My rig is due for brake & suspension overhauling and I'm wondering if there is any point resurfacing the rotors..
I've inspected both front rotors and the surfaces are smooth with no ridges or warping. I had no pedal pulsation either.

I was thinking of scuffing down the rotors with some sand paper and throwing them back on.

Ive had a few shops tell me they can't turn these rotors (due to their design) and others asking a lot more money than I care to spend..

What do you guys think? Has anyone simply thrown pads/shoes on used rotors/drums that were in good shape?

 

I have replaced the pads/shoes without doing anything to the rotors/drums, but they were smooth and in good shape. I had no problems when doing this.

 

Thanks for the reply. I've never considered doing this before, and since the rotor/hub/studs are one assembly, I dont think many machine shops can resurface them properly. I dont want to cut corners but it seems like a waste to replace these rotors when they have some life in them.

My front brakes do drag quite a bit, but I believe that's attributed to the caliper pins & retaining clips not being properly greased. (I hope)

 

I have used a big disc grinder on my rotors to clean them up while someone spun the opposite side. they were still in spec and did not shudder after I was done


there are a few shops that can turn rotors on the vehicle but charge more


ebay has a bunch of choices from 40 and up if you want to swap them out depending on font end type

 

Its the 2wd TTB front end, and Ive already removed the rotor/hub assemblies
I'm gonna scuff them real good and take it from there.

Worst case scenario is I have to replace them, which pales in comparison to replacing the ball joints and Radius rod bushings, What a PITA! >_<

 

I only resurface rotors or drums if they are warped. Most perceived braking shuddering is the result of improper braking actions that deposit brake pad material on one spot of the metal surface. A few aggressive braking sessions from high speed (50 or 60 mph) to near 0 mph usually clears these.

Just my opinion...

 

I never have rotors resurfaced. When they get totally worn down and trashed I buy new ones, but no intermediate resurfacing. Never had any problems. I also learned from motorcycles that most pedal pulsing is due to pad material built up on the rotor, like Leo said.

 

I get them resurfaced at work all the time I don't see why there would be a problem, the machine has adapters for this special task. J

 

i never had any luck with resurfacing rotors, they always seem to warp after resurfacing.
so starting around 25 years ago i simply replace rotors if they are tore up. otherwise i just replace pads if the rotors are clean.

 

I just picked up new ones from rock auto along with calipers and pads. Very reasonable and the pedal is rock solid.....finally!

 

I appreciate the input guys. Front brakes are all done. I sanded the front rotors thoroughly and slapped them on along with re-packing the front hubs with grease. (MESSY)


I am finishing up the rest of the front end on my truck now. What a PITA its been. I'll be sure to post up my findings.

 

I have resurfaced 2wd rotors many times with no issues. The brake lathe has a bunch of adapters to fit the hub.. not sure why any shop that has a brake lathe would tell you otherwise.

 

Like other have said, the only reason I see to resurface rotors is if they are slightly warped or the surface was chewed up but still in spec, and even then you're reducing the rotor's mass will inevitably promote warpage quicker the next heavy heat cycle.

 

I just pulled my rear drums; they also look pretty good. However my adjusters and wheel cylinders are bad.. go figure. I really need my rig for next week, I hope I can find this + oil cooler adapter so I can get on the road!

 

I have the oil cooler adapters, the problem is when I remove mine is how they are going to look.