Hey guys,

I've searched. Maybe I didn't search hard enough and the information was just in the jumble of results.

Anyways, I wanted to find out how I can check if my brake rotors need replacing. What's the proper way to inspect it for warped behavior, thickness reduction, and all that jazzy stuff. Is there a DIY? Maybe we can create a DIY here for future reference. Thanks guys.

-Chris

 

Use a brake rotor thickness gauge to check thickness.

Use a brake rotor runout gauge to check runout.

Warped rotors will have a severe runout problem.

Why do you think you need rotors? Did you let the pads wear down too far? Does the peddle pulsate when you apply the brakes? Do the rotors look scored? Does the car pull to one side when you brake?

The only way to know for sure is to have the right gauges and check the specs. Slightly warped or scored rotors can be machined to perform as new providing they are thick enough to be "turned".

If you do machine or replace the rotors, new brake pads are a must.