Hey guys,

So my car started making some nasty sound the other day and I think it may have something to do with the fact that my driverside rear brake caliper was missing a brake pad on one side closer to the center of the car, dunno how the hell that happened...

but anyway, the rotor definitely has lines on it that you can feel(think its called scoring?)

Is there any way to salvage the rotor or is it toast?

Also, what should i check for on the caliper? I know something isnt right b/c I've never heard of a brake pad falling out before....

Thanks for your help in advance guys.

~Deep

 

Your rotor can be salvaged as long as the damage isn't too severe. Have a brake shop do whats called 'machining' to it, this will even out the rotor and get rid of any lip thats developed.

There's two screws that hold your pads into place, were they both there? How old was this pad?

 

im not sure how old the pad is as i havent changed since i got the car. Now before everyone gets all crazy :P I did check them and there was decent amount of pad left. On the remaining pad in that caliper it looked like there was some good meat on there.

Do you know how much it would be to get them machined (a.k.a turned?)

 

It maybe like $75 if you take them the rotors to turn. We charge .4 mechanical hours to do one rotor, which is $34 for one. It just depends what the shops in your area charge for mechanical work. Shop around for it though.

 

hmmmm....thinking possibly about getting cobra rear brake upgrade kit from summit:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FMS-M-2300-M/

I may or may not have to replace the caliper, I'll have to check. Otherwise, I'd just need the kit and some pads, right? I've read that if I keep my calipers, I may need to grind them a little to fit the bigger rotors...

If I do go this route, I think I'll have to pull the axles to put it on so while im in there, is there anything else you guys recommend I change/replace?

 

if i was to go the machining route, what is the minimum reqd thickness before they would be unsafe?

 

You won't need a new caliper just because your pad fell off. They'll tell you if its worth turning at the machine shop. It costs almost as much as a new rotor though.

 

i only charge $15 to turn a rotor, it doesnt take any work other then chucking on a lathe, the machine does the rest .3 hours is over kill if you spend more then 15 minutes at the lathe your doing it wrong >.< put it on walk away

 

If the pad fell out, then the piston extended into the rotor. It might be cheaper to replace the whole caliper than rebuild the current one, if the piston was severly damaged.

 

Yeah, thats what I was thinking as well. Any ideas of what would cause the pad to come out??? I think I will replace the caliper just for my own peace of mind.