how do i know if my rotors need to be replaced or if they can be turned? not totally sure i am using the right 'lingo' in my question....im flying solo since my man (meching on cars was his passion~not my department) sadly passed away 9-11-07 any pointers would be much appreciated...i know when he did my f150 front brakes, he had the rotors turned... hope i'm not biting off more than i can chew! wish me luck. thanks for the hep

madison

 

If your pads are worn out and you are putting in new ones, it is a good idea to have the rotors lightly turned.

 

Madison definitley replace your brake pads if they are worn out.
As for the rotors I wouldn't take a chance a getting the rotors
resurfaced because if they aren't resurfaced correctly you will
have high spots on the rotors.I would just get brand new rotors
instead.If I were getting rotors again I would get Brembo rotors.

 

Any competent Auto parts store can measure (micrometer) the rotors to see if they are still safely able to be turned. You need to take them off the car and take them in.

As long as they are within the allowable measurements, then it is safe to have them turned. And the machines used to turn them CAN'T create high spots on them. The mechanics of how the machine that turns them functions makes that impossible.

If they are turned/resurfaced and there is not enough good metal, then the heat can warp them. Which would cause high spots. Thats why the safety standards and tolerances are set my the manufacturers. If they Mic them and they are already too thin then you have to purchase new ones.

It would be a lot less expensive to have them resurfaced than replacing them.