When do you replace your rotors?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,315
Likes: 9
From: Mid Atlantic
When do you replace your rotors?
I have 91K on my F-350 below and am on my second set of pads (Hawk SD).
It looks like i will have to do another brake job in the next 5K or so and I am wondering how long the rotors are suppose to last. Is there a minimum rotor thickness then you have to replace them? On my race car they allow a 2mm decrease from new before they reccomend replacing them.
Anyone know of a good source?
It looks like i will have to do another brake job in the next 5K or so and I am wondering how long the rotors are suppose to last. Is there a minimum rotor thickness then you have to replace them? On my race car they allow a 2mm decrease from new before they reccomend replacing them.
Anyone know of a good source?
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,370
Likes: 1,858
From: Frederick, MD
typically never replace unless grooves or warped or you reach the min thickness.
If you take it in for a brake job at a repair place they will advise to always turn the rotors...but then you will almost always be out of spec.
If you take it in for a brake job at a repair place they will advise to always turn the rotors...but then you will almost always be out of spec.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: LaRue
I just replace them if they are warped, cracked or if they need turned down i just replace them instead.
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Token Redneck
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,331
Likes: 341
From: Breckenridge, TX
The min thickness should be stamped on the backside of the rotor, pull and examine.
Front Disc Brake Rotor Thickness 1.5 in
Rotor Minimum Thickness 1.417 in
Note: Minimum rotor thickness is molded into the disc brake rotor
Rotor Maximum Runout
SRW 4x2 0.0020 in
DRW 4x2 0.0028 in
SRW/DRW 4x4 0.0015 in
Rear Disc Brake Rotor Thickness 1.181 in
Rotor Minimum Thickness 1.102 in
Note: Minimum rotor thickness is molded into the disc brake rotor
Rotor Maximum Runout 0.0015 in
Borrowed from Alldata via another diesel place, was for an 05 I believe.
Front Disc Brake Rotor Thickness 1.5 in
Rotor Minimum Thickness 1.417 in
Note: Minimum rotor thickness is molded into the disc brake rotor
Rotor Maximum Runout
SRW 4x2 0.0020 in
DRW 4x2 0.0028 in
SRW/DRW 4x4 0.0015 in
Rear Disc Brake Rotor Thickness 1.181 in
Rotor Minimum Thickness 1.102 in
Note: Minimum rotor thickness is molded into the disc brake rotor
Rotor Maximum Runout 0.0015 in
Borrowed from Alldata via another diesel place, was for an 05 I believe.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 52
From: Southern Colorado
New rotors should be ready to install. They should be thoroughly cleaned with brake cleaner to remove any anti-rust compound residue on them. Rotors should not be shiny, so if they had a mirror surface, then they should be turned or scuffed with 60 grit abrasive.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 6
From: Ventura co.
I bought my truck used. I got a bad peddle pulse because of warped rotors.
I had them surfaced and it came back in less than 5K. worse.
The inside was built up rust and flaky.
I guess the rust in the cooling fin's was not letting them cool down enough during city driving.
I bought new rotors and Just put them on. The brakes felt a little soft and the truck pulled side to side a little while applying the brakes. after about 3 or 4 times of getting them hot and let cool down, it was gone and everything is good..
I did not by the high dollar rotors..
I think i payed like $50 each..
I had them surfaced and it came back in less than 5K. worse.
The inside was built up rust and flaky.
I guess the rust in the cooling fin's was not letting them cool down enough during city driving.
I bought new rotors and Just put them on. The brakes felt a little soft and the truck pulled side to side a little while applying the brakes. after about 3 or 4 times of getting them hot and let cool down, it was gone and everything is good..
I did not by the high dollar rotors..
I think i payed like $50 each..
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,944
Likes: 4
From: Somewhere In FTE Land
I believe when they are warped or grinding then replace. I don't believe in turning them as the more metal you take off the more the piston on the caliper has to travel to apply the brakes and are more subject to warp due to the decrease of material on the rotor.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 3
From: Gilbert Az.
I replace at every brake job with the cost of rotors it's just abought a wash between the cost of the machining and the hassle of getting the rotors to the machine shop it's easier for me to just put on new.
Jim...& fat Monty
Jim...& fat Monty
