Is it possible to change the rotors, but not the brake pads?

CAR_NEWBIE2

MEMBER
HONDA CRV

Hello,

I have a 1998 Honda CRV. It is an automatic and has about 110,000 miles on it. Recently, I went to the mechanic because the brakes were squealing. I was told I had to change the brake pads and rotors. I had the brake pads changed, but I ordered the rotors myself (and saved over $100). The rotors have come in a week later. I know that IDEALLY I should have changed the brakes AND rotors at the same time. I didn't because I wanted to save money buying the rotors myself, but I needed to drive my car in the week it would take for them to come in the mail.

So, is it okay if I install the new rotors? The thickness of my old rotors is 0.21 mm (I believe 0.20 mm is the cut off to be changed). I am taking a trip soon and it is 800 miles rountrip. I want to be confident that my brakes will be okay. My mechanic told me to wait until the new brake pads wear out (about 25K+ miles) and then I should install the new rotors with the new pads. What do you think?

3 Replies

BLACKOP555

MECHANIC
10,371 POSTS

As long as you mark where the pads go it should be good to put on new rotors, dont recommend it but theres nothing wrong with it.

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Saturday, February 20th, 2021 AT 12:28 PM

CAR_NEWBIE2

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Blacktop555,

Thanks for the reply. I'm still debating about what to do. I want to change my rotors, but my mechanic doesn't advise it either. He says that the new brake pads have already set into the old rotors and I should hold onto the new rotors and install them when I put in new brake pads. I just hate to think that my rotors are so thinned out that they couldn't resurface them when I put on the new pads.