Resurfacing Rotors

01White5spd · May 29, 2004

My stang needs new pads soon and I had some questions about rotors:

1. Is it necessary to resurface rotors every time pads are changed or is it only when there are imperfections in the rotor surface.

2. If it is necessary to resurface rotors then do crossdrilled or slotted rotors need to be changed with every pad change because they can't be resurfaced?

Ernad · May 29, 2004

My adivce: Get new rotors. Yeah, $$$ might be an issue, but four stock rotors should not cost more than $200. Resurfacing rotors is illegal in some european countries, and it is so for a reason.

SpectorV · May 29, 2004

resurfacing rotors is ok.... but they wont last nearly as long as a new set will, the best thing to do is buy a new set, and you can not have yoru oems cross drilled, and if someone says they can dont its very dangerous..... if you do buy cross drilled they wont stop as good not as much surface area, they are ONLY for looks and hard breaking will make them crack. if you notice any warped rotors its bad to not replace them.

88GTMustang · May 29, 2004

SpectorV said:
resurfacing rotors is ok.... but they wont last nearly as long as a new set will, the best thing to do is buy a new set, and you can not have yoru oems cross drilled, and if someone says they can dont its very dangerous..... if you do buy cross drilled they wont stop as good not as much surface area, they are ONLY for looks and hard breaking will make them crack. if you notice any warped rotors its bad to not replace them.

I thought they were used to help keep the brakes cooler to help them stop better?? but maybe im wrong?!!?

'03 6-Speed · May 29, 2004

cross-drilled rotors do both of what you said, but they way they improve stopping is when the heat is induced into them, its is removed quicker, reducing the chance of fade, but if they are not used in any extreme conditions where fade really becomes an issue, all they do is reduce braking ability.

BABstangV6 · May 29, 2004

He is saying OEM cross drilled brakes arent any better then non cross drilled OEM brakes. They can be helpful when the rotors are suppose to be cross drilled (ex. bear brakes) Being cross drilled helps the gas that is created when stopping escape

sorry 6 speed i see you already answered

SpectorV · May 29, 2004

actually the sloted and drilled rotors are for looks they will not help the brakes in ANY way what so ever, back in the day brake pads released a gas when they were forced down on the rotor and the slots and holes allowed the gas some where to go, now they are only for looks an make the rotor much weaker. if you want long life in your rotors dont get any cross drilled or sloted. and you cant have them turned once they are worn they have to be replaced.

GREENBIOCH · May 29, 2004

SpectorV said:
actually the sloted and drilled rotors are for looks they will not help the brakes in ANY way what so ever, back in the day brake pads released a gas when they were forced down on the rotor and the slots and holes allowed the gas some where to go, now they are only for looks an make the rotor much weaker. if you want long life in your rotors dont get any cross drilled or sloted. and you cant have them turned once they are worn they have to be replaced.

I would agree partialy with you....but from the show I saw the other day, cross drilled are definately not for Daily driver type cars, slotted is a better choice if you must get some pimpin rotors. and the slotted will actually heat up more not stay cooler.

also, I resurfaced my rotors and did the brake pads over a year ago and there still fine.

01White5spd · May 29, 2004

Thanks for the advice, I don't think I'm gonna get the cross-drilled rotors. My current rotors are the originals and they have 41000 miles on them. If they do not apear to be warped or have any visible imperfections in them is it OK for me to just put on a new set of pads and just clean the rotors? Also, how can I tell if they are warped?

GREENBIOCH · May 29, 2004

01White5spd said:
Thanks for the advice, I don't think I'm gonna get the cross-drilled rotors. My current rotors are the originals and they have 41000 miles on them. If they do not apear to be warped or have any visible imperfections in them is it OK for me to just put on a new set of pads and just clean the rotors? Also, how can I tell if they are warped?

I would get them resurfaced regardless...its like 20 bucks....you won't be able to see warping...unless it is really bad, but then you'd probably notice it driving. The best way to tell is when you step on the brakes while driving and the steering wheel starts to pulse or shake...your rotors are probably warped. I would definately get them resurfaced though at the very least..save you from doing the job twice.

Birchscott · May 30, 2004

If your rotors appear to be sound (ie free of any cracks (of any size), warpage, nicks, or gouges), then re-surfacing shouldn't be necessary. Its always just a good idea to do it when you change your pads simply because you already have the caliper off. Its a good maintenance procedure but is by no means required. But like I said, make sure nothing is wrong with the rotor. If its warped, replace it. Rarely can warps be milled out and even when they can be, you will probably cut more off than allowed by the minimum thickness spec.

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