was not shaking when you applied the brakes and the rotors look good, then I wouldn't worry about it. I don't know the cost of turning them and if it's cheap or cheap enough for you, then you might as well get them turned to avoid extra time and expense.

 

[techieman33]

You should get them turned, or replaced to provide maximum braking performance. The new pads will bed in better on fresh cut rotors. The old pads could have caused little deformities in the disc that could give you trouble with the new pads.

 

[jrford]

I'd say it depends. Are the rotors warped now? If they are imo they will always warp its just a matter of time.

I replaced my pads at 30k due to the rotors warping. I measured and only 10% of the rotor was used, It still had 90% of rotor left. I turned them, as you should if you reuse them, its easy and doesn't cost much. But to my dismay 8 months later on a 8 hour drive in heavy rain they warped again, only 7,000mi on the new pads. This time EBC greens and New Raybestos Advanced Tech rotors.

There where times when i didn't get them turned usually when you can't get them off at all, or they are mounted inside the hub and its impossible to remove with tearing it all apart . .

 

[MrQ]

All,

sorry if this has been beat to death but I was wondering if there are any opinions about whether or not it's critical to turn rotors on a brake job. This is an 05 up for it's first set of new pads.

Thanks!

Always, always, always turn the rotors. It is usually very cheap to do and will save you big bucks in the long run (I turned both of mine for $30). Also, at the same time those guys who turn it should measure it to see if turning it would keep it in spec. If it is out of spec then it needs to be replaced.

I replaced my brakes recently and my rotors were pretty well scored.

 

[Howarda]

All,

Looks like the group is leaning towards turning them. I mostly ask because I've read GM doesn't recommend turning as part of a brake job and the Ford dealers always list it as an "as needed" add on for a brake special.

Thanks for the advice!