Brake Rotors
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Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 90
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From: Massachusetts
2001 clk320
Brake Rotors
I have read many threads about this, but still not sure if I should replace the front rotors or just turn them. I don't have any shaking going on when I brake at any speed. The rotors look good visually. What do you guys think I should do?
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
If the question is: I'm doing a brake job and I don't know what to do about my rotors -
I'd buy a micrometer and measure the thickness of the rotors. Although to a lessor degree, like brake pads, rotors wear (they get thinner). Once they've worn to a certain point, they should be replaced when changing pads. That's because once they get past a certain thickness, they will warp. Micrometers are inexpensive and easy to use.
Mercedes-Benz advises that their rotors should not be turned. Porsche states the same thing. Turning them removes material. This makes them thinner than they already are.
I'd buy a micrometer and measure the thickness of the rotors. Although to a lessor degree, like brake pads, rotors wear (they get thinner). Once they've worn to a certain point, they should be replaced when changing pads. That's because once they get past a certain thickness, they will warp. Micrometers are inexpensive and easy to use.
Mercedes-Benz advises that their rotors should not be turned. Porsche states the same thing. Turning them removes material. This makes them thinner than they already are.
Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 215
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From: Baltimore, Md
2016 C450 AMG
If they look good visually, and they dont vibrate or pulsate, then I would think there is no need to do anything. Id wait until you need to change pads, and then measure the rotor thickness as advised above.
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 503
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From: Bay Area
'05 c230 Kompressor Sport Sedan
Yes, if everything looks fine, do the measuring. If you dn't know where to start and you're as much of a beginner as me, then...
....touch the rotors with your finger. Glide it across in every direction and feel if it's smooth. If there's grooves and any unevenness, you need to change rotors asap. If not, then it doesn't necessarily mean that you should keep 'em. It could be warped but not detectable by the dumb finger method. In either case, I highly recommend the meter as stated above.
THanks for the photo by the way. Your contribution helps.
....touch the rotors with your finger. Glide it across in every direction and feel if it's smooth. If there's grooves and any unevenness, you need to change rotors asap. If not, then it doesn't necessarily mean that you should keep 'em. It could be warped but not detectable by the dumb finger method. In either case, I highly recommend the meter as stated above.
THanks for the photo by the way. Your contribution helps.
Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 151
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From: Bremerton, WA
2000 ML430
Never turn a rotor, especially if it's already starting to warp. Use the MBZ deglazing pads or replace them.
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 349
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From: San Diego, CA
2004 E55 AMG
I'll agree with everyone here and say replace the rotors.
New rotors aren't that expensive (especially blank ones) and turning the rotors will probably cost you $15-$20 each anyway.
Theoretically, new rotors are *supposed* to be turned to check for an even surface before installing, but this shouldn't be a problem if you're using high-quality OEM-replacement rotors (such as brembo blanks)
New rotors aren't that expensive (especially blank ones) and turning the rotors will probably cost you $15-$20 each anyway.
Theoretically, new rotors are *supposed* to be turned to check for an even surface before installing, but this shouldn't be a problem if you're using high-quality OEM-replacement rotors (such as brembo blanks)
