When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Long story short, discovered that the right front rotor is badly galled on the inside. I'll be taking it to my trusted wrench turner on Monday. The questions are :
1. If the rotor can be salvaged, should I do that or opt for a new rotor ?
2. If I opt for a new rotor should I replace the left front one at the same time ?
3. Keeping in mind that I pull a 11,000 lb 5th wheel up and down 6% grades that are 5 and/or 6 miles long, and another grade that's 7% for 3 miles, what would you recommend for brake pads ?
thanks for your advice.
I know most brake shops will recommend you replace both sides if you change one, but the whole purpose of all those brake parts is to adjust to the rotor/pad width as things wear down.
If your worried about your brakes in the mountains pulling a trailer maybe check into an exhaust brake.
I would replace both given your situation. I know going up and down the grapevine and Tejon pass can eat brakes. I weigh at 13K and travel the grapevine weekly. The rotors are not that expensive anyway.
I just bought the Powerslot cryoe'd rotors & hawk LTS brake pads from pure diesel power.com
Have not had a chance to even brake them in so I can not give you any personal experience, but many folks on this site recommended them.
I would replace both, only because I don't want to mess around with brakes, lost my trailer brakes once on the 5th wheel and that was enough to scare me.
I would replace both and make sure the right caliper is not sticking. The rotors should not be turned. The min thickness does not allow it. New rotors are only 52.00 a piece.