Repair Topics / Brake Rotors

Car Brake Rotor Questions

Question:   2003 Honda Civic miles: 89,000. I realize you have probably answered this question over 1000 times and I apologize for being the 1001st, but I need to know if I will get better life out of Brembo rotors on my Honda. I can't seem to find anyone that sells Brembo Cross Drilled. Will Brembo give me better service than the OEM? I am currently at 24K and had the rotors replace at dealer at 11,500. Now they want me to pay and won't cover under the warranty.

Answer:   We have found that brembo brake rotors exceed the manufactures specifications for performance in most conditions.

Question: 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee mileage: 130,000.  Our mechanic, dealer and auto parts place are all stumped.  We've ordered 5 "correct" rotors none of which match the original.  All the computers & books tell them it’s "this one" but when it’s on the car the wheel won't turn and its visually different.  Our original is more squared off and does not stick up as much.  We are open to any and all ideas.

Answer: It is not uncommon for car manufactures to make mid-year engineering changes on their car parts.  Check to see if the part numbers are different for 2000 or a 2001 model.

Question: 2002 Saturn SC2  mileage: 49,500.  How can I find out the rotor specifications for my car to determine whether they need to be turned or replaced?  Also, what mileage are they normally replaced at?

Answer: The minimum thickness should be stamped on the rotor itself. You can plan one or two brake jobs out a set of brake rotors until they need to be replaced.

Question: 2004 Lexus RL 3.5 mileage: 75,000.  What is the manufacturer's specified replacement interval for brake rotors?

Answer: They should be replaced when they are below the factory minimum thickness size.

Question: 2002 Ford Taurus mileage: 94,000.  When I apply the brakes from about 40 mph or above I get a severe tire shake transmitted up through the steering wheel.  This is only felt while braking.  The car handles well otherwise.  Could the rotors be unbalanced?

Answer: It sounds like you need to replace you brake rotors with new to repair the problem.

Question: 2002 ford Explorer mileage: 69,000.  Have turned rotors, replaced brake pads.  When you press the brakes to stop the pedal surges back and forth towards you and makes the car jerk. 

Answer:  From what you described, it sounds like your brake rotors were turned improperly.  Check to see that they run true.

Question: 2004 Toyota Camry mileage: 60,000.  I'm trying to replace my brake rotors, and can't get them off.  Do I need a special "gear-puller" type of tool, or a bigger hammer?

Answer: They should come off easily. Yours may be rusted on. Try soaking with WD.40 and tap with hammer. (wear safety goggles)

Question: 2002 Nissan Frontier mileage: 85,000.  I have deep grooves in my front rotors but very little wear on the disc pads. The dealer says this is normal because the pads are semi metallic.  I don’t agree because the rotors will be destroyed before the pads ever wear out.

Answer: It is not uncommon to replace the brake rotors because of wear when doing a brake pad replacement. Most car today require it by making there rotors almost at minimum specifications new so normal machining is useless.

Question: 2002 Ford F-150 4x4 mileage: 87,000. I have two things to ask about: 1. Is it normal at this mileage to have to replace the brakes and the rotors? 2. I have a check engine light that keeps coming on. I had the oil changed on time; would you know what else to check out on this? Thanks.

Answer: Yes it is normal to replace the brakes at 47,000 miles. If the rotors are worn undersize, there is a minimum size they can safely be turned to if not replace them. The "check engine" light will "light" when there is a malfunction in the engine management system. The fault code is then stored in the computer. The computer must be scanned to retrieve these stored faults to pinpoint the malfunctioning component.

Repair Topics / Brake Rotors

Replace Air Filter

Check Engine Light