Good or bad idea to have front rotors cut?

[04silversnake]

I took the car to the dealer b/c the steering was shaking when the brakes were applied. Ttold me they were warped, and needed to be cut. Do you think it should be fine as long as they are to spec "thickness" ? or they should have been replaced.
thanks.

 

[Phantom_LS2]

I'm pretty sure here that they don't "cut" your rotors? They turn them down. As far as I know it's ok to have them turned but you can only do it once. If you've got the money I'd go ahead and just get some new ones.

 

[04silversnake]

yeah, I thought turn them down and cut them meant the same thing. they probably turn them down. I'll get new ones when its time for new pads.

 

[BreBar21]

You can get OEM replacement rotors from Tirerack for the front for I think about $70 a side. I'm sure they meant they were going to "turn" them, not cut them down, even though they mean about the same thing.

 

[KJ Hoppus]

are you also getting a vibration in the brake pedal?

Turning the rotors actually cuts a layer off so cutting the rotors and turning the rotors are the same thing.

 

[04silversnake]

Have not noticed that. Dont think I did felt it in the pedal. I just picked the car from the dealer and its is fine. Not noticeable vibration anymore. I took a closed look at the rotors, and it look like they turn them a very thin layer, which its a good thing.

are you also getting a vibration in the brake pedal?

Turning the rotors actually cuts a layer off so cutting the rotors and turning the rotors are the same thing.

 

[Top_Fuel]

Glad your problem is fixed...but don't be shocked if you pick up the same vibration after a few thousand miles. Machining (cutting/turning/etc) the rotors is sometimes a temporary fix and the problem will just come back. If it happens again, ask the dealer to replace the rotors, or just pick up some aftermarket replacements (like someone suggested from the Tire Rack).

Just curious... Did they fix the problem under warranty and how many miles are on your car?

-Greg

 

[ralphy1798]

Glad your problem is fixed...but don't be shocked if you pick up the same vibration after a few thousand miles. Machining (cutting/turning/etc) the rotors is sometimes a temporary fix and the problem will just come back. If it happens again, ask the dealer to replace the rotors, or just pick up some aftermarket replacements (like someone suggested from the Tire Rack).

Just curious... Did they fix the problem under warranty and how many miles are on your car?

-Greg

TTT

 

[Silver2003Cobra]

on my 98 Vette, I had a problem with warping front rotors, the dealer turned them 4 times, (the 4th time they were too thin, and were replaced with new OEM rotors and pads) this happened right about 6K miles each time. Even with the new OEM rotors, about 6K miles they warped too.. (I wonder if taking it to 130+ and down to legal speeds all the time reasonably quickly had anything to do with it?)

 

[magstang1]

They told me the rotors were getting too hot and warping, so I took it up to 140 to cool 'em off.

 

[badboy]

I would just replace them. The turned rotors are thinner and will tend to warp more easily next time they get hot.

 

[Oh Three Cobra]

Really rotors should be cut every time the brake pads are changed. If they are below spec, replace them. Same thing with the flywheel. It makes a big difference. If you are having warping problems, are you romping on the brakes real hard and then parking with car with the e-brake on without giving them time to cool? That will warp them.

 

[ShelbyGuy]

this was the case about 20 years ago but a modern rotor isnt made thick enough to take a cutting each time. it is very much not needed, and not recommended especially on our cars. our rotors are disposable. throw them away when you're done.

99.9995% of all "warped rotors" are not warped rotors but an uneven application of brake pad transfer film.

Really rotors should be cut every time the brake pads are changed. If they are below spec, replace them. Same thing with the flywheel. It makes a big difference. If you are having warping problems, are you romping on the brakes real hard and then parking with car with the e-brake on without giving them time to cool? That will warp them.