Asked by: Ilenia Penacho
automotive auto parts

Can brake rotors be resurfaced?

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If a rotor is worn down to the minimum thickness specification, or cannot be resurfaced without exceeding the dimension, it must be replaced. In some states, this is the law. Replacing one worn-out rotor usually means replacing both rotors on the vehicle, since they usually experience the same amount of wear.


In respect to this, how much does it cost to get your rotors resurfaced?

Know what price you should pay to get your vehicle fixed. The average cost for a brake pad replacement, resurface rotors is between $235 and $329. Labor costs are estimated between $158 and $200 while parts are priced between $77 and $129. Estimate does not include taxes and fees.

Beside above, does AutoZone resurface brake rotors? No, AutoZone doesn't turn/resurface rotors, replace rotors, turn or replace brake drums, or replace brake pads or shoes. However, AutoZone does sell the parts required to complete these brake service jobs yourself. Nationwide service chains that turn rotors and more include Jiffy Lube and O'Reilly Auto Parts.

Accordingly, when should rotors be resurfaced?

To ensure that the contact surface on the rotor will mate properly with the pads for smooth and safe braking, manufacturers and technicians alike recommend that brake rotors be resurfaced whenever the brake pads are being replaced.

Do rear rotors need to be resurfaced?

As a general rule of thumb, most rotors need to be resurfaced every other time that your brake pads are replaced. However, in some vehicles, the thin rotors are used to keep weight down, such as in most luxury sports cars. These cars need to have their rotors replaced every time the brake pads are replaced.

Related Question Answers

Tamimunt Drury

Professional

Is it cheaper to resurface or replace rotors?

Replacing Brake Rotors
In some cases, replacing a brake rotor is cheaper than getting it resurfaced, especially if you are a DIY mechanic. Resurfacing at home can cost you a lot of money, so you are better off making a replacement rather than resurfacing. To your good luck, new rotors are very easy to install.

Nehuen Fasoli

Professional

Are rotor resurfacing worth it?

Resurfacing a rotor obviously removes metal, making the rotor thinner and reducing its remaining service life. Because of this, some consumers as well as some vehicle manufacturers say rotors should not be resurfaced every time the pads are replaced (unless the rotors are badly grooved or uneven).

Thi Rzhavin

Professional

How long do rotors last on average?

The rotors on a vehicle can last anywhere from 30,000 to 70,000 miles and sometimes more. A licensed mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, can evaluate the rotors and advise you on their status; they may not need to be changed as often as the brake pads. Like brake pads, they should be replaced in pairs.

Calogero Robl

Explainer

What is the average lifetime of brake rotors?

Brake rotors should last a minimum of 50,000 miles (80,467 km). The average life expectancy for a quality set of rotors is 30,000 to 70,000 miles (48,280 – 112,654 km). Brake pads have a similar long life-span, but it's not typical to see more than 70,000 out of a pair of Rotors and Pads.

Maysam Irlenbusch

Explainer

Does O'Reilly resurface rotors?

Drum & Rotor Resurfacing
Most O'Reilly Auto Parts locations can resurface your vehicle's drums and rotors if they measure within specs and aren't showing signs of extreme wear. Surface finish is crucial to proper vehicle braking and pad life and should always be part of a complete brake job.

Piera Sprinze

Pundit

How many times can I resurface rotors?

Depends on the condition of the rotors. It can be resurfaced twice as long as it is within manufacture specifications.

Adjutori Petschel

Pundit

Is it bad to resurface rotors?

Resurfacing Your Rotors
Sometimes your rotors may need to be resurfaced because they have worn unevenly, warped from heat, or become damaged by worn brake pads or pitted from corrosion or rust. Resurfacing rotors removes some of their metal, until the surface is smooth and even again.

Suyun Alder

Pundit

How do you know if your brake rotors are warped?

Signs Your Rotors Are Damaged
If you notice your steering wheel or brake pedal wobble when you apply the brakes to slow down or stop, chances are your rotors are warped. If the warp isn't too bad, you might not really notice the shaking. If the warp is serious, you'll definitely feel the vibration.

Hassie Ponafidin

Pundit

How do you tell if rotors need replacing?

When you drive, the car will tell you if the brakes or brake rotors are in need of replacing. Squealing or squeaking is usually an excellent indication. If you hear grinding, head straight to the mechanic, because this is a definite sign that you have brake wear on your pads and they are worn to the metal.

Cantia Fominyh

Pundit

How do you know if the rotors are bad?

Noisy Brakes
One of the first symptoms commonly associated with bad brake rotors is noise. If the rotors are warped (meaning not perfectly flat) or severely worn, they may produce squealing or squeaking sounds. Usually, warped rotors will produce a squeak, while severely worn rotors will produce a scraping sound.

Naaima Shahin

Teacher

How do I keep my rotors from warping?

Once you have installed new brake rotors and pads, you must break them in properly. Brake pads clean the rotor and apply the right amount of friction to stop the vehicle. Not breaking in the rotors and pads could reduce the ability of the pad to clean the rotor sufficiently. This can cause uneven wear or warping.

Iziar Moares

Teacher

Are rusty brake discs a problem?

Rust is not usually a problem and is unavoidable on iron brake discs. This is not a good braking surface and the rotors deteriorate over time. Also if the car sits for an extended period of time the surface rust can ruin the rotor to a point where it doesn't stop the car evenly.

Felice Cargaleiro

Teacher

How much does it cost to get rotors turned at AutoZone?

Replacing rotors with your brake pads is critical for best braking and maximum safety. New pads on worn rotors can create issues with the new pads, cause vibration, or make braking less safe than with new pads and new rotors together. Rotors cost from $30 to $75 each.

Nicolasa Aichmeier

Teacher

Do auto parts stores turn rotors?

O'Reilly Auto Parts offers rotor turning services, also known as rotor resurfacing, at many of its locations. We also contacted several O'Reilly stores to confirm that this service is available; we found you can get rotors resurfaced at many locations — but not all.

Lee Obi

Reviewer

How are rotors turned?

Turning is a term used to describe the process in which a rotor is spun on a machine and mechanical arm with a cutting tool clears away the rough scrapes from the surface, leaving a smooth usable surface for brake pads and clutches to hold on to.

Kristen Quark

Reviewer

Does Firestone turn rotors?

If you're wondering when to replace brake rotors, come into your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care store. Our Tire and Auto Service Professionals will perform a free brake check and inspect the health of your brake rotors. If brake rotors have significant wear or are warped, they can be resurfaced or replaced.

Saleem Trujillo

Reviewer

What happens if rotors are not replaced?

If the rotors have never been resurfaced, you don't have any deep grooves, and your brakes aren't shuddering when you stop, then it's completely safe to install new pads. The worst that is likely to happen even with worn rotors, is the new pads wear unevenly and don't last.