Don't Replace Your Brake Rotors Before Watching This!

[@JoRocket77]

Great video. Downshifting down hills is important. Ignore the negative comments. No good deed goes unpunished. People will criticize even while you’re trying to help.

[@scottmurray4689]

Because it's TERRIBLE ADVICE. Changing brakes is SO MUCH easier than changing a clutch!!

[@macdaddysoldier]

I recommend downshifting if you have a convenient practical way to do it on your model of car. For example, shifting to "sport mode" or shift from 8th to 7th gear on an auto transmission is something it's designed to do. People need to learn their cars better.

[@Tonyplat98]

@@macdaddysoldier How do you shift from 8th to 7th gear on an auto-transmission?

[@MichaelRei99]

I have a CVT. You can’t downshift it!

[@anonymike8280]

@@Tonyplat98 Don't. Get the best brakes available.

[@chasingdreamsnow4455]

This man is 💯 percent correct. Just resurfaced my rotors on my 6gen Camaro. 4 New brake pads for less than 200$ dollars. Bought the brake pads for 70$ on Amazon. Would’ve been cheaper on eBay. But is all good.

[@Sstantial]

YES!!! I preach this to countless people! Okay, so after driving for 35 plus years the best advice I can give is - everything in moderation. To save wear and tear on your brakes you have to control how much they heat up. In all my years driving I have only had about two or three times in my life I ever had warped rotors. The first two times were in my teens/20's, then I learned to let them cool, control speed (not too fast), brake selectively as needed, and make sure you are letting up to let them cool a bit when possible. If you come to a stop after a hard braking, let it roll a foot and stop again, then repeat after another 10-15 seconds. This changes the spot on the rotor that the hot pad is holding the rotor as you are sitting. Put in neutral after stopping after a hard braking if the vehicle will stay in place. This keeps the rotor from warping because if you brake hard then hold it in one spot for a minute or more, that surface under the brake pads will not cool down at the same rate as the rest of the disc and BLAM you have warpage!!! Oh yeah, third time I got warped rotors... Teaching my teen to drive! And I just changed to new. Measured with digital calipers and the ones I removed were only .002" to .004" smaller than the new ones! Now I try to find a shop than can turn them on a brake lathe. Very hard to find a shop that still offers that service!!! Some day I will get a brake lathe and do my own. I am a career aircraft mechanic and have my own tire machine and Snap On computerized balancer right in my garage for personal use so I'm not exactly the average DIY mechanic.

[@anonymike8280]

I'm the lucky guy, I'm not high income but I live in a middle to upper middle income area. We have a real machine here which does work for all of the local shops and dealers. Real simple. Leave your rotor or drum sitting on the floor. Come back and it's ready. I know how to measure them myself. you can use a see-thru plastic ruler. You can tell easily when you have enough metal to turn it.

[@ekatlind]

Man I wish you were around to help teach me how to drive, haha

[@Blinknone]

Last time I asked a brake shop about resurfacing rotors, they looked at me like I was from another planet. The guy said it has been 20 years since they stopped doing that.

[@seeum2098]

lol wtf

[@craigmines255]

@@Blinknone man that's funny I'm still laughing 🤩👍

[@paulnicholson1906]

new rotors don't have enough metal on them to be able to resurface them.

[@kevinrenn9123]

Very few shops have the equipment anymore and the ones that do haven't been used so no one there knows how to use it

[@eiiiotrodger6279]

I bought the smallest most fuel efficient and also the cheapest new car available and the rotors are 50$ a piece.

[@Anonymous-ji4sb]

Down shifting to slow your car down is going to wear out the transmission faster. I would much rather replace rotors more often than wear out a transmission.

[@KendrasEdge757]

👌 Not downshifting properly it won’t. He’s not saying dropping it from 5th down to 2nd at 65mph. Downshifting doesn’t ruin your tranny just like shifting up through the gears doesn’t.

[@deanito1968]

CarCare Nut, a master Toyota mechanic says this as well (namely, brakes are cheaper than transmissions - implying you are adding unnecessary wear and tear on the transmission by down shifting). I'm no mechanic so I don't know who to believe.

[@drahgsukray2834]

Agree. New set of routers for example: $160-$240 and you can replace them yourself - no special tools needed. Worn transmission, gears, clutches - how much is that going to take and you need tools and knowledge. Cost of repairing transmission or replacing it will run into thousands of $$$.

[@solarmeateater]

​@@deanito1968friction material is friction material. No matter if its in a transmission or brakes or even the tires themselves, friction material wears more when it is used more. If you're downshifting at higher RPMs you will wear more friction material than at lower RPMs no matter how "properly" someone says they downshift. Just use your brakes and downshift sometime before you stall and everything will be fine.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

As long as you down shift before going too fast (to avoid slamming down a gear) the engine is doing the slowing, not the transmission. Sure rotors are cheaper but it only takes one long steep hill to ruin rotors and create dangerous brake shake. $250 for new rotors where I live would add up to a new transmission in about 2 years ;)

[@johnkirkilis34]

Rotors are way cheaper to replace than rebuilding a transmission.

[@JamminJK-el9fs]

That's my first thought.

[@tomgreene7942]

The transmission is made to be downshifted. Down shifting does not tear up the transmission.

[@LayneSteighlee]

dumb, no somewhat decent tranny is going to go to shit if you engine brake.

[@SlowCarsFastSFV]

Downshifting properly is required and not optional..

[@senko000]

Let's see...downshifting down hills puts undo heat/ stress on auto trans clutches & plates and shortens its life. Rotors & brakes are cheap! Also, learning how to stop gradually is a lot less stressful on all car parts....

[@Peelerusa]

I recently did a complete brake replacement on my 2017 Camry and intended to get my rotors resurfaced, but no one in my area offers that service any longer. I ended up purchasing high carbon, coated rotors and quality ceramic pads and my car brakes just as good as the OEM equipment. No regrets..

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Great!

[@Tonyplat98]

Same I went with Powerstops coated rotors 0 regrets.

[@edwardmissouri2216]

One thing that's important any time you remove a wheel is to torque the lugs when installing them. You don't want to distort the rotor by uneven tightening. Also, you don't want the wheel coming off. Find the torque setting for your car

[@jacobkudrowich]

No shit sherlock

[@oscarguevara5556]

Just got my brake pads and rotors replaced and I’ve now driven my truck for a good 6 hours (mostly highway time) but the squeaking and scraping sound is driving me nuts. Mechanic that did the job says it’s normal but is it? How long till they brake in?

[@scottmurray4689]

I'm a professional mechanic, this video is simply WRONG! Drive like normal and replace the rotors when needed. For example, when exiting the interstate, apply brakes and take your hands off the steering wheel. If the steering wheel shimmies left and right, your rotors are warped. Replace them!

[@jasonmallory7183]

It doesn't matter if there is literally only one way to do something, there will still be someone who has a different answer. I typically just do what's best for me at the time . He was referring specifically to downhill braking and stopping only and suggesting to not ride your brakes all the way down. He was also saying downshifting at normal speeds for the gear you're in. I do live in a hilly area, and i also drive a manual transmission. Use your best judgment, if your brakes are failry new and in good condition then maybe it makes more sense for you to use your brakes more. With a manual i can either use my brakes, my clutch, or both to slow down. My clutch is in good shape and it still grabs the gear tightly. You know when a clutch is wearing down, similar to brakes you can feel it. It starts maybe slipping just a little, it doesnt grab as tight as it wears down. Now i know a clutch job in my car would cost me $1500 give or take at a shop and that is beyond my experience with working on cars. I just alternate mostly, if i am on a long down slope rhen i just keep it a lower speed and stop accordingly. If i am going faster coming to a light thats green and it turns and i cant make it i will downshift while also applying the brake a little. Sometimes its just brakes and others its just the clutch, just depends on the situation like i said. That clutch is getting wear everytime i drive and i dont think using it in that manner here and there is adding thag much more to it likewise i dont believe i am extending the life that much longer if i don't use it. Bottom line, just use it how you feel best. Like I said i choose how i will stop based on that situation .

[@mattwestrum7947]

You should not be braking with your "clutch". Rev match as you down shift, and you won't even feel it if you're doing it correctly. Then the higher resistance from the engine transfers the kinetic energy to heat in your oil. Hardly any clutch wear if you do it as smooth and seamless as possible!

[@cognac8297]

The rotors on my 1999 S10 zr2 has never been changed out since 1999 till this day. And they not warped but they do have round ditches in them. And work great still.

[@jacoblynch9862]

The problem you run into nowadays is less and less places will resurface rotors. I know in my area I have called about five different places and only one place now would resurface them. The only other places that will resurface them require you to get your brakes done with them to do it

[@caleb6590]

I appreciate this! I love in an apartment complex with steep ramps in the parking garage and my breaks have started vibrating when I brake hard.

[@andreiradu1945]

Resurfacing is great in case of rust. This being said, when the rotor is thinned out, nah, new ones.

[@williampollard3353]

Going downhill it's better to wear out your brakes than your transmission

[@craigmines255]

Thank you I change. My pads it save me lots off money keep pads new😂

[@craigmines255]

What a help love you for no ripping us off😃👍

[@Qamar-NJ]

I do my own brake replacement. I called around last time and no auto parts store near me resurfaces. The only option is going to a dealer or mechanic and paying for a full brake job with resurfacing.

[@martintran7837]

2 cases i would tell my customers should change new rotors, surface rotor is signs of burn (mix color Brown/red rusty). I don’t do machining rotor it’s under thickness.

[@eiiiotrodger6279]

He doesn't mean "Downshift" like a race car he means leaving it in a lower gear while you're driving in the hills/mountains which is what you are supposed to do, or like when you are pulling a trailer with a truck you leave it in 1:1 so you don't cook your brakes and transmission, thats the entire purpose. It's old fashioned advice but even newer trucks with 15 gear automatics have a button called "trailer mode" or "towing mode" like my Dads 2020 duramax which does the same thing. These youtube comments seem to be thinking the youtuber was implying you drive like Takumi Fujiwara or something.

[@MrCxiong116]

I don’t go easy on my brakes, I beat the crap out of them on the road. I had brakes and tires that lasted years and they just rusted and rot away anyways and needed to be replaced. I make sure my brakes and tires are worth every penny and will run them down to steel.

[@howtodoitdude1662]

My honda automatically downshifts while going downhill I also have an old school mechanic that still cuts rotors. 😊

[@1armijo]

Resurfacing in CA is expensive labor rate, 10 or more years ago I paid $50 each, cheapest in my town!

[@fury0904]

great videos keep up , i have a question if you don't mind. my car shakes a bit when i hit the gas pedal and immediately break and after the shake it accelerate a very bit only happens on very low speed or in the traffic any idea what is the cause?

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

That’s a tough one, any check engine codes to help you out?

[@papimasfuerte4671]

CV axle inner joint bad

[@elmaddog1978]

Lol, because replacing your transmission is way cheaper than 12 Rotors 😂

[@marioq2759]

Rotors may be cheaper to replace. But you better start collecting extra rotors now, because the price of rotors will jump up in the future. Most people here of course waste their money on future garbage that serves them no purpose anyways.

[@Harsha-d3z8t]

Hey Budget Mechanic, I love your videos. I got a 2023 i4 Tacoma truck after watching your good videos. Would you mind posting video on Tacoma engines i4, v6, and the latest turbo i4 in Tacomas in terms of reliability, maintenance, please

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Great idea!

[@krimke881]

Great common advices 👌

[@Sirsk8ordie]

Transmissions are way more expensive than rotors. Rule of thumb is if the rotor isnt warped and is still pretty flat its good for 1 more pad change on the front maybe 2 changes on the rear rotors.

[@mrhawk1924]

I have no problems with my gold rotors and brakes. Every 3 yrs brake pads with my Verloster Turbo

[@nickvin7447]

It's not "warping" it is melted pad material that is spread unevenly.

[@ChristopherRowe-b2c]

Great Video!!

[@saltpetter]

What is the best brake rotor for a Uber driver? I am looking for one that can withstand heavy driving and resist warping?

[@timmi511]

I bought an ‘09 ES350 with 360K kms on it. As a wear & tear checkup and replacements, I replaced the brake pads with genuine ones with resurfacing of rotors, which is a common practice here in Gulf. Few days later I started hearing a clunking noise when I pressed the brakes be it any speed from front right side. I got them rechecked nothing could be understood as a reason so when the rotor was rechecked at the lathe shop, they said it’s uneven. I got it resurfaced again and installed back. The noise was gone. Today, after almost 2 months I started hearing the same noise again. What should I do?

[@davidcorley1146]

It sounds like one of your caliper pins is stuck, and your brakes aren’t being applied evenly. You can pull it out and re grease very easily.

[@lvborillo3123]

I would downshift And apply brakes at the same time, but not too hard to overheat the brakes👍

[@paulnicholson1906]

The only reason to downshift is if you are descending a very long hill with a load. It is not about "saving" brake lining or rotors but avoiding losing your brakes because of overheating. This used to be more of a problem with drum brakes but disc brakes dissipate heat better.

[@alozborne]

I generally really enjoy your content, you do a great job of explaining how to DIY repairs. However, I would rather wear out the rotors and pads than risk overheating the AT fluid so I personally wouldn't downshift to extend brake life. Also, at least on my cars, any time I have seen grooves on the rotors, they are also warped. So, I have never had them resurfaced. Maybe it's just me asking the wrong shops, but resurfacing seems to be expensive where I live. I also avoid metallic pads, seems like a bad idea to use a pad that's harder than the rotors - pads are a lot cheaper than rotors.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Downshifting won’t overheat AT fluid. The transmission CONNECTS the wheels to the motor, and the dead weight of the idling motor is what slows the car down, not the transmission itself

[@Algore-rk8mh]

Well from what I have heard when you rotors wear out once you can resurface them. Then next go around you replace them. Cant go wrong with autozone duralast rotors/brakes.

[@burntsky64]

This guy is dangerous. You shouldn't resurface drilled or slotted rotors. Resurface will not fix warped or overheated rotors. Not measuring the thickness and knowing the spec is dangerous. The piston can only extend so far before it won't reach the rotor. He's a risk to himself and others on the road. After filming this, if he gets into an accident due.to brake failure, he can be held liable or possibly criminally charged. A mechanic is paid more to cut rotors compared to installing a new set. It's not an upsell.

[@dawnolivo9645]

@@burntsky64he can not be held responsible for someone not doing their own researching prior to making a decision to resurface vs replacement. Lol

[@abanimishra3246]

Good knowledge and good job sir...love ❤❤❤ from India

[@INTERNA9]

LOVE it!

[@wan-juyim1919]

These days resurfacing is not norm. Replacing rotors seems to be time effective for mechanic's point of view.

[@lukylex]

Are you telling people to downshift on an automatic transmission just to save on rotors.? Ummm don't listen to this guy

[@slingbart705]

If you live in the Rust Belt you have to replace the rotors because they're a flakey rusted up mess, not worth a resurface which I've seen advertised now for $25 each locally, F that! Shop ahead of time from Rockauto for Coated Rotors and Ceramic Pads for $100 per axel. the end. if you shop at any local retail stores expect to pay 2x~3x as much.

[@Coronet_1969_]

Good tip but it's harder and harder to find shops that will resurface rotors these days. Any suggestions in finding shops that will do it?

[@JeffFlaro-k3o]

Orielly auto parts does this service.

[@TheWilferch]

Downshifting to slow the car down puts lot of extra stess on the transmission and transmission repairs or replacement are a lot more expensive than any brake work. Also.....trimming rotors.....when doing this you are (naturally) removing metal and REDUCING the thermal ballast of the original ( heavier) units.....if warping was the original cause then they will now warp even faster having less thermal mass. Don't use trans for braking.

[@JT-un7dc]

Where do you find resurfacing shops. I haven't seen them in years.

[@JeffFlaro-k3o]

Orielly auto parts does this service.

[@jimmycoleman5853]

Hey hello should I use trq front rotors & pads on 05 Buick park Ave

[@jefferysill5539]

Downshifting when you have 3rd pedal

[@AdamAnthonyAdventures]

1:24 yes - transfer the wear fro easy and cheap to replace brake parts to your transmission and engine 🤦‍♂️

[@aliciaherrera7162]

Huh

[@AdamAnthonyAdventures]

@@aliciaherrera7162 If you downshift on a steep hill to save your brakes, you're transferring the stress to your engine instead. I'd rather replace my brake than replace my engine, wouldn't you?

[@rocosho8089]

Guess the question at this point is if its a cvt or does the driver know the engines Achilles heels

[@cks6southsix262]

MY thoughts exactly!!! I’ll pay $100 to replace my rotors any day over 3-4k on a transmission repair!

[@MouseCIick]

a lot of time when i downshift and i dont even need to brake, but cars behind me will think im slow even thought its a red light and there is a suv in front of me.

[@zweisteinya]

@MouseClick The trick is to also press the brake lightly and the brakes lights will come on without really braking

[@NoLoyalMudHound96]

Yupp I think after 7 years it was time for new rotors , I could only resurface so many times before an expert told me, there is nothing left of these 😂😂

[@Altermyego-]

No no no I would much rather replace rotors then damage my Transmission furthermore, if I had a manual, I would put it in neutral and cost to the stop in order to preserve the Transmission

[@jamesdavisjr1086]

Nice video. I've known this for decades, problem is I can't seem to find anyone anymore to cut rotors.

[@derrickboyland6701]

O'Reilly

[@JT-un7dc]

​@derrickboyland6701 didn't know they offered resurfacing. Thanks, I'll look into it.

[@avflyguy]

The purpose of an automatic transmission which took a lot of engineering is to be able to put it in drive and leave it there. The old days of manual transmission are all but gone. Only very few cars even have an option of manual transmission any more. If you were towing a trailer, RV, and traveling on steep mountainous roads, yeah, then maybe force auto transmisson into a lower gear to assist in slowing the car/truck along with braking. 60+ years of driving and can't ever remember seeing a cart/truck on the side of the road because of brake failure. As stated, a new set of rotors (especially fronts) are a hell of a lot cheaper than potential damage to automatic transmission and/or engine. The manifold pressure gets slammed on the engine doing this procedure.

[@madmachine87]

Clearly this guy doesn't live in the rust belt, where rotors rot out long before they wear out.

[@tikillojr]

Rotors are shipper that a transmission or transmission oil change. Down shifting increases the temperature of your transmission fluid and need to be changed more often

[@barenekid9695]

Wellll Last time I looked. Clutches and transmissions are Waaaaay! more expensive wearable break parts.

[@TheDutchGuy110]

Brake first let the revs drop and then downshift when going downhill

[@mpasaa]

Expensive? What's expensive to you? I get good quality brake parts from Rock Auto and never had issues. And their prices are good. In fact you can buy parts based on your budget. I wouldn't skimp on brake parts myself but you could opt for economy parts versus high performance parts if you just want basic parts or have an older car that's just for routine commuting.

[@leetos.4915]

Would you recommend EBAY rotors? Great vid thanks

[@ianhillman4007]

I'd rather replace my rotors than my transmission

[@papabits5721]

Take care of your rotors? 🤣🤣🤣 that's how rotors work they turn kinetic energy into HEAT.

[@duncanmacl3od]

He's just telling you to basically not go down a hill on 5th or 6th gear with your foot constantly on the brake like an idi0t.

[@dbash2004]

Do you really think you should be skimping on the price of discs when they're going to be the difference between stopping in time or ending up as a bloody stain on the road surface? Save money on something else that's not going to be the difference in life and death imo.

[@jamescummings9305]

I’d rather replace rotors than my transmission

[@Chris-ut5ih]

Where in Hawaii are you? Aloha🤙

[@huzib.8623]

Rotors vs Transmission gear. Hmm, i take my chances to replace brake rotors more cheaper. Thousands on damage transmission downhill a NO. Why not brake late downhill instead. 😊

[@zweisteinya]

Braking late removes everyone's margin of safety...what if there's suddenly oil or gravel or a pedestrian or another guy like you?

[@PandiKristo]

Drive in mountain and don't downshift you don't have more brake because the brakes going hot. Maybe death.

[@ziggys745]

ya no, not downshifting an automatic to save on rotors. Better advice is not to brake hard or drag them. On a hill I would drop to a lower gear but not for normal driving. I use a disc grinder with flexible sanding pad to knock of the rust edges, and also use ceramic pads.

[@MrTanmancool]

Don’t wear out your rotors, wear out your transmission instead? Haha no way man, good brake rotors from Bosch and other companies are only $50 each.

[@Altermyego-]

No no no I would much rather replace rotors then damage my Transmission

[@ninaandsakura]

No one resurfaces rotors anymore.

[@Yeest540]

Until they're out of spec. Then you lose braking power.

[@omaralvarado1080]

Put a transmission should not be used to stop your car to expensive fails on you. 🕵🏼🕵🏼

[@MichaelRei99]

Are you trying to tell me that a mechanic will remove your rotor and resurface it for $30 ? No friggin way! You have to be removing them yourself which is not practical especially if you have only 1 car.

[@oliknow]

brake rotors are not expensive. decent brand, normal sized car. todays brakes have a minimum thickness not very far off from brand new. on my car the front has 2 mm new to minimum and rear 1.3 mm new to minimum. on this type of stuff resurfacing is absolutely pointless. I go through 2 sets of pads and the rotors are so worn that a third set of pads would wear them below minimum. that is with OE brand rotors, not cheap ebay parts

[@kalani777]

You on Maui?

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Big island!

[@scottmurray4689]

BS. I'm a professional mechanic and this advice is worthless. The VAST majority of cars today are AUTOMATIC. Downshifting wii mos def jack up your tranny! If you want to save a couple $$ have the rotors resurfaced, but be prepared to wait for hours as it's a slow process. Junk this video and buy good quality rotors and pads. You're welcome 🤗

[@duncanmacl3od]

In the US maybe, vast majority of cars in Europe are manual. And you being a mechanic obviously want people to spend spend spend. Got enough of mechanics these days, always trying to scam people with repairs they don't need.

[@joegame4576]

@@duncanmacl3od if you drive a manual, it's pretty dam obvious you should downshift because you need to go slower. this has nothing to do with using it as brake. for automatic, they downshift automatically (hence why it's called automatic) so there's no need to put it in manual mode. i don't necessarily agree that it will "jack up your traynny" but i do agree it's definitely unnecessary.

[@armanhemat1479]

This is a huge misinformation ! I am watching it again simple to give it a thumbs down,,, Do you know how much it costs to replace the transmission,,? I will report it as misinformation

[@JoRocket77]

I’m sure the cost varies from state to state…coast to coast.

[@UncleSarkis]

Reporting it for misinformation? Haha, you are hilarious.

[@johnnysmoothcanton]

Agreed what a clown....

[@duncanmacl3od]

You guys must be americans who can't drive anything but automatic, soon you'll be like in the movie wallE... but hey at least you won't be going downhill on 5/6th gear slamming the brakes like idi0ts😂

[@kevinspohn7392]

You, sir….are a grade A moron. What a tool. “Misinformation?!?” Wtf are you talking about, little bus???

[@vincentkosik403]

Yeah I'm going to downshift and mess of the cvt mickey mouse transmission...just joking I live in florida

[@benhaze1010]

Nobody resurfaces rotors anymore. This is a bad tip.

[@danielscott9137]

U can not resurface a warp

[@JoeTaco83]

Clown. This video is just gonna cause a lot of people to damage their transmission way sooner. Brake Rotor are way cheaper. Just buy rotors from a store that offers a 2 or 3 year warranty. (ATZone) 😉

[@robertvelasquez672]

Haha! Dont be silly

[@PhilipBowden-oz7mm]

Trave com o motor

[@amandar4980]

😂😂😂🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@Christopher-cf5sl]

OK cheap mechanic 😂

[@andreivartaci6653]

You talk nothing

[@carmelom269]

You say "a lot of auto parts stores resurface rotors" I am 60 yrs old and I have never visited an auto parts store that offers rotor resurfacing. Only know this to be a service offered by dealer service departments. What national franchise autocrats retailers can you name that offers rotor resurfacing service?

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

In my town O’reillys and car quest both offer this service.

[@carmelom269]

@@BudgetMechanicHawaii I’m on the Central-West coast of New Jersey and there are zero O’Reilys in the entire state. 😂 But, thanks for the retailer name drop. Good Video Post. 👍 Respect ✊🏾