C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

can OEM rotors be turned?

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Old 01-31-2011, 08:36 PM
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can OEM rotors be turned?

As the title says, can OEM rotors be turned? Im assuming the rears can, but the fronts cant because they are drilled...

BUT

a shop told me "we can turn the fronts, just need to go very slowly... Ive done Corvette Z06 rotors with no problem"... price to turn them, $75.

what do you guys say?
Old 01-31-2011, 09:18 PM
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None of the European manufacturers advise on machining rotors. BMW says they can't handle the heat as well after they've been machined.j

I'm not really sure what I'll do, but since I just put the CLK63 setup on my car I'll probably give it a try considering the cost of those front rotors. That'll probably be quite a few years down the road though.
Old 01-31-2011, 09:38 PM
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So not worth it!! Plus OEM Rotors aren't even that expensive. Like $120each I think. And I believe Zimmerman may even be cheaper, but will show rust.
Old 01-31-2011, 09:42 PM
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I've always been told never to turn drilled rotors. I heard it from various different european and japanese car mechanics. Conclusion, not really worth the risk, unless your feeling brave.
Old 01-31-2011, 10:07 PM
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ive turned rotors before, but its been on cars like G35 or Mazda 6... both were great success...
Old 01-31-2011, 10:15 PM
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$75 each, buy new.
Old 01-31-2011, 10:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Viper98912
$75 each, buy new.
OEM front drilled rotors? from where? thanks...
Old 02-01-2011, 12:24 AM
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Yea where can I find front OEM rotors for $75? I just bought Balo fronts from rmeuropean.com for $97 each and that was the cheapest I could find.
Old 02-01-2011, 05:40 AM
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I didn't mean that you could find new ones for 75, I meant that for a few dollars more you can get new ones.
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Old 02-01-2011, 10:47 PM
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i looked in a mechanic's manual, it said disk thickness of 1.082" is considered as throw away/replace...

i checked my pad thickness, its about 1.180"... resurfacing only takes off about 0.030" .. so there is enough pad to resurface...

i want to give this a try.. since there are so many mixed thoughts. so is $75 to resurface the front 2 a good price?
Old 02-01-2011, 11:42 PM
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Originally Posted by chargedC32
i looked in a mechanic's manual, it said disk thickness of 1.082" is considered as throw away/replace...

i checked my pad thickness, its about 1.180"... resurfacing only takes off about 0.030" .. so there is enough pad to resurface...

i want to give this a try.. since there are so many mixed thoughts. so is $75 to resurface the front 2 a good price?
Why even try? I just bought and replaced mine. Go to parts.com

OEM frt rotor part # 2034210912 COST $96.60 each
Old 02-02-2011, 07:33 AM
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I wouldn't mess with rotors. When you are going fast, you need to be able to stop reliably. Rotors are VERY easy to replace at home with basic hand tools. Go new.
Old 02-02-2011, 10:09 AM
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if i resurface, i save $200... i can use that for a jerry tune
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Old 02-02-2011, 10:18 AM
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But after your Jerry tune, you're going to want good rotors.
Old 02-02-2011, 11:30 AM
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Originally Posted by chargedC32
if i resurface, i save $200... i can use that for a jerry tune
...But, no reputable dealer or brake shop would turn drilled rotors. It's stupid.
Old 02-02-2011, 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by chargedC32
if i resurface, i save $200... i can use that for a jerry tune
In my mind there is a fine line between shopping smart and saving yourself a few bucks, and being cheap. You drive a C32, not a Ford Taurus. Spend the $97 per rotor for the front rotors, install them yourself (it is very easy if you are at all mechanically inclined) and drive confidently knowing that you have equipped your vehicle with safe equipment that will also improve your braking performance.

I know I am preaching, but I treat my C55 with great care and a warped sense of affection, knowing that if I take care of car, the car will take care of me and provide me (knock on wood) years and miles of enjoyment. Its like watering a plant, with 93 octane fuel and some TLC.

Last edited by mrobinso; 02-02-2011 at 01:38 PM.
Old 02-02-2011, 01:29 PM
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things with and without wheels
Minimum thickness spec is for when they are used up, by applying brakes through everyday driving without machining them.
If you turn the rotors(machine) you will remove metal, that will make the rotors warp easier or develop hard spots.
manufacturer recomends replacing the rotors for a reason.
Old 02-03-2011, 08:53 PM
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he says if i bring in brand new rotors, he's going to turn them before installing them...because even brand new rotors aren't perfect... what do you guys think about this?

by the way, does anyone know what thickness the OEM Mercedes front discs are when they are brand new????
Old 02-03-2011, 09:33 PM
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I think u need to check with a new mechanic....
Old 02-03-2011, 09:53 PM
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I disagree - new rotors (OEM or reputable IAM brands) are within runout spec and don't need to be turned. I would be more concerned that the hub is scrubbed and sanded perfectly clean and that there isn't bearing play of any kind. And a nice coating of sufficient lubricant to the mounting surfaces so you or the next guy can actually get the rotor off in the future.

Btw, Zimmermann rotors are coated and won't rust.

I stopped having rotors turned 15+ years ago, and have since always replaced. At $75, of course he's going to turn rotors!! He either has to pay for the machine, or he's paid for the machine and now putting ridiculous money in his pocket!! A modern lathe will turn a rotor in <5 min.

Turn a cross drilled rotor? The guy is negligent and you should run.

Let's see - $75 x 10 = $750 / hour. Not bad. (I gave some minutes to change rotors on the lathe!!)
Old 02-03-2011, 09:53 PM
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If you need to turn new rotors, you need to buy better quality rotors.
Old 02-04-2011, 06:00 PM
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Originally Posted by chargedC32
he says if i bring in brand new rotors, he's going to turn them before installing them...because even brand new rotors aren't perfect... what do you guys think about this?

by the way, does anyone know what thickness the OEM Mercedes front discs are when they are brand new????

My friend turned mine for me for free at his shop...waste of time. The face of the rotors developed a grain like appearance, the pedal pulsed like you wouldnt believe, and it chewed up the pads. Buy new rotors, do the job yourself. I wouldnt let someone cut a brand new set of rotors. It took me an hour and a half in my garage with hand tools and a jack.
Old 02-04-2011, 06:10 PM
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Make some rotors out of a pizza box, that would be super cheap! Lots of money for the tune and hospital bills
Old 02-04-2011, 06:19 PM
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Originally Posted by mkonei
My friend turned mine for me for free at his shop...waste of time. The face of the rotors developed a grain like appearance, the pedal pulsed like you wouldnt believe, and it chewed up the pads. Buy new rotors, do the job yourself. I wouldnt let someone cut a brand new set of rotors. It took me an hour and a half in my garage with hand tools and a jack.
No further evidence/convincing should be needed. Case closed.

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