DO I NEED TO REPLACE MY BRAKE ROTORS? BRAKE ROTOR REPLACEMENT ULTIMATE GUIDE PLUS BONUS INFO!

[@kenjithomas]

This is absolutely one of the best video on break rotors. My 2010 Mazda 5 Premacy still has the original rotors in it. I only use organic break pads so they're gentle on the rotors. Also, I always check the rotors' condition similar to what you've shown and they still pass the test. I think it's due to my driving style (I'm gentle on the breaks) and I regularly clean the rotors and pads as well as lubricate the caliper slide bolts. あなたは素晴らしい自動車整備士です！日本からのご挨拶！

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello kenjithomas, Thank you :) Glad you found my video helpful and thank you for the great comment. Sounds like your doing a great job in saving money with your braking style!

[@Btu555]

how do you clean the rotor? Mine just has a little rust.

[@jdaniels1313]

Thank you so much for this great video that actually answers the question "do I need to replace my rotors" in a specific and useful way!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks Jim!

[@G.I.JeffsWorkbench]

Excellent tutorial. Straight to the point. All facts explained. Best vid. On this topic that I’ve seen. Thanks for increasing our knowledge.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@G.I.JeffsWorkbench You are very welcome. Thanks for posting a comment 👍

[@koksionglee7978]

Nothing like honest straight to the point advice from a mechanic....

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@koksionglee7978 😀 Absolutely!

[@terry_willis]

I like your passion for brake rotors.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Saving money is important 😀

[@Duggy22]

I appreciate this a lot, my car has been vibrating while going over 60 mph, and (results are inconsistent) sometimes will vibrate the car when braking. This morning, I gently pressed the brakes while going 35 and thought I was about to die because of how badly the car was rocking. It was full on death-metal head-banging. Before I replace the tires (which definitely need to be) I’m definitely going to look into getting the brakes checked out

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Your welcome and I am glad you found the video helpful! Take a peek at your rotors to see what condition they are in. Do you see rust buildup or any rotor discoloration? Also male sure to check for any play in your suspension and the thrust bushings.

[@Duggy22]

@@AskTheCarExperts I started changing the rotors and pads out completely since they were pretty thin, and I could feel deep grooves around the rotor, and there was quite a bit of rust building up around the edges. But I’m going to have to hold off until morning because the god-damned brake caliper piston compressor broke (handle rotates, but the bolt doesn’t) so I’m going to have to wait until I can cut it off and buy a stronger one

[@Duggy22]

@@AskTheCarExperts update: brakes have been replaced successfully, now imma have to work on my car’s fuel pressure valve thingy so it doesn’t die while I’m driving [insert crying emoji with shades]

[@dawn0972]

Why I don't trust mechanics. Took my car in bc of rpm's high before changing gears. Told me maybe differential but rotors NEED to be changed bc of grooves. Said should be smooth. Didn't say anything about thickness. Car doesn't shake when breaking. Said should change pads since changing rotors. All for $450 + tax. That was the running sale. Glad I trusted my gut. And decided to wait and research. Thank you for this detailed video.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

You are very welcome Dawn! Grooves can be caused from hard spots in the pad material. Not uncommon and rotors do not need to be replaced unless they are below min.

[@odysseyusa]

Thanks for sharing that you can go through one more full set of pads at minimum thickness. I didn’t know.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Glad to help share the knowledge :) Most people do not know this and it is common practice at shops to sell more parts to make more money.

[@tunakpreston8240]

I think most repair shops charge about $70 per corner (on car lathe). Good video! I usually just replace the rotors once they look like that.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

I am going to be giving FCP euro a try for brakes with a lifetime warranty. Might be a good insurance policy 😀

[@gegc726x]

​@AskTheCarExperts fcp is king for that! It'd be perfect if you got cash back instead of credit.. but then again we all buy parts eventually. Ecs tuning just rolled out their lifetime guarantee as well :)

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Absolutely! Good to know about ECS as well!

[@armchairtin-kicker503]

My 2008 Lexus GS 350, a used car I bought to replace a 2007 which was totaled, started making noises as if the wear-indicators came into play. Examining all four brakes, I discovered that the brake pads were fine; however, front rotors were worn below the minimum thickness, 27mm.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Someone might have done a pad slap and did not measure them. Good find!

[@hikingwithyourhoney]

Great help! The part about deviation and break lathe was what I was looking for. Thanks!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@hikingwithyourhoney Great to hear! Thanks for posting!

[@mrzadezade]

Very good video. Measurement errors could lead to a false decision especially when u are basing decisions on difference in the magnitude of one hundredth of a millimeter. A difference or variance of .03 mm is just crazy considering operator contribution to measurement error.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Very true! Thanks Zade!

[@sueddo2634]

This video is amazing and explained incredibly thoroughly. The only question I still have is I purchased my car second hand (also a BMW) and it seems like the previous owner slapped on new pads but didn't change the rotor. When I did measurements myself, the rotors are already below the minimum thickness (the lip is pretty pronounced and the pads seem like they are 6/8ths worn. My question is if there is anyway to know if I should replace my rotor in that scenario (what if the rotor was already well below the minimum and then the previous owner put on new pads). Will I suddenly encounter a scenario where I just can't brake at all or will there be obvious signs before that happens? I asked my dealership this question and the service advisor said no need to change my rotors but he and the technician only looked at the brake pad not the rotor measurements. Apart from that, I still get a strong brake under high speed, no wobble, however I am hearing a lot of that low rotor thickness screech when im stopping.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello Sueddo, Thank you! I am glad the video was informative. You do have a unique situation. If the brake pads where installed below the min thickness it would be advisable to replace the pads and rotors. But since there is no way to know, you have to do what feels right for you. Having a deep lip is not uncommon. If the brakes are still stopping strong, you could decide to wait until the pads are a bit lower. But for safety reasons, I would recommend changing them out. Better to be safe.

[@kcnoise]

Excellent. Thanks for this video!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@kcnoise You are welcome!

[@jameswheeleriii]

Great video on such a vital part of the braking system on a vehicle.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks James! I have been working hard trying to come up with valuable content.

[@privatepilot4064]

Last time I changed pads I went to ceramic. Big mistake, after about 5k miles I started getting a pulsating (not in the pedal) when I come to a stop. Changed the rotors and went back to OEM pads. No problem now. Come to find out, the ceramic pads don’t shed heat as well as the OEM pads and caused the rotors to get too hot and it warped them. But I normally continue using rotors if they’re in good shape and within specifications.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello, Thanks for sharing! So far the ones I put on have been good with no brake vibration. I am into them about 1200K so far. I will update everyone if I get any odd symptoms. But I love the no brake dust. Quality of rotors and pads may make a difference sometimes.

[@mpasaa]

I like your runout measuring option versus buying a dial tool although I saw another video showing how to actually FIX the runout with shims that go on the hub where the lug threads are and provide the necessary correction. Even with NEW ROTORS if the hub itself is not completely flat you could still get vibration in which case these very thin metal shims that you must buy according to the specific vehicle specs would resolve the issue even on new ones. Just saying. Or you just enjoy the new rotor for a while knowing without shimming it to correct runout due to the hub not being completely flat you will start feeling that vibration eventually....

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@mpasaa Normally you do not shim rotors. If there is a runout issue the wheel bearing and hub need to be checked and replaced as needed.

[@MatthewBreanne]

So is that outside lip a concern at all when putting on new pads or it just comes down to minimum thickness? I don't have any grooving but there is a decent lip on the outside edge of my rotors.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi Matthew, the lip is a concern if the new pad is going to not sit flush due to the lip or any taper. Normally if .5 above spec the rotor could be machined with an on car brake lathe. If you don't have access to it would be better to replace the rotor.

[@mrhongkun]

I am going to buy a Cayenne, the minimum thickness for the front rotors are 32mm, last check on 15/12/2023, they were 32.4mm; the minumum thickness for rear rotors are 24mm, they were 24.7mm on 15/12/2023. How long the both rotor can last for next replacement?? much appreciated of your help.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@mrhongkun Mininum thickness is usually to allow for 1 set of pads. For both of these when the pads are due the rotors will most likely need replacement. Also look at the condition. Rusted pitted corroded rotors should be replaced with new pads as well if applicable. Always error on safety.

[@chrisparsons3141]

Thanks for the great explanation. Helped me a lot.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@chrisparsons3141 I am glad it helped!

[@jimbike8064]

Have a 2020 Accord with 42k miles. Shudder when braking. Dealership says needs rotors resurfaced. Pads at 7mm. Some youtube mechanics say put on new rotors. Some say turning rotors is fine. I was going to turn rotors, but in looking at the pads in your video, are new pads recommended? Do dealerships or mechanics resurface or smooth out the old brake pads so they seat better?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

BMW guidelines are when rotors are replaced or when re-surfaced new pads MUST be installed. The pads can take on grooving and the shape of the rotor. So if you have a nice flat surface the contact area on the pads may be poor. In my opinion the pads should also be replaced.

[@TheGreatGastronaut]

Love your adult presentation. As a semi-pro long time restorer, I think the days of getting (drums) rotors turned are long gone. Not many shops have skilled staff to push the button on the brake lathe anymore (sarcasm intended). They also fear liability for their own work, especially brakes, versus blaming a faulty replacement part. It’s really a shame because i always would get the lip on the edges removed so that the new pad can better float and seat. Who even knows what a Bear brake machine is anymore, let alone how to use it? If you find one for sale, grab it…

[@AskTheCarExperts]

LoL too true! We now use an on car brake lathe. Hunter makes a really good product. This way it actually adapts to imperfections in the hub for a more true cut.

[@markchimmy]

Thanks for sharing!what if the rotors are still thick enough but they are warped can you have them turned and will that fix the problem? Thank you!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi Mark, You cam Definately have the rotors cut of they do not have heavy flaking on the edges and they are .5 mm above discard spec.

[@markchimmy]

My rotors are warped but still thick and so are the brake pads but my steering wheel vibrates when I brake! if I can have them cut and put new brake pads on I'd save some money also they don't have any deep scratches that would be catching my finger nail! so basically warped rotors can be saved?is what you're saying? Thank you.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@markchimmy Absolutely they can be machined. BMW has an on car brake lathe or if you know a shop that can cut them removed that would work as well.

[@markchimmy]

Thank you very much!

[@samford8531]

Super helpful video, thank you! Saved me some money ❤

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Your welcome Sam!

[@carminesilverado]

you convinced me I ask myself what am I saving 2 rotors cost - bag man hell yea real breaks low insurance cost

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Absolutely!!

[@uroskostic8570]

If somebody has enough material left, he can do some soft touch of machining, taking out maybe 0,05-0,1mm. Just to have it smoother. One disc, can change up to 3 sets of pads if done correctly.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello Uroskosic, Machining rotors a small bit can sometimes clean up the high spots. Some shops will still do off the car brake machining. The new method at BMW is to use an on car brake lathe which can even compensate for some hub deviation. But it should be at least .5 above min thickness before cutting and after cutting it cannot be below the min thickness stamped on the rotors for safety reasons.

[@thomasmahoney8148]

How about issues with solid rotors (like at the rear brakes of a Honda Accord/Civic)? Do they normally have a lot of runout (.005") and warp easily without excessive braking/heating? Mine measure to about .005" of runout on both rear brakes, and I cannot feel any vibration in the car or pedal when braking. They also hum when reversing (not grinding). I also get a small vibration at high speeds but I have had multiple shops check for wheel balance, bent rims, tire high spots, etc. Everything comes back normal. Could this rotor runout have anything to do with that vibration? The car has 25k miles on it and everything is from the factory. I know if I take it to the dealer for warranty they will give me the "nothing is wrong" run-around and charge me a $130 diagnostic fee. Any experience or ideas with this?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@thomasmahoney8148 Hello, Sorry to hear you have this issue. This is most likely not brake rotor related. I would do a tire and wheel swap if you can for testing. Some vibrations can be inherent in the vehicle and I do not have any specific Honda background unfortunately.

[@natcoziay]

Great video thank you! Very clear and detailed.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks Nat!

[@ickyjuice1952]

This video is amazing, thank you!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks! I thought this would be an interesting topic 😀

[@frankmaggio4328]

I have a 05 645ci. The brake warning light illuminated. Wear pad indicator. Checking on the pad I see my rear rotors have these tiny Luminum hats on the hat of the rotor. Are these rotors needed vs oem equivalent without these aluminum hats? Also is it necessary to replace the brake pad wear indicator since the brake light came on?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

I think the hats may be small welds. On OEM equivalent would be perfectly fine.

[@frankmaggio4328]

@@AskTheCarExperts Thanks for the reply. I was able to find a set of rotors at a you pull it place. No aluminum hats around the center of the rear rotors but at $20 a piece I'm not going to complain. Says made in Germany so it's definitely OEM and not from Autozone. lol. A tiny bit of surface rust but they were about 24.13mm thick. Looks like I will have to replace the brake sensor since once it makes contact with the rotor it breaks the circuit.

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Another helpful video, thanks! I have an E82 and an E84. I did a full set of rotors, pads and retaining clips on my E82 two years back no probs. Last year, I did my wife's E84 xDrive front rotors and pads only the rears still had plenty of pad etc. She started experiencing front brake squeal when cold especially when backing out of the garage. This began a couple of months after I swapped the fronts for new. All parts from my BMW dealer, I have a good relationship with the guys there. Any ideas on the squealing? I made sure to lube contact points well with the BMW brake grease supplied by the parts mgr. Never had this issue w my E82 (sports pkg), different car of course. Thanks again! I remember you N52 valve cover gasket video being a huge help on my car in the past!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi Mario, Great to hear you think the video is helpful! Actually next week's video is on this topic :) If you would like to watch it early I can try and send a private link to your email. Go to my website and hit the contact me tab www.askthecarexperts.com The good news is that you can definitely get rid of the brake noise.

[@MarioDallaRiva]

@@AskTheCarExperts That's great! I'll do that right now. -Mario

[@KWPS]

Excellent Vid! Can I turn them if my E90 335i front rotors measure 30 and the min is 28.4 mm? The shop said they take 1-2MM off when turning. (O'Riellys auto parts). Thx!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@KWPS The BMW on car brake lathe spec is .5 above min. But the machine they use may be different. It is close to discard so I would recommend replacement.

[@KWPS]

I appreciate the reply and excellent suggestion. Best be safer than sorry.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@KWPS Absolutely my friend!

[@ac28loaiza3]

Good video!! Well done!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@ac28loaiza3 Thanks bud!

[@galaxy_110]

Can rotors get grooving due to heating? Please explain. Thank You

[@AskTheCarExperts]

The grooving is caused from hard spots in the pads material and can be from corrosion on the rotor.

[@yorkiepit]

When I do my brakes, I do new pads, rotors, hardware, boots, pins, caliper bolts and bleed out the old fluid. It costs about $150 in parts for quality products. If the calipers are iffy, I rebuild them for about $5 per caliper. Brakes may be a pain to deal with, but it's a straightforward and uncomplicated job.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@yorkiepit Nice, Sounds very thorough

[@josephdelorenzo351]

I have some slight grooves on two rotors. Need need brake pads soon. Is it necessary to have all rotors done also? This would be the first time my car needs brakes. 59000 miles.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

You will need to measure the thickness of the rotor to see if it is below spec. If the rotors are close to min with the grooving I would replace them.

[@josephdelorenzo351]

@@AskTheCarExperts thank!!

[@SirJoelsuf1]

I get a little bit of shaking/grinding when I slow down which goes away the slower I go, but whenever I take a left turn I get a TON of grinding. Is that from worn rotors? I imagine my pads are fine, changed em last year.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

That may be from rust build up on the rotors and the pad is dragging. The rust build up can make the pads wear faster. I would do a visual inspection of the rotors to see if there is a lot of rust on the outer edges and the backside of the rotor. That would help confirm that the rotors are the cause.

[@natalierasmussen5019]

Just took my car to dealership and brakes were at 3. They told me I need rotor snd brake pads. Is that true. Other people have told me I can go for awhile yet.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello Nataliera, For BMW 3 MM is the discard level when the pad sensor starts to wear through and trip the warning light. On my BMW X5 since I do a lot of highway driving I went -6000 on my brake pads but the light was on for a while and I wore them down all the way. It really depends on how you drive but you will need to monitor the brake pad level if you decide to hold off. If your warning light is not on yet then you still have time unless the pads are wearing unevenly as the sensor will alert you at about 3mm.

[@holycow3355]

Rotors are (very) expensive compared to brake pads. Kind of hard question, but how many sets of brake pads before a new rotor is needed ? Mechanic charge me a new rotor every time new brake pad !

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Very true. Usually two sets. The shop should measure them for min spec. Above min spec and if they look normal they can be re-used. Many shops want to charge for rotors every time.

[@PaulHenreid]

My rotor itself says 32mm minimum thickness; my factory service manual says 27mm. Which specification trumps?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Rotor Stamp

[@tedlahm5740]

Wonderful informative video. thank you

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks Ted!

[@bonscotty67]

When I back out of the driveway in the morning, when I brake I hear quite a bit of ruckus at the abs module... like someone tapping on a coffee can with a spoon inside a 50 gallon drum... quite loud and pulsing through the brake pedal to the point of questioning whether it's going to stop or not. Then a very low idle and a slow build up. Any definitive ideas or suggestions? Also, the minimum awareness number seems to elude me. I've Brillo padded this whole rotor down to the metal and haven't found it

[@AskTheCarExperts]

The issue you have sounds like more than just brake pads. The ABS should not be turning on an the pedal should not be soft. I don't think I could diagnose this issue with out looking at the vehicle.

[@bonscotty67]

@@AskTheCarExperts I totally understand. You actually have to feel it and experienced what I'm feeling in the gas pedal to be able to make a diagnosis. Thank you for your reply and when I fix it I'll let you know what it was.:-) Thanks again

[@patriciamcnamara9842]

I thought they don't turn rotors no more? And cheaper but new Rotors? I delivered Auto Parts 5 yrs in BC.. Correct me if I am wrong

[@AskTheCarExperts]

BMW changed the stance on this and has been cutting rotors for quite some time now. Saves money for warranty so they are onboard now!

[@tedlahm5740]

Do a video on measuring the pads. thank you

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi Ted, Do you mean with the pads removed or how a tech checks them installed on a vehicle?

[@tedlahm5740]

@@AskTheCarExperts On the vehicle, thank you

[@miapapa1955]

Most shop just want you to change the rotors, Thanks great video.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thank you! They often do! I thought it would be helpful to help people know the real options.

[@Japplesnap]

Dude....just use a dial indicator to quickly check lateral runout.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thickness Deviation is a different issue than runout. You will see it as run out but that could be in the hub surface or wheel bearing. This way you know the rotor is the source.

[@garyschwalm4842]

Awesome job.... good info.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks Gary!

[@corpuzone]

My mechanic recommended to replace rotors on front. Mind you had my car since brand new for 5-6 years. That fixed the pulsating vibrations when braking. I had new brakes on as well, but later the rotors on rear had to be changed because there was some grinding high pitched noise every morning when reversing. I was wondering. If a rotor can be turned, is that best if still within spec when installing brand new brake pads? I don’t believe we should have to buy new rotors always that’s expensive.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

As long as the rotors are above the MIN spec by .5 mm they can be turned with an on car brake lathe. But if you have heavy flaking on the rotors from rust they should still be replaced.

[@corpuzone]

@@AskTheCarExperts got it and makes sense thanks!

[@stevewilson8752]

Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺🍹 i wont say how great you & this video is because everyone else is telling you that 👍😝 So il just say im having Crumbed Lamb Cuttlets & Mashed Potato/Pumpkin & Mint Peas for Dinner with a Beautiful Traditional Gravy 😂😂🕺 ps: Love your country 🇺🇲

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Cheers from America! That sounds amazing! You are welcome to visit me and cook that up for me and my family. Yum!

[@jameswheeleriii]

I have a question: Normally is there a difference in front and rear rotors? Thanks.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi James, Yes the front and rear rotors are usually very different. Rear rotors tend to be less thick than front because most of the stopping force is in the front. Also they can incorporate an inner drum / hat area that is for the parking brake.

[@jameswheeleriii]

@@AskTheCarExperts Again, thanks for your professional immediate response!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@jameswheeleriii Happy to help when I can my friend!

[@douglasthomas6365]

Not sure about you advice on minimum thickness, .01mm = 0.00039", pretty sure that is not making a difference on a set of pads! 28.4 vs 28.39mm

[@AskTheCarExperts]

BMW spec stamped on the rotor is the minimum amount for a full set of pads. Discard would be anything below the min spec.

[@douglasthomas6365]

@@AskTheCarExperts But there is always common sense don't you think?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@douglasthomas6365 LOL no common sense is not common 🤣

[@douglasthomas6365]

@@AskTheCarExperts 🤣 🤣 You have that right!! And you can;t borrow it or buy it.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@douglasthomas6365 LOL 😆

[@InTime-x3j]

Im a retired mechanic and live in the deep country. I have cheated a few times and I dont recommend what I did. I have tossed pads in with bad rotors. Rotors would have grooves but no chunk spots is the only way I can describe it. Then when they started scraping in a few months I would change everything. By that time I would have all the parts bought and paid for. I just did that to my 2000 chevy s10. Every payday I would buy a part. Doing it all at once on Social Security isnt happening. I also replaced the calipers with it.

[@stancal9680]

Great tips thanks

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nickl8830]

very helpful thx

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi Nick! Glad to hear that you found it helpful!

[@666dynomax]

Must be great to live in a place where there’s no salt!!!!!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

So true! Here in CT I see a lot of corrosion from road chemicals.

[@mvnorsel6354]

I'm from Australia, my 18 year old car hasn't any rust. We only put salt on chips😅.

[@allanclell]

It is❤️. I live in Australia. However used to go visit my sister in northern England in a district where they do salt / grit in winter . I felt their pain. Brake systems will corrode before they’ll wear🤔 along with the rest of underbody. Also got qite familiar with a snow shovel 😂

[@usmnichols8636]

Always nice mate 😂 f salt 🧂

[@andrewdonohue1853]

@@AskTheCarExperts fluid film combats the rust significantly. i have allot of goo underneath my 2022 crosstrek, inside the doors, under the hood. 2 winters of NY winters and i have no rust anywhere, not on suspension or any where else. i spray everything throughly. it is $50 per gallon, i used a full gallon the first 2 years and this year i only needed about 1/2 gallon because i had a significant amount of material from the previous years. if you do nothing in the enviroment, after even 1 year you will start to get a minimum amount of rust, and each year it will progressively get worse until the vehicle is steaming turd

[@irisbaez1972]

I use twice the rotors, then turn it and use two more pads with not problema.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

As long as they are above min spec. I would not recommend using rotors that are below spec

[@Golfr2020]

My dealer pointed out that my back brakes are down to 4 mm. To get them replaced at my next service at a cost of $1,200.00 Aust. Yeah right, i though. I already knew my rear pads were down past half way mark. But i also knew tgat my rotors are fine and well within specs, hence needing more than likely no replacing. So? I have brake pads costing me $75.00. Soon i fit them myself and even if my rotors did need replacing, would in total only cost me $350.00 at most. That is $950.00 less! It shows how these dealers rip people off.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@Golfr2020 They should have given you the option if the rotors are in good condition. I would recommend BMW parts.

[@NoName-tz5ji]

I usually don’t have to replace quality rotors as long as I use quality pads. When I go cheap it ends up costing more.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@NoName-tz5ji Very true statement. As long as they are above min spec.

[@alistairhadden5356]

I paid $90 CDN to have 2 rotors machined for a 2017 F150. The cost for new rotors was $200 each. So i saved $310. However, on smaller vehicles i just replace rotors, as the cost of replacing vs. machining is similar.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Great way to compare cutting vs replacememt.

[@andrewa.3304]

Good video

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks Andrew!

[@scottschmittmusic]

Thanks!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Your welcome Scott!

[@scottschmittmusic]

I changed my pads the other day.. one side I did on my lunch break.. lol that's how fast it took Driver side took 2 hours just the inner side.. It refused to go in for some ungodly reason If I put it in bottom slot - it wouldn't go in on top and vice versa. Got so frustrated I put the old pad on back.. ( which I had to Pry Off , leaving a divit in my rotor

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@scottschmittmusic That is odd. Maybe some debris in the caliper bracket. Try using a wire brush to clean the area.

[@scottschmittmusic]

@@AskTheCarExperts I will try that, thanks I also grinded some off the tab that goes into the slot

[@billkallas1762]

I had a car that developed pulsating front rotors.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Sorry to hear that. It is common really on all brands and it can be light moderate and severe.

[@kca698]

Need to measure runout - according to specification. otherwise you have not tested completely.

[@edreesmallick2902]

Nice

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks :)

[@666dynomax]

I’ve never had a vehicle that has enough room behind the dust shield where that rotor caliper would work

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello, right where the pads sit the dust cover should be more open. That's the place to check :)

[@666dynomax]

@@AskTheCarExperts well man I just looked and I think you’re right. If I ever buy a digital caliper I might look at that type

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@666dynomax Awesome 😀 Thanks for watching and I hope you will enjoy the engine diagnosis and repair videos that are my current videos on my Z3 M54 engine. Cylinder leakage test video coming out tomorrow. Found some major issues in my engine.

[@alexisduarte1996]

Thank u daddy

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@alexisduarte1996 You are welcome kiddo LOL

[@irisbaez1972]

Why replace rotors for a groove when you can turned it for some $ ?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

As long as the lowest point is above min spec you can definitely turn them and remove the grooving.

[@rand49er]

Had to stop at the 0:47 mark. I ,loathe BMWs.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

LOL They can cost a lot but they are fun to drive.

[@bonscotty67]

But he drives a mini-cooper.....😂

[@TheGreatGastronaut]

I have multiple rice-burners, plus multiple beamers and Porsches. I’d rather drive even my beater 2013 X1 x35i than my Toyotas or Hondas and sadly, flat stock it out handles the Porsches on the twisties of a mountain road. Not bad for a $10K AWD car with a turbo 3L engine that easily gets 30mi per gallon. They aren’t all that bad to work on and requires no more maintenance than a civic or Camry unless you start “tuning” them. At least all the fasteners are metric, unlike my RAM truck or my JK. I too wanted to hate BMWs and sneered at them for years until the day I actually drove one in the mountains. I now have 3. Never buy a new one, then you’ll get good value for money.

[@afrojojo9475]

On average, you should almost always replace your rotors when your pads are truly at the level of replacement.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

I also like to do pads and rotors as a set but some people like to get the most out of everything. That is where the condition of the rotor and the measurement comes in as well as when the vehicle is under warranty. Under warranty it is not allowed to replace the rotor if they are above the min and usually the rotor is cut if there are any imperfections.

[@privatepilot4064]

As long as the rotors are within limits and in good shape there’s no reason to replace them. I’ve used my rotors with more than 150k on them because they were well within safe dimensions to use. I just replaced pads when they were worn.

[@Justinkent83]

And sometimes your rotors cost over $500 a piece...😢

[@patriciamcnamara9842]

In BC they don't turn them, cheaper to replace them

[@GraydonTranquilla]

Why would a mechanic try to charge my daughter $900 for a brake job because the rotors are rusted? I replaced daughter’s brake pads only 3 weeks ago and even checked and regressed the slider pins. The rotors were still adequate IMHO based on only a few grooves here and there with some rust adjacentvtobthevwearing surface. What is your opinion on the mechanic’s fee and reasoning?

[@danr5239]

This guy a salesman. Do a reading and then walk out and tell the customer how much you’re going to cost them for no repairs that are needed.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi Dan, Not sure what you mean. Did you have a bad experience at a shop once?

[@poopandfartjokes]

If this guy is just trying to blow smoke up your butt in a video in order drum up repair business, he’s the worst salesman in history. Now, there could be an argument that he’s selling the tools in the video but as far as making unnecessary repairs, he only stated the specs stamped on his rotor. Your statement is almost incoherent so maybe I’m wrong but it sounds like you have a problem with mechanics in general. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been hustled and bamboozled by shady mechanics too but this guy just seemed to be stating specs that you can look up yourself. Honestly, after seeing the very tight tolerances listed here, I actually feel like I’ve wrongly assumed one of my mechanics was indeed NOT ripping me off in the past. He was just going off the specs. Instead of being suspicious maybe I should’ve asked him to explain why I needed new rotors. Sorry for the long winded post. I just had this realization and thought I’d share. No disrespect intended.

[@CLUTCHINGJOSH]

GUYS I WORK AT A DEALERSHIP CHANGE YOUR ROTORS WHEN YOU CHANGE YOUR BRAKES. DON'T PUT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY AT RISK BECAUSE YOU DECIDED TO BE CHEAP AND YOUR CAR SUFFERS FROM A HYDRAULIC FAILURE. ROTORS AND BRAKES TOGETHER GUYS STOP LISTENING TO THE FREELANCERS

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@CLUTCHINGJOSH I disagree. I also work at a dealer and am a BMW Master Elite. Rotors are only unsafe when below min or CAT 3 corrosion. Even BMW turns rotors under warranty. So why is it OK for warranty but not normal customers. I would say stop over selling. Rotors can be recommended but only requires if below spec or corroded.

[@johndeszcz1531]

You have a lot of good information but you talk to much sorry

[@AskTheCarExperts]

LOL

[@bherber]

Not saying you don't know what you're talking about (you obviously do), but no matter where you take your car, they're always going to tell you new rotors when you get new pads, and even if you politely say "no thanks," they still try to guilt you into it...

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@bherber LOL you are not wrong , more parts more money more labor. Everyone wants to upsell.