Can you replace brake pads with bad rotors? A:
Unless the rotors are worn beyond the mandatory discard thickness, we prefer to replace the pads only
. Not only does this obviously save money, but time. New pads must be burnished into new rotors before the best braking performance is achieved.
What happens if I replace my brake pads but not my rotors?
As a result,
the new brake pads might not fit the old rotor perfectly
. This mismatch creates brake noise and vibration and can cause uneven wear on the new brake pads (which will lead to premature brake pad replacement). You also need to consider that an older, worn rotor may need replacing in the near future anyway.
Is it OK to put new brake pads on bad rotors?
If new brake pads are put onto a vehicle with damaged rotors,
the pad won't properly contact the rotor surface, reducing the vehicle's stopping ability
. Deep grooves that have developed in a worn rotor will act as a hole-puncher or shredder and damage the pad material as it is pressed against the rotor.
Do I have to replace my rotors when I replace my brakes?
What are the signs of bad rotors?
- Vibration in the Steering Wheel. …
- Pulsating Brake Pedal. …
- Intermittent Brake Noises. …
- Grinding When Hitting Brakes. …
- Screeching After Brake Pad Installation. …
- Out-Of-Round Rotors. …
- Deep Grooves or Score Marks. …
- Cracked Rotors.
How do I know if I need brakes or rotors?
- When Should You Change Brake Pads And Rotors? …
- Squeaking or Squealing Coming From Brakes. …
- Grinding Sound When Braking. …
- Vibration When Braking. …
- Taking Longer To Stop. …
- Brake Pad Indicator Light Comes On. …
- Your Brake Pads Appear To Be Thin. …
- Experiencing Brake Issues?
How long can you go with bad rotors?
Your rotors are one of the most durable parts of your car, but the above factors can shorten their lifespan. Expect your rotors to last anywhere from
30,000-70,000 miles
depending on the above factors.
How much do new rotors cost?
How much does it cost to replace the brake pads and rotors? Rotors cost
between $30 and $75 each
. Labor to replace rotors and pads is around $150 to $200 per axle. Brake pads and rotors come out to around $250 to $500 per axle.
Can you drive with bad rotors?
If you suspect you have warped rotors or your brakes are failing, it is important that you
avoid driving your vehicle
and contact a mechanic right away. Driving with warped rotors potentially will result in a brake system failure, which can cause injury to yourself and those around you.
Should I replace all 4 rotors?
You do not need to replace all 4 rotors at the same time
, but it is recommended to replace the rotors and pads as a set for each axle front or back at the same time. If the front brakes need to be replaced but the rear brakes are not worn out yet, then you do not need to replace the rear brakes.
What do warped rotors feel like?
If you notice your
steering wheel or brake pedal wobble
when you apply the brakes to slow down or stop, chances are your rotors are warped. If the warp isn't too bad, you might not really notice the shaking. If the warp is serious, you'll definitely feel the vibration.
How much should a full brake job cost?
Depending on the vehicle you drive, there can be a pretty big difference in pricing. The average brake pad replacement costs around
$150 per axle
, but these costs can rise to around $300 per axle depending on your vehicle's brake pad materials. The least expensive brake pads use organic material.
Can I replace rotors myself?
The rotors may be snug, but they will come off with a bit of elbow grease, a screwdriver, and some light taps from a mallet.
Before placing a new rotor on, ensure there's no residue left on them with a quick spray of some handy-dandy brake cleaner. Then, install the new pads, replace the hardware, and the job is done.
How long does it take to replace rotors?
Consider this: even an expert automotive technician takes between
30 minutes to an hour or more
to replace the brake pads and rotors on some vehicles.
What makes rotors go bad?
Rotors help absorb heat created during braking, and dissipate it while driving, but
heat is the main reason rotors wear and warp
. Glazing occurs when rotors are overheated to the point that the metal hardens to a smooth shiny finish and can no longer create friction when the brake pads clamp around the rotor.
Can I replace just the front brake pads?
You can replace your brake pads in pairs (the front or the rear) at the same time or separately
. If your front brake pads are in need of repair or replacement, your mechanic can fix this issue independently. It's also important to note that your front and rear brake pads wear at very different rates.
What does a worn rotor sound like?
Noises When the Vehicle Brakes
Warped rotors can cause a squeaking noise when the brakes are applied. They can also make a
scraping or grinding sound
when they're warped and worn down. The squealing noise, however, can also be made by brake pads that are worn out.
Why does my car shake after changing the brake pads?
Brake shudder can be caused by a number of things including damaged rotors, malfunctioning calipers, or
new brake pads that have not been properly broken in after replacement
. The source of where the shudder is felt can clue you in as to whether the front or rear brakes are to blame for the shudder.
How do I check my rotors?
How much does Pepboys charge for brakes and rotors?
To replace both brakes and rotors at Pep Boys, you can expect to pay in the range of
$350-$435
. This pricing reflects their standard brake service, which includes Wagner brake pad installation, resurfacing of brake rotors/drums, a lifetime warranty on brake pads/shoes, and a 1 year/12,000 mile warranty on labor.
Can I drive my car with grinding brakes?
You really shouldn't keep driving your car if the brakes are grinding
—it's not safe, and it might make the problem even worse. You should have a mechanic take a look at your brakes as soon as possible.
What do warped rotors feel like?
If you notice your
steering wheel or brake pedal wobble
when you apply the brakes to slow down or stop, chances are your rotors are warped. If the warp isn't too bad, you might not really notice the shaking. If the warp is serious, you'll definitely feel the vibration.
How do bad rotors affect your car?
As rotors become old and warped,
they may vibrate irregularly and cause vibrations that can be felt in the pedal when the brake is applied
. Sometimes these pulsations can even be felt through the car's steering wheel, making it more difficult to operate the vehicle.
