Do new rotors require turning before installation?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 467
Likes: 1
From: Where the war is...
Do new rotors require turning before installation?
When installing new rotors during a brake job on these trucks, are you required to turn them before installation or are they ok to install straight out of the box?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 467
Likes: 1
From: Where the war is...
I'm assuming they are straight when new; what I mean is, will the surfacing provided at the factory be sufficient or do you have to turn them them to provide something more than just the shiney surface as you get them out of the box.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,339
Likes: 0
I understand the question, they don't have to be turned. Turning is used to remove both ridges from use and/or warpage. The surface finish from the factory is a smooth as a rotor needs to be, it will start grooving from use right away anyway, and of course they don't supply them warped. Turning will not be any smoother than what comes out of the box. I can't think of anything that when new needs to be taken from the box and "fixed". Turning is your enemy anyway - there are minimum thickness specs on the parts and they can only be turned so much before you have to throw them away. Depending on how they wear, you may never get a chance to turn them they may be junk at the first pad change.
New User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
some say that rotors can warp from sitting on the shelf, depending on how they are stocked. i personally have never seen it and say throw them on.
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 1
That is a loaded question. Answere = Yes /No...
Here is why.
Yes... the surface on them out of thebox is fine. Spray some brake clean to remove oil film, and puttum on.
No... The exeption to the rule. rotors are made, and Brake shoes are made... Not together, and close but not exact tolerances, (Say like boring a cylinder to exact piston). Many times, but often not, you will notice your pads are extremely tight on the rotors when doing a break job. That is when a little off the rotors in necessary. If you leave them tight, it glazes the rotors, or pads, and you get the dreaded squeel, or brake fade.
So do they need turned??? I guess the answer is . It depends.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition
Brett Foote
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition
Joe Kucinski
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 0
From: emporium
you should never need to turn them out of the box. if they warp on the shelf i would take them back. theres something wrong with them plus you can only turn rotors so many time. your wasting money turning them brand new.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 1
Also... rotors can warp. when improper torqueing of tires is done.
So when you replace your tires, or rotate them. Use the cross pattern and tighten them in succession. Your socket should be on each lug nut at least 3 to 4 times when tightening, and torque to specs only
So when you replace your tires, or rotate them. Use the cross pattern and tighten them in succession. Your socket should be on each lug nut at least 3 to 4 times when tightening, and torque to specs only
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 0
From: emporium
Also... rotors can warp. when improper torqueing of tires is done.
So when you replace your tires, or rotate them. Use the cross pattern and tighten them in succession. Your socket should be on each lug nut at least 3 to 4 times when tightening, and torque to specs only
So when you replace your tires, or rotate them. Use the cross pattern and tighten them in succession. Your socket should be on each lug nut at least 3 to 4 times when tightening, and torque to specs only
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 1
They werent like that out of the box, or where they, you would never know. Right???
I saw AFB by your name... Thanks for serving...
I picture little chicken arms falailing around while your exclaiming that
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 317
Likes: 0
From: Omaha, Nebraska USA
I haven't seen a rotor or a drum that needed trueing for years. 35 years ago you would true up rotors and drums before they were put on. But that hasn't been the case for years. They are turned and trued before going into a box. Like was already said clean them and put them on. If they were warped in the box you will know right away as soon as you take it around the block.