Rotor question

[Lisa]

I have 43K on my car. It's under the factory warranty for another 2 months but I don't believe the rotors are covered. I was wondering if it's even worth it to have them machined, or if I should just get new ones? The only thing I have replaced so far is the rear pads at 38K.

 

[DrWebster]

How do the brakes feel? If you feel a pulsing through the brake pedal when braking normally, then your rotors are warped and should be machined. Otherwise, if the rotors look fine visually and braking feels normal, there's no need to machine or replace the rotors.

 

[dmention7]

What he said. Also, I've never seen the need to have rotors machined personally. If I'm going to go through all the trouble of taking them off, I'm just going to replace them outright, and OEM-spec rotors can easily be had for most cars for as low as $50/axle.

 

[JustROLLIN]

What he said. Also, I've never seen the need to have rotors machined personally. If I'm going to go through all the trouble of taking them off, I'm just going to replace them outright, and OEM-spec rotors can easily be had for most cars for as low as $50/axle.

Yes and no. If she plans on having the work done at some type of repair facility, then no. If you are doing the work in the driveway, then yes. On cars this small and light the rotors are not all that expensive to outright replace. Now a F350 truck on the other hand....

But, not to muddle the facts with other talk. As mentioned, if you are not having a vibe in the steering wheel or the seat of your pants when braking then I would leave it alone.

 

[Lisa]

Yes and no. If she plans on having the work done at some type of repair facility, then no. If you are doing the work in the driveway, then yes. On cars this small and light the rotors are not all that expensive to outright replace. Now a F350 truck on the other hand....

But, not to muddle the facts with other talk. As mentioned, if you are not having a vibe in the steering wheel or the seat of your pants when braking then I would leave it alone.

The steering wheel is vibrating when I brake. I am more than likely having the work done at Walser. A friend mentioned since it's still under warranty, they may not replace the rotors, but there may be a possibility they would machine them.

 

[niterydr]

Most the time brake components (wear items) like pads and rotors are not covered outside of but a basic 12/12 warranty, and thats even rare.

 

[dmention7]

Yeah, don't count on having the brakes covered. I would recommend not having the work done at a dealer unless they are doing it under warranty or are having a special... pads/rotors is an extremely simple job, and dealers love to rape you on that kind of work.

 

[DrWebster]

If your rotors are warped, and it sounds like they are, you should just replace them instead of getting machined. I can guarantee you a dealer won't cover that under warranty.

 

[JustROLLIN]

^^ I agree 100% with both of the above statements.

I would either find a capable independent shop or simply find a friend who can perform the work for you.

 

[Lisa]

Yeah, don't count on having the brakes covered. I would recommend not having the work done at a dealer unless they are doing it under warranty or are having a special... pads/rotors is an extremely simple job, and dealers love to rape you on that kind of work.

I didn't think they would be covered either. But, Walser did end up machining them at no charge and said the rotors were covered under the warranty. I guess it's a temporary fix until I can get them replaced. I hate going there, I assume they think because I'm a chick I don't know anything about cars and they will try to screw me over any way they can. I dealt with the service manager though, who seemed to be in a good mood. I guess that was in my favor!

 

[AJ]

call these guys when you're looking to replace:

http://www.brakeplace.com/

 

[dmention7]

Hey, if they machined them for free, that's a decent deal. Unless the vibration returns, you shouldn't have to worry about replacing them at least until your pads start to go.

Oftentimes, vibration under braking isn't caused by the rotors warping, but by the presence of a small area of harder metal in the rotor. As the surface wears down, this harder area wears less than the surrounding area, resulting in an uneven surface. If that was the case with your rotors, the vibration will likely return eventually... but in any case, you've bought some time.