Okay fellas, I changed my brake pads on my 04 FX4 SC to some ceramic pads. My truck only has 7,000 miles on it and the rotors look like they are in really good shape, normal wear! I just changed the pads all the way around without turning the rotors. Someone told me that I should have turned the rotors regardless when putting on new brake pads. Is this correct? I didn't see any need to waste the money when they just had the normal wear, no major groves. What do you folks think? Thanks!

 

Kurious, I never turn mine unless they are warped or have grooved wear.Did you change them out because of brake dust?I am just curious, oh no, you are Kurious.Good Luck!

 

Hello Ruckus, yes I just changed the pads because of the brake dust. My rotors only have 7,000 miles on them and they look pretty good, that's why I didn't turn them...

 

if you drive it and it has no brake pulsation when applying the brakes dont worry about it-you should be fine.
jim

 

Thanks Jim, that's the answer I was looking for!

 

Kurious...if you dont mind saying, what kind of pricing did that set you back for the pads?

 

4x4twinkie I bought them from tirerack.com. I got the Akebono ProACT Ceramic Pads and they set me back about $140 to include shipping. That is for front and rear pads...

 

Kurious, If you would keep us posted as to how you like them.Thanks!

 

If I am going to change to new pads and not have the rotors turned, I like to use some 120 grit sandpaper and just give them a light crosshatch. It seems to make the new brakes seat in better, with less squeaks. This is especially important if you switch to ceramic pads.

 

So far I am very happy with them. I only have about 100 miles on them but so far not a hint of breakdust and considering the fact that I didn't resurface my rotors there is no noises coming from the brakes. As I put more miles on them I will post again. I'm hoping that they remain noise free! As far as braking power, I have noticed a difference between the new pads and the stock. The new pads are much better. Personally I think it was worth the money....

 

Kurious, You will probably save the cost of the pads on your water bill, you know not having to wash your truck so often.Good Luck!

 

I've heard about increased fade with the ceramics and have heard how they are harder on your rotors due to the fact that they reflect rather than absorb the heat. However, I haven't noticed either of those two things with my ceramic pads on my '01 Lightning. They seem great to me so far.

 

Don't turn rotors unles you have major grooves, or they are not true. Other than that you will be fine.

 

Thanks KevinM, I was a little worried after the fact but everything seems to be working fine. I have better braking response and no squeaking! Thanks for the reply.

 

In the world of those who routinely perform brake jobs, one will find that the rotors are routinely turned to 1.) eliminate the possibility of pedal pulsations/vibrations and 2.) remove any glazing on the rotor for better seating of the new pads without squeaks.

That said, I do not turn the rotors unless they are out of round or have been grooved. I do routinely take a small sander with some 80 - 100 grit and break the glaze on the rotor surfaces. This does seem to have a positive effect on the pads seating without squeaks.

For whatever it is worth.

Russ