Changing the brake pads is a common brake repair component but changing the brake rotor is a different story altogether. In the first place, knowing that your car needs a brake rotor replacement needs a special kind of awareness that we’re trying to impart here in this article.
We would prefer to start with the warning signs that can alert you well in advance that your car might need a brake rotor replacement before it’s too late. At the same time, we will also gear you up with some maintenance tips that will help prevent such incidents from taking place.
Pulsation of the Brake Pedal
We were explained by one of the most experienced staff at the Chevrolet brake service, that the pulsation of the brake pedal that you feel while engaging the ABS is the first thing to notice, to ensure that your brake rotor is working fine. If stepping on the brakes leads to any vibrating sensation or a queer noise, you can be pretty sure, that it is time to check out the brake rotors and be prepared for a replacement as well.
Usually, the runout of the brake rotor measures around 0.005 inches. Anything lesser than that can create a brake pedal pulsation along with a steering wheel vibration each time you apply the brake. The symptoms of brake pedal pulsation, however, do not always equal the need for a brake rotor replacement, but it is surely an indicator of the fact, that the brake rotor is faced with an issue.
Standard Thickness of the Rotor
Just like the brake pads of your car that need to have a minimum thickness, even the brake rotors need to have the same. If the brake rotors have been repaired more than once, you need to double-check that it is still carrying out with the minimum and recommended thickness. To ensure this, you need to measure with the help of a brake rotor micrometer. At the same time, you need to make sure that the rotors didn’t get tapered from their inner tracks that are coming out to the outer tracks. If your measurement shows that it has lost its minimum thickness, you need to replace them to ensure maximum safety and at the same time a longer lifespan of the brake rotors.
Condition of the Rotor
Apart from the thickness of the rotor, you also need to check out the rotor surface condition to see if it indicates any wear after machining. If you find deeper ridges and signs of rust you need to check with the help of a mechanical expert if your brake rotor can be machined one more time or it will need a replacement.
The Bottom Line
Fortunately enough, replacing brake rotors doesn’t usually mean a brake pad replacement, assured the head of the Pinehurst Chevrolet brake service center. He further advised that all we need to focus on is buying the right OEM parts to ensure that in the coming years our car brake will work fine without asking for another replacement in between.
