Changing rotors...

[Pants]

I have a warped rotor (rear DS). Not bad really, very slight vibration on braking, but I can hear it turning at low speeds.

My question is: is it o.k. to just replace the rotor on one end of the axel and not the other? I know with tires you should usually buy two at a time, but I'm guessing this is not true with rotors. Just want some confirmation.

Thanks.

 

[rockclmbr]

Rotors are cheap ($100 each) and it would probably be best to replace both so you know the history of each.

That said, I replaced mine at 95k miles and they still had plenty of thickness left in them. Therefore I do have 2 front rotors for the 100 series I'll sell you. Name your price.

Don't forget to put new pads on if you put a new rotor on.

 

[Jim_Chow]

I guess the idea of replacing both sides simulataneously is so the braking power on both sides is equal. If you, say, put a new rotor or new pad on one side only, it might cause the car to pull to one side.

 

[cruiser88]

100 is cheap hell no i thought 60 bucks was bas

 

[cruiser88]

save yourself the money taks both backs off and have them both turned and if you need it slap on some new pads.ive been having my rotors turned by somebody good for freaking years.right now i pay 8 bucks a piece .and the dealer will do it for 14 bucks.if your local dealer as a machine to turn them

 

[rockclmbr]

I don't believe the car will drift to one side during braking if the rotors are of different thicknesses. The pads/pistons automatically adjust to the rotor thickness (to a certain distance) and the amount of deflection required to stop each side is equivalent. Unless of course one side is under the FSM spec.

I've never turned rotors. I just replace with new slotted ones at 100k miles and call it good for another 100k!

 

[Pants]

I've never turned rotors...

I don't really want to have them turned either. I can't get past the idea, accurate or not, that shaving metal off of a piece of equipment makes it better. I'd rather just replace them.


Rockclmbr, what's the benefit of slotted rotors?

 

[NMuzj100]

The rotors are designed with a design spec set by Toyota to allow for wear and turning. As long as you are within the spec you will not have problems. I wouldn't turn unless needed but if it is needed there is nothing wrong with turning the rotor. As rockclmber said the brakes automatically adjust to variations in thickness within the rotor/pad spec so again no problems.

Good article on rotor warping ...

The "Warped" Brake Disc and Other Myths of the Braking System - from StopTech