Should I replace the rotors?
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: SE Michigan
Should I replace the rotors?
I tow an open trailer. I am usually hauling a 71-74 Dodge Charger on it. The trailer brakes need replacement since I warped my rotors.
I see that there are ART rotors and another manufacturer on here.
I took it into my friends shop that operates a custom exhaust and brake shop.
My brake guy noticed my brake pads and rotors looked new. He said he would turn them, but said he did not know which were warped. I am sure that fronts are warped. So he said they were fine. However, I am getting annoyed with the excessive vibration at braking.
Should I just pull the front rotors off and get them turned since they still look new. Or should I just go ahead and get new ones? How hard is it to take the front rotors off?
I see that there are ART rotors and another manufacturer on here.
I took it into my friends shop that operates a custom exhaust and brake shop.
My brake guy noticed my brake pads and rotors looked new. He said he would turn them, but said he did not know which were warped. I am sure that fronts are warped. So he said they were fine. However, I am getting annoyed with the excessive vibration at braking.
Should I just pull the front rotors off and get them turned since they still look new. Or should I just go ahead and get new ones? How hard is it to take the front rotors off?
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 394
Likes: 6
From: SEVA
You said the "trailer brakes" need replacement, so why do you want to replace the X's rotors?
It's easy to determine warpage. Set up a dial indicator on the face of the rotor and mark the point that's "high" ... do the same for the other side of the same rotor ... then use a micrometer or dial-caliper and take a few sample thickness readings around the perimeter. You can have the same thickness all the way around, but the dial indicator will detect warpage. The caliper readings will tell you if you have thickness variations ... a sign of a soft (or hard) spot in the rotor ... basically a "bad" rotor. Variations greater than 0.003" can be felt in your brake pedal when stopping.
It's easy to determine warpage. Set up a dial indicator on the face of the rotor and mark the point that's "high" ... do the same for the other side of the same rotor ... then use a micrometer or dial-caliper and take a few sample thickness readings around the perimeter. You can have the same thickness all the way around, but the dial indicator will detect warpage. The caliper readings will tell you if you have thickness variations ... a sign of a soft (or hard) spot in the rotor ... basically a "bad" rotor. Variations greater than 0.003" can be felt in your brake pedal when stopping.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Limington, Maine
Also make sure that the wheel lugs are torqued correctly on your Ex. This seems to be one of the major causes for warped rotors. If you do replace them, I strongly recommend ART rotors and pads. I have about 12K miles on mine and I am extrememly pleased with their performance. Much better stopping power than stock. 
