Brake replacement

[kuhli]

I've heard this a couple times recently and I'm a bit suspicous.

On both of my wife's recent vehicles (an Escort ZX2 and a 99 2.0 Bug) the dealers have recommended new pads and rotors and have stated that the rotors wear out as fast as the pads.

I'm skeptical simply because rotors are made of metal, pads are made of a lot of things including metal, so the brake pad should break down quicker right?

Anyone have experience?

[R_Ethug]

just have the rotors smoothed/resurfaced and they should be fine unless they are warped all to hell

[1.8Trip]

Yeah, that doesn't make too much sense. It wouldn't even make sense if the pads and rotors were made of the same materials simply because of the difference in contact surface areas of the two components. The smaller component should wear out first.

[Smartiepants]

You can get the rotors turned which will help them recover, but I doubt rotors will go as soon, plus the pads are designed to wear.

[kuhli]

we all agree

OK, we all agree.

I'm disturbed that a dealership would even state this. I think its total bunk, I've never even heard of rotors wearing as fast as the pads, its completely bogus.

No the rotors aren't warped, and no I'm not going to return to this dealership, sounds like its the new way to try to sell brake rotors!

Thanks everyone for confirming my suspicions.

[kuhli]

humour

Oh yes, and the dealers price for 4 rotors and pads (parts only) was......suspense:

450.00 for a 2.0 Beetle with the smallest most common brakes VW manufactures, would have been 620 or so if 1.8T.

[Klobi-One-Kinobi]

A straight talking service rep' can save you a lot of money. For a laugh, have your wife bring her car into one of those minute lube type places for an oil change. You will be amazed how many things "need" to be replaced or serviced on her car. :mrscrewy:

[Fluidic Digital]

Re: we all agree

Originally posted by kuhli
I'm disturbed that a dealership would even state this. I think its total bunk, I've never even heard of rotors wearing as fast as the pads, its completely bogus.

What dealership(s)?

Peter

[CalgaryB5]

On a safe side is to replace them if they close to or below the minimum thickness. You can ask them to show you the current thickness and what is the OEM spec.

[18TWolf]

I have heard that the dealership service centres are not allowed to turn rotors anymore. Just get the brakes serviced elsewhere.

Chris