Do I really need to change brake rotors together with pads?
03-27-2006, 02:55 PM
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Do I really need to change brake rotors together with pads?
I just returned from a dealer, where I do all the maintenance of my Rx-8, and they said that there is time to replace front brake pads (only 3 mm. left). Service writer insisted that I have to replace rotors together with pads. He said that they do not machine them anymore for this type of car. From my past experience with other cars, I usually changed rotors with every second set of pads. Do I really need to replace rotors now, or dealer just wants to make more money on me (a pair of new rotors costs about $350)?
03-27-2006, 03:30 PM
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This depends on the wear on the rotors. If the thickness of the rotors AFTER they are machined are below spec, then I believe its illegal for them to do it. If you have the original agressive pads, this could explain why they suggested this. Just find out what the thickness is and find out what the spec says. Call an indepenedent brake shop and tell them the thickness you were quoted. They also should have access to suggested specs so you can verify what the dealer is telling you.
03-27-2006, 05:39 PM
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Originally Posted by djseto
This depends on the wear on the rotors. If the thickness of the rotors AFTER they are machined are below spec, then I believe its illegal for them to do it. If you have the original agressive pads, this could explain why they suggested this. Just find out what the thickness is and find out what the spec says. Call an indepenedent brake shop and tell them the thickness you were quoted. They also should have access to suggested specs so you can verify what the dealer is telling you.
In case if I would have to replace them, is it worth to upgrade to Masdaspeed version? I know they are more expensive, but would I have any advantage driving on the street, or they are usefull only on track?
03-27-2006, 11:06 PM
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What are they charging you for replacment rotors? $320 for just them, or is that the entire brake job?
You should ask them to break it down between parts and labor, that should make it obvious where you're getting screwed.
You should ask them to break it down between parts and labor, that should make it obvious where you're getting screwed.
03-28-2006, 08:59 AM
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My firend, who Races with the Porsche club in Conneticut told me that it is better to repalce the pads at a different time then the rotors. Having new pads and new rotors at the sametime is not optimal. He also does the safety inspections of other Porsche owners cars before they go on the track.
You do not need to replace the rotors unless they are gouged or warped badly.
You do not need to replace the rotors unless they are gouged or warped badly.
03-28-2006, 09:00 AM
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Also if you need to get new rotors I would suggest getting a set that have been cross drilled and slotted....basically costs the same price. You can pick those up from the RX8store.net
Last edited by Jaguar_MBA; 03-28-2006 at 09:00 AM. Reason: Spelling
03-28-2006, 10:33 AM
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Originally Posted by alcimedes
What are they charging you for replacment rotors? $320 for just them, or is that the entire brake job?
You should ask them to break it down between parts and labor, that should make it obvious where you're getting screwed.
You should ask them to break it down between parts and labor, that should make it obvious where you're getting screwed.
They mentioned $630 for the whole job (pads, rotors and labor). I will request itemized quote, to see if I can save on parts buying them on-line.
03-28-2006, 10:42 AM
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Originally Posted by djseto
Just measure the thickness and find out from the dealer what they will be after they have been machined. Gouged, warped, it doesnt matter if they are below the legal limit.
I think that many Rx-8 owners are already on the second set of pads, and can share their experience in replacing them.
03-28-2006, 10:46 AM
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Originally Posted by rx8-rus
Exact words of service writer were "we do not do it anymore on rx-8". So I try to understand if this is an issue with OEM rotors.
I think that many Rx-8 owners are already on the second set of pads, and can share their experience in replacing them.
I think that many Rx-8 owners are already on the second set of pads, and can share their experience in replacing them.
03-28-2006, 11:56 AM
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Originally Posted by rx8-rus
They mentioned $630 for the whole job (pads, rotors and labor). I will request itemized quote, to see if I can save on parts buying them on-line.
03-28-2006, 01:36 PM
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Originally Posted by alcimedes
I could get a plane ticket, buy the parts and do it for you for less than that! Sheesh. What a rip off.
03-28-2006, 05:38 PM
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Changing brake pads is one item that I would probably avoid the dealer and find a more reasonable shop. That is if you can not do it yourself which is really not vey difficult.
04-04-2006, 07:18 PM
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Originally Posted by TeamRX8
minimum allowed front rotor thickness is 22mm, it's req'd by law to be cast on the backside of the rotor
04-05-2006, 07:23 AM
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Originally Posted by rx8-rus
I just received new rotors in the mail - they are 23mm thick. I didn't measured old ones, but they seem half a mm thinner already. Now I can understand why dealer does not want to machine them.
04-05-2006, 02:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Cool-Blue-Dad
Did you buy another set of OEM rotors or a performance set?
04-10-2006, 06:01 PM
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I had the same issue with the dealership. More than $600 dollars for the job brake - just front axis. Took it to Midas - not much better - so I told them what needs to be done - just pads and resurfacing rotors - $280. Still steep but they claimed the pads are only available through dealership for $135. They charged me 40 dollars for resurfacing (I used to pay $5 per disc at pepboys when I took them out myself and brought to a shop) - anyway did not want to get dirty. They also did this stupid caliper cleaning or whatever they called it... labor came to 130 so with taxes ended up paying 280.
04-10-2006, 07:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Vrimmick
I had the same issue with the dealership. More than $600 dollars for the job brake - just front axis. Took it to Midas - not much better - so I told them what needs to be done - just pads and resurfacing rotors - $280. Still steep but they claimed the pads are only available through dealership for $135. They charged me 40 dollars for resurfacing (I used to pay $5 per disc at pepboys when I took them out myself and brought to a shop) - anyway did not want to get dirty. They also did this stupid caliper cleaning or whatever they called it... labor came to 130 so with taxes ended up paying 280.