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)?

definitely trying to rip you off for more money, rotors can last a long time if not abused by the elements too much

What Zoom said....
 

If the're not gouged up, it's senseless to buy new.

S

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.

I have my original set of pads. I don't know if they are considered aggressive or not. I also do not think that mechanic actually measured thinkness of rotors. They just tould me that they do not machine rotors on Rx-8.

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?

if you want upgraded brake pads, skip the Mazdaspeed ones, they are overpriced.

get something like Hawk HP or Carbotech brake pads, great performance for significantly lower price than Mazdaspeed pads.

minimum allowed front rotor thickness is 22mm, it's req'd by law to be cast on the backside of the rotor

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.

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.

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

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.

If your only problem are the pads are worn down, just replace the pads. It is pointless to replace or machine perfectly good rotors just because you are changing pads. :dunno:

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.

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.

Not wanting to do it and not being able to do it are two different things. If you think the dealer is screwing you, just go elsewhere. If they just dont want to do it, tough shit for them. Tell them you want pads only and to machine your rotors. Just because I havent been through rotors on my 8 yet, doesnt mean I havent on other cars.

I could get a plane ticket, buy the parts and do it for you for less than that! Sheesh. What a rip off.

why machine the rotors anyway? Are you getting any vibrations when braking?

I did some search and the cheapest set of OEM parts can be bought on-line for $355, while MSRP seems to be $445. Dealer will probably add 2 hours of labor, which brings total to at least $550.

Unless your rotors are worn funny, not smooth, or gouged I would just throw new pad on, bed them propery and be on your way.

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.

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.

Did you buy another set of OEM rotors or a performance set?

I bought OEM. I never complained about brakes in this car. I think OEM rotors and pads are quite sufficient for street use. I didn't have a chance to take my car to the track though.

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.

I decided to be safe and bought new rotors. I got both rotors and pads from on-line retailer (one of forum sponsors) for $350. Dealer charged me $140 for the job ($90/h). So total came just under $500. I think I saved about $150 buying parts myself.