front rotors = one time use only ??
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: irvine
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
front rotors = one time use only ??
Is it true that the front rotors on the Z are one time use only? I need to get my pads changed and I'm told that I have to replace my front rotors when I get my pads changed out. The rears can be machined, so no new rotors for the rears. Is this true? I've searched and searched with no luck. Thanks for the help in advance
#3
Registered User
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: irvine
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm not sure if I asked the question correctly.
What I meant to say was, I was told that all Zs have to switch out their front rotors when they change the brake pads for the first time. Is this true? This is the first time I heard of this. I assumed both front and rears were able to be machined (resurfaced) since this will be my first brake pad change. Thanks again for all the help.
What I meant to say was, I was told that all Zs have to switch out their front rotors when they change the brake pads for the first time. Is this true? This is the first time I heard of this. I assumed both front and rears were able to be machined (resurfaced) since this will be my first brake pad change. Thanks again for all the help.
#4
Banned
iTrader: (44)
and you didn't understand his answer correctly.
but to elaborate: all solid brake rotors are reusable to a certain thickness. every time you change pads, you need to resurface the rotor to remove different pad deposits (if changing pad design) so you don't cause hot spots and so the pads bed properly. The dealership, for example, will measure the rotor thickness with that sweet guage David posted and then check the service manual to see what the acceptable range is. too thin and the brakes will not work properly and they will tell you to replace them (and usually provide the measurement on your work report)... you can normally get two to three pad changes out of a front rotor on the Z. more if you don't have pad deposit problems and they don't need to be turned too much to refresh them.
so the short answer: no, whoever told you that is a ****ing idiot.
but to elaborate: all solid brake rotors are reusable to a certain thickness. every time you change pads, you need to resurface the rotor to remove different pad deposits (if changing pad design) so you don't cause hot spots and so the pads bed properly. The dealership, for example, will measure the rotor thickness with that sweet guage David posted and then check the service manual to see what the acceptable range is. too thin and the brakes will not work properly and they will tell you to replace them (and usually provide the measurement on your work report)... you can normally get two to three pad changes out of a front rotor on the Z. more if you don't have pad deposit problems and they don't need to be turned too much to refresh them.
so the short answer: no, whoever told you that is a ****ing idiot.
#5
Registered User
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: irvine
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
and you didn't understand his answer correctly.
but to elaborate: all solid brake rotors are reusable to a certain thickness. every time you change pads, you need to resurface the rotor to remove different pad deposits (if changing pad design) so you don't cause hot spots and so the pads bed properly. The dealership, for example, will measure the rotor thickness with that sweet guage David posted and then check the service manual to see what the acceptable range is. too thin and the brakes will not work properly and they will tell you to replace them (and usually provide the measurement on your work report)... you can normally get two to three pad changes out of a front rotor on the Z. more if you don't have pad deposit problems and they don't need to be turned too much to refresh them.
so the short answer: no, whoever told you that is a ****ing idiot.
but to elaborate: all solid brake rotors are reusable to a certain thickness. every time you change pads, you need to resurface the rotor to remove different pad deposits (if changing pad design) so you don't cause hot spots and so the pads bed properly. The dealership, for example, will measure the rotor thickness with that sweet guage David posted and then check the service manual to see what the acceptable range is. too thin and the brakes will not work properly and they will tell you to replace them (and usually provide the measurement on your work report)... you can normally get two to three pad changes out of a front rotor on the Z. more if you don't have pad deposit problems and they don't need to be turned too much to refresh them.
so the short answer: no, whoever told you that is a ****ing idiot.
thanks again to both Davidv and Motormouth
#6
Sponsor
Forged Performance
Forged Performance
iTrader: (92)
Rotors are definately reusable, provided they do not exceed the recommended minimumn thickness.
As a general rule of thumb, I would resurface one time max....then time for new rotors....speaking of OEM rotors.
If you are getting a brake job, you might consider just doing a Stop Tech stage II Upgrade and call it a day. 4 new slotted rotors, new pads, lines, and fluids all around: http://www.forgedperformance.com/store/home.php?cat=440
#7
Registered User
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: irvine
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You are cheating with that fancy digital device. No fair...we use the manual models.
Rotors are definately reusable, provided they do not exceed the recommended minimumn thickness.
As a general rule of thumb, I would resurface one time max....then time for new rotors....speaking of OEM rotors.
If you are getting a brake job, you might consider just doing a Stop Tech stage II Upgrade and call it a day. 4 new slotted rotors, new pads, lines, and fluids all around: http://www.forgedperformance.com/store/home.php?cat=440
Rotors are definately reusable, provided they do not exceed the recommended minimumn thickness.
As a general rule of thumb, I would resurface one time max....then time for new rotors....speaking of OEM rotors.
If you are getting a brake job, you might consider just doing a Stop Tech stage II Upgrade and call it a day. 4 new slotted rotors, new pads, lines, and fluids all around: http://www.forgedperformance.com/store/home.php?cat=440
Trending Topics
#8
Registered User
iTrader: (11)
What the shop told you is RIGHT, since they dont want to do an half-*** brake job by just replacing the pads.
350z front rotors are just like most of the European car's brake rotors. The brake pads actually bite inside the rotor and leave alone the outer edge. So it cannot be resurfaced since it will break the bits on the brake lathe. HOWEVER, it can be reuse without resurfacing for 2-3 brake pads change, as long as the rotors have no hot spots and still true.
-Pat
350z front rotors are just like most of the European car's brake rotors. The brake pads actually bite inside the rotor and leave alone the outer edge. So it cannot be resurfaced since it will break the bits on the brake lathe. HOWEVER, it can be reuse without resurfacing for 2-3 brake pads change, as long as the rotors have no hot spots and still true.
-Pat
#9
Banned
iTrader: (44)
You are cheating with that fancy digital device. No fair...we use the manual models.
Rotors are definately reusable, provided they do not exceed the recommended minimumn thickness.
As a general rule of thumb, I would resurface one time max....then time for new rotors....speaking of OEM rotors.
If you are getting a brake job, you might consider just doing a Stop Tech stage II Upgrade and call it a day. 4 new slotted rotors, new pads, lines, and fluids all around: http://www.forgedperformance.com/store/home.php?cat=440
Rotors are definately reusable, provided they do not exceed the recommended minimumn thickness.
As a general rule of thumb, I would resurface one time max....then time for new rotors....speaking of OEM rotors.
If you are getting a brake job, you might consider just doing a Stop Tech stage II Upgrade and call it a day. 4 new slotted rotors, new pads, lines, and fluids all around: http://www.forgedperformance.com/store/home.php?cat=440
thanks for that advice though... 1 time.. always be safer than sorry : )
#10
Banned
iTrader: (44)
What the shop told you is RIGHT, since they dont want to do an half-*** brake job by just replacing the pads.
350z front rotors are just like most of the European car's brake rotors. The brake pads actually bite inside the rotor and leave alone the outer edge. So it cannot be resurfaced since it will break the bits on the brake lathe. HOWEVER, it can be reuse without resurfacing for 2-3 brake pads change, as long as the rotors have no hot spots and still true.
-Pat
350z front rotors are just like most of the European car's brake rotors. The brake pads actually bite inside the rotor and leave alone the outer edge. So it cannot be resurfaced since it will break the bits on the brake lathe. HOWEVER, it can be reuse without resurfacing for 2-3 brake pads change, as long as the rotors have no hot spots and still true.
-Pat
#13
Registered User
iTrader: (11)
I re-used my front rotors without resurfacing it for 2 brake pads replacement without any problems. It's all about the run-out limit and thickness left on the discs, thats why somebody above already mentioned to use a proper measurement tool to inspect the discs. If you are not sure, why risk your life by going cheap on one of the most important safety device? I bet your life worth much more than that.
-Pat
Last edited by pchio; 01-26-2009 at 11:53 AM.
#14
Registered User
iTrader: (11)
I agree! Everyone has different driving style. Some brake a lot and hard, some drive on the freeway and rarely use their brakes. So the mileage vary, always have someone experienced to check the brakes instead of guessing it. My pads worn out completely in 2 track days lol
-Pat
#15
Banned
iTrader: (44)
I have a 350z whith 70k mileage, so I know how the rotors are. and no I dont know which shop he went to. But I am a ASE certified mechanic and I do own a shop. The Z front rotors are not re-serviceable, even Nissan dealers will tell you the same thing.
I re-used my front rotors without resurfacing it for 2 brake pads replacement without any problems. It's all about the run-out limit and thickness left on the discs, thats why somebody above already mentioned to use a proper measurement tool to inspect the discs. If you are not sure, why risk your life by going cheap on one of the most important safety device? I bet your life worth much more than that.
-Pat
I re-used my front rotors without resurfacing it for 2 brake pads replacement without any problems. It's all about the run-out limit and thickness left on the discs, thats why somebody above already mentioned to use a proper measurement tool to inspect the discs. If you are not sure, why risk your life by going cheap on one of the most important safety device? I bet your life worth much more than that.
-Pat
and you just agreed with Sharif (below your quoted post) and says he resurfaces rotors.
you make no sense.
#16
Super Moderator
MY350Z.COM
MY350Z.COM
iTrader: (8)
#20
Registered User
iTrader: (11)
it's funny that I have had my rotors resurfaced at the dealership and that nice little lip you are talking about, was gone. and I've had a different set of rotors turned at other machine shops.
and you just agreed with Sharif (below your quoted post) and says he resurfaces rotors.
you make no sense.
and you just agreed with Sharif (below your quoted post) and says he resurfaces rotors.
you make no sense.
Also, The documented total allowable wear on front 350z brake rotors is 2mm, so its like 1mm per side. By the time the brake pads is due, and the rotors have noticeable lips, it doesnt have much left for the cut. And if they careful enough and assuming they have a very good condition rotor lathe, and hoping they only need to do 1 cut, they maybe able to do it. I bet most of the shops, even dealer will not bother measuring the finish thickness at all, and you probably will not notice the rotors are below limit anyway.
I just agreed on what I have quoted on Sharif. What make no sense?
Last edited by pchio; 01-26-2009 at 02:12 PM.