How and When to Replace Rotors [Definitive Guide]

Some brake rotors are more susceptible to wear than others. In other words, the degree to which a rotor wears out varies and depends on the type of material and the driving style. For example, if you drive in the city often, you will likely replace brake pads and rotors more than those who drive long distances.

A rotor's material composition is essential, which is why certain materials are better used in manufacturing rotors than others.

Material Composition of Brake Rotors

Different types of rotors are made with different materials. These materials include;

Cast iron is the most commonly used material for making rotors. Besides that, the material is weighty and can affect the handling of your vehicle.

Steel - This material is thinner than cast iron, weightless, and handles heat better. They are used in most racing cars. However, it is not as durable as cast iron and is susceptible to warping and pulsation.

Layered Steel - Layered steel material is similar to steel, but this one comes with layered steel sheets. This means that there are quite many few steels laminated. As a result, this material is more effective against warp and pulsation.

Aluminum - This rotor material can dissipate heat swiftly, but the downside of this material is it melts at a lower temperature. It also weighs less and is suitable for motorcycles.

Ceramic - Think of the Ferrari, Aston Martin, and other super-fast cars. The ceramic material is what's used on their rotors. Ceramics has the highest heat capacity and dissipates heat much faster than all the materials in this list. So when it comes to performance, the ceramic is the best-known rotor.

High Carbon - A mixture of iron and carbon is what makes the high-carbon material. They can dissipate heat quickly and helps the rotor to avoid cracking under stress and pulsating. However, it is pricey.

When to Replace Rotors

How do you know when it's time to replace your vehicle's rotor? What you must know is brake rotors wear in several ways. Sometimes, the damages are difficult to detect. However, while it may seem impossible at times to recognize these damages, there are noticeable signs indicating that it is the right time to replace your rotors.

Unlike brakes that have wear indicators, rotors don't. So you have to be observant and be up-to-date with regular checkups to know when it's time to replace a rotor.

These signs include:

Pulsations/Vibrations - When you apply the brakes, vibrations occur till the car comes to a stop. This is not a healthy vibration and signifies that your rotor may need a replacement.

Bluish discolorations - Sometimes, when you check the surface of the rotor, you may observe that it looks bluish. This is because the rotor cannot dissipate heat as it should. Instead, the leftover heat will form blue rings. So again, it's a sign that you may need rotor replacement.

Deep grooves on the surface of the rotor - A failing rotor will have grooves on its surface against a smooth and flat surface. Grooves arise as a result of constant brake pads. This is an indication that you need to replace your rotor.

Extending stops - vibrations, squeaky noises, and grooves can affect the response of the brake pads when they press against the rotor. As a result, when you apply the brakes, the car doesn't usually stop when it ought to. Instead, it will give you an extended stop. This translates to a failing rotor and may need immediate replacement.

Warping - Drivers can detect this condition with ease. As the motor wear with age, the pads will no longer make contact with the rotors. This makes it difficult for the brakes to respond when applying the brake pedals. Thus, reducing the braking ability.

Pulling - Pulling is a common issue drivers experience when they are on the road. It can be caused by various factors, such as warped rotors or an improperly adjusted brake system. When your vehicle pulls to one side while driving, it can be very dangerous and make other drivers on the road angry.

Scoring - When scoring your rotors and brake pads, it is important to ensure that they are flat on one another. If you run your finger across the rotors and feel deep grooves, this is a sign that the brake pads have worn down past the wear indicator and are now digging into the rotors. This can be accompanied by a grinding noise as well. To ensure proper braking, it is essential that the rotors and pads are flush with one another, like a stack of pancakes.

Rusting - Rust is an unsightly and potentially dangerous condition that can affect rotors. Rotors are made of high iron content, making them prone to rusting when exposed to moisture for prolonged periods. While some rust (in the form of small spots) is not necessarily bad and will wear off as you drive, excess rust should be addressed immediately.

These are signs that indicate that you need to do something to your rotor. However, when an early diagnosis is made, you can resurface the rotor to make it smooth and flat. Then, you need to purchase new brake pads because there is every tendency that they may be unequally worn.

However, you can only resurface rotors for a limited amount of time. Resurfacing reduces the thickness, making the rotor thinner. If the rotor should go below the minimum thickness, brake pads and rotors replacement is the best option.

Also, some manufacturers recommend that rotors should be replaced after it exceeds certain mileage, usually between 30,000 - 70,000. Some manufacturers may recommend more. Reading your vehicle's manual to be acquainted with such information is important. So if your brake rotors exceed the recommended mileage, you should replace the rotor as soon as possible.

Sometimes, replacing the rotor isn't just enough. Replacing the brake pads alongside it will guarantee excellent brake performance. Unfortunately, chances are the brake pads that will be affected by the old rotor. So it's a good thumb rule to replace brake pads whenever you intend on replacing your brake rotors.

How to Replace Brake Rotors

To replace brake rotors, you will need the following tools:

• C-clamp.

• Torque wrench.

• Brake cleaner.

• Jack stand

• WD-40 or any other lubricant.

• Breaker bar.

• Thread locker.

• Anti-seize lubricant.

Steps

• Jack up your vehicle. Loosen the nuts.

• Remove the wheel nuts and then take off the wheels.

• Unfasten the brake caliper at the back of the calipers. To make the process easier, start by loosening the bolt on the base before you move to the top. If all the bolts are hard to remove, use lubricants like WD-40.

• When you are done, remove the caliper and set it aside. Remove the upper caliper fastener.

• Unbolt the caliper from below the knuckle. Use a breaker bar to loosen the fasteners if it refuses to unbolt.

• Remove the caliper from the rotating disc. Keep the caliper safe by tieing the caliper to a close suspension component with a piece of rope or wire to support it to avoid any damage to the brake lines.

• Take off the rotors. If you find it difficult to take them off, use a hammer to hit the surface to break them free. It may be due to dust and friction.

• Spray the axle hub with anti-seize lubricant.

• Clean your new rotor's front and rear sides with a brake cleaner spray. This will take off any dust or debris.

• Use a C-clamp and compress the piston back to the disc to avoid pulling out.

• Put the calipers back on the rotating disc. Start bolting. Ensure you torque the bolts properly. Refer to your manual if you have any misunderstandings.

• Lubricate the caliper pins before putting them back. This will enable the brakes and the new caliper to function at the optimum.

• Reinstall the wheels and torque the nuts with the torque wrench.