2001 Audi TT Question Replace Brake Pads Only vs. Pads and R

MFLYNNMILWAUKEE

MEMBER
2001 AUDI TT
4 CYL
AWD
MANUAL
60,000 MILES

I took my Audi TT in to a local garage for an oil change. The mechanic inspected my car and determined the brakes were "90% gone." I was told I needed to replace both the pads and the rotors.

I asked if the rotors could be turned/ground instead of replaced and was told that, for fuel efficiency purposes, newer model cars are equipped with rotors that are not designed to last longer than the pads. Therefore, the rotors must be replaced each time the pads are replaced.

Please clarify. Thanks.

1 Reply

DUBTECH

MECHANIC
159 POSTS

It is common practice to replace rotors with the pads on modern cars. Audi does allow 2mm of wear, so you may be able to machine the rotors once if they aren't worn excessively. For maximum performance, quality, and safety it's best to replace them as a set.
Which is why most shops prefer replacing rotors too.