Replacing rotors and pads
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Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Pcola, FL
Replacing rotors and pads
After noticing a grinding noise (on the driver side) while braking in my 99 Ranger (about 65k miles), I looked behind my tires and noticed that the driver-side rotors are pretty scored. I plan to replace them along with new pads. My question is, should I replace both or can I get away with just doing the driver side? I looked at the passenger side and saw little wear on them.
Having been gipped recently by the dealer to replace rotors and pads on my wife's 01 Explorer, I plan to do this one myself (with help from someone who's done brakes before) to save some money. I don't want to have to replace both if I don't have to. Suggestions?
Having been gipped recently by the dealer to replace rotors and pads on my wife's 01 Explorer, I plan to do this one myself (with help from someone who's done brakes before) to save some money. I don't want to have to replace both if I don't have to. Suggestions?
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I would replace both. I have always heard that if you replace one you have to replace the other. Generally they should be wearing the same and be close to the same thickness. If one is wearing more or faster then the other you may want to check and see if you have a caliper sticking. Also you should replace the pads with the new rotors. Good luck.
Posting Guru
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From: Remsen, NY
You absolutely NEVER just replace one side. The vehicle will pull. Always replace brake parts in pairs on the same axle. There is probably a note in the package of brake pads saying this too, you can't buy just one side's worth of pads, they come in a set of four.
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ledbetter,
Also don't cheap out on the parts quality unless you are going to sell the truck soon. You can get chinese made rotors and cheap pads for about 1/3 the cost of the good stuff. Quality definitely makes a difference when it comes to the life of your brakes.
Also don't cheap out on the parts quality unless you are going to sell the truck soon. You can get chinese made rotors and cheap pads for about 1/3 the cost of the good stuff. Quality definitely makes a difference when it comes to the life of your brakes.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Lynnwood, WA
I think it's a judgement call -- if one side is really good you can just replace the other side. You do want to use the same type of part, though. Aside from shoes, pads, and preventive maintenance, I usually don't do parts in pairs unless there is a good reason to do so -- normally I just replace what is broken, usually a leaking brake cylinder if there's something wrong with the brakes and it's not a normal wear. I know some people will disagree with this. 
BTW, another option would be turning the rotors, if the one that scored isn't too bad. Lastly, you do need to find out why one side has worn a lot more than the other and fix that.
BTW, another option would be turning the rotors, if the one that scored isn't too bad. Lastly, you do need to find out why one side has worn a lot more than the other and fix that.
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Senior User
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From: Pcola, FL
I was planning on replacing both pads, but didn't know if I should replace both rotors. I'll go ahead and see if the worn one can be turned first (and go ahead and have both turned). How scored can rotors be before they can no longer be turned? I'll go ahead and replace both rotors if I have to, and I will definitely check the calipers. Thanks for the input.
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Turning the rotors is defenitly a good start. When you take them in to have them turned they will mesure the thickness and tell you if they will be able to turn them. If they are to thin or if they have to cut to deep then you will need new ones. Also call around. I have found that there is a big price diference from one place to another. I have taken my rotors to pepboys in the past and they turn them for about $8.00 each. But I have had some parts stores tell me as much a $40.00 each. So call around.
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Post Fiend
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From: Atlanta GA
Replace both rotors. Check to make sure the caliper is not dragging on that side. I would suggest going organic pads and just swap out pads for $12 every 25K. A lot cheaper then a rotor. Don't go lifetime pads, too hard and too noisy.
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Originally Posted by rebocardo
Replace both rotors. Check to make sure the caliper is not dragging on that side. I would suggest going organic pads and just swap out pads for $12 every 25K. A lot cheaper then a rotor. Don't go lifetime pads, too hard and too noisy.
***I've not had this problem on my '79 f-150. I just don't put that many miles on the truck anymore.
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From: Remsen, NY
I agree, I don't usually change parts in pairs, but brakes pads, shoes, rotors and drums are the exception. Although I have cheaped out on one old truck to just get another couple of thousand miles out of it. That one got new pads both sides, but one rotor had enough meat to turn and the other didn't. So I used one turned rotor and one new one.
The key is you at least want to turn both rotors to give both sides a rough surface to help the new pads break in. You will get pulling if you don't at least do all four pads and put a new surface on any rotor you don't replace. Then everything's on level ground.
The key is you at least want to turn both rotors to give both sides a rough surface to help the new pads break in. You will get pulling if you don't at least do all four pads and put a new surface on any rotor you don't replace. Then everything's on level ground.