Signs Your Disc Rotors Need Machining

FUNCTION OF BRAKE ROTORS

The brake rotors are the large metal discs attached to your wheel. They provide the surface the pads use to stop your car. When you depress your car or truck's brake pedal, the calliper clamps the pads on both sides of the rotor. The friction from this process slows and eventually stops your vehicle. Nearly all modern vehicles have disc brakes on the front. Some also have them on the rear.



The brake rotor system works very, well provided you keep it in good condition. If you regularly drive under certain conditions, your rotors could warp, or develop an uneven surface. For example, if you brake too hard and too often under very hot conditions, you can warp your rotors. Brake rotors can also crack under some rare circumstances.

SIGNS OF BRAKE ROTOR PROBLEMS

When your brake rotors work perfectly, you should get a nice, smooth stop. However, when you need to have the rotors resurfaced, you will notice some of the signs listed below:

• Pull: Your vehicle may pull or jerk to one side when you depress the brake pedal.
• Pulsation: You will notice the pedal pulsate when you try to stop, and you may hear unusual noises. Pedal pulsation reduces brake effectiveness.
• Vibration in steering wheel: When you press on the brakes, you may feel or see vibration in the steering wheel. Often, this problem appears when your vehicle reaches certain speeds.
• Poor brake effectiveness: Your brakes may seem like they have lost power, or your car takes longer to stop. This problem is common if overheating caused brake glaze.
• Noise: A warped rotor may emit a strange noise as the high parts hit the pads and calliper.
• Grooves: Your rotor may need attention if you notice obvious damage such as deep grooves.
  

Any of the above signs may indicate brake rotor problems and the need for repair work.

PROCESS FOR BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING

The traditional way to machine a rotor is on a bench lathe. The mechanic raises your car, removes the callipers and rotor and takes the parts to the machine. The mechanic then sets the depth the blade will cut. As the machine turns, it shaves off a small amount of metal. The end process results in a disc with a clean, even surface. The mechanic returns the disc to the car, replaces the pads and finishes the brake reassembly.

TIMES WHEN BRAKE ROTOR REPLACEMENT IS BETTER

In most circumstances, a mechanic or machine shop can resurface a rotor a few times before it needs replacement. Severely warped or thin rotors may need replacement more often. Some people may benefit from complete rotor replacement instead of machining.

Some aftermarket discs are reasonably priced, especially for older vehicles. Replacement sometimes takes less time than it does to machine the disc, especially if the old disc has excessive wear. For best results, new discs should be the same type and style as your old ones.

All vehicles need brake rotor machining or replacement at some time. As to how often mechanics should do the process varies between vehicles and shops. The general rule of thumb is about every other brake pad change. However, your vehicle may need it more often if you drive under extreme circumstances.

If you need brake work, Stopmaster Brakes has experts who can help. If your discs need work, we can machine them right on our premises. Call us to set up an appointment to get started.