I have scoured this site (and our friend google) and found some mixed reviews and am looking for some suggestions on replacing (or resurfacing) my rotors. I have had a pulsating for awhile now and assumed my rotors were warped. I last replaced them about 6 years ago and almost 50k miles ago. I also don't drive the car often, so it does sit around in the rain often (which might lead to faster degradation). I had my tires rotated and had the Goodyear shop take a look at my brakes (no charge of course) and they suggested resurfacing the rotors (for a mere $75 each...). So, here are my questions:

1. Should I replace the rotors or resurface them? My thought is they are fairly inexpensive these days...
2. If I replace them, what type (brand or other feature) of rotor should I use (the last ones I used were Raybestos advanced technology coupled with Raybestos advanced technology ceramic pads)? As a note, I believe in spending a little extra for something that will last.
3. Goodyear did NOT suggest replacing the pads, should I also replace these if I am replacing the rotors?
4. My previously replacement was due to warped rotors...is there anything I should be looking at that may be the cause (other than my infrequent driving)...I don't brake aggressively, but have mostly been an in town commuter (not much highway driving)?

Thanks.

Replace, don't re-surface.


I prefer Akebono, but have used the Raybestos in the past with good results.


Replace the pads.


The two primary causes of warped rotors are over-torqued lug nuts, and heavy braking followed by sitting in traffic. The heavy braking heats the pads up, and sitting in traffic causes the pads to sit on the rotor in the same spot for extended periods of time.

By the way, rockauto.com is where I buy all my brake parts. Search the forum for rockauto discount code, good for 5%.

If your car is a keeper, get AC Delco rotors, just $30. If you have nice alloy wheels and can easily see the rotors through them, spend a few more bucks and at least get the coated version but preferably the professional grade with powder coated centers. If it'* just a beater, the $18 pucks will be just fine

hello,

the reason your barkes are pulsating, they are warped, aka too much run-out

both the hub bearing assembly, and rotor will have run-out

find a shop that has an on-car brake lathe system, just call and ask

they can turn (resurface) your rotors that will correct both bearing assembly and rotor run-out,

if you simply toss on a new set of rotors, it will still have run-out, you will only gain a short time before you feel the pulsing brakes again

you can purchase new rotors, but you still need to have them turned on the car so they match your hub assembly, and all run-out removed, mark each rotor and a stud with a paint marker, so if you ever remove a rotor to do work, you will want to reinstall the rotor exactly where it was...

hope this helps