Effect of replacing rotors without replacing pads

[hal keiner]

I understand that it is generally recommended to replace the pads when replacing rotors. However, I don't know exactly what the probable consequences are of not replacing the pads.



I ask because I plan to replace my rotors because are were causing the brakes to pulse and I can not have the rotors resurfaced becasue they are worn below the minimum specs. The surface of the old rotors are still very smooth (without any grooves) and the pads still have lots of pad surface left on them. I can understand the need to replace the pads if the pads are worn or if the rotors are significantly grooved.



Any opinions on this?

 

[Tom Schindler]

There is nothing wrong with just replacing the rotors without replacing the pads. If the pads are in good shape, then keep them.



Odds are, you have pads with a lifetime warranty, so why not get new ones while everything is already apart?





Tom

 

[Todd Z]

I have done that, Just lightly sand the face of the pad to remove the glaze so you can bed the pads properly on the new rotors...



Todd Z

 

[hal keiner]

Thanks for the replies. I'll go ahead and replace the rotors and leave the pads.

 

[Thomas Rogers]

Caymen asked:

Odds are, you have pads with a lifetime warranty, so why not get new ones while everything is already apart?

I'm confused by that question, so I'll ask something. I'm assuming hkeiner is asking the question because the pads he has are good with a lot of life on them. So, if that assumption is correct, are you saying he would be due "free" pads under a lifetime warranty if applicable?



Just asking, because it sounds like you are saying that since the the vehicle is apart and the replacement cost due to lifetime warranty is nothing why not replace the pads.



Just wondering if that is what you are saying. If that is what you are saying then it would never have occurred to me that lifetime warranty on pads covered replacing the pads on a whim. I thought the warranty was to replace them if worn to the point they are no longer working, or possibly otherwise defective.



TJR

 

[Andy Cabrera]

I don't know exactly what the probable consequences are of not replacing the pads.

I think you would probably crash if you don't put the pads back in!:smile0015:

 

[Kevin Palmer]

Nice.. LOL

 

[hal keiner]

Yes, I should have used phrasing like "I don't know exactly what the probable consequences are of not replacing the pads with new ones instead of re-using the old ones." or something similar.

 

[Richard L]

Caymen is correct that it is OK to keep the same brake pads assuming they have plenty of material left and they are not glazed or cracked and they do not show any signs of irregular wear. If the pads are slightly glazed you can take the glaze off with some sandpaper, and they are good to go.



I am not exactly sure where he gets the idea that you have a lifetime warranty on pads???



It sounds like the vehicle had a recent brake job and the rotors were turned down to the limit. The thinner the rotors are the more susceptable they are to warping again, and even faster. If rotors warped once, they will continue to warp quicker after they are turned.



...Rich

 

[Bill Barber]

If your going with new Rotors, why skimp on a few extra bux and used the old pads.

A proper brake overhaul should be done with all new parts, IMO.

 

[Richard L]

bill,

I agree 100%, but then we don't manage his budget. Perhaps the cost of new pads may be a big hit on his wallet now, especially right after the holidays.



But I agree that sometimes the "Cheap way" is often more expensive in the end.



...Rich

 

[Tom Schindler]

Just wondering if that is what you are saying. If that is what you are saying then it would never have occurred to me that lifetime warranty on pads covered replacing the pads on a whim. I thought the warranty was to replace them if worn to the point they are no longer working, or possibly otherwise defective.

In my experience, a lifetime warranty on pads is you never have to buy another set again. If you do not like the way they stop, the way they wear, they way they feel, or if they wear out, they are replaced for free.



When I buy a new vehicle, I buy new pads and pull the OEM's off. When I sell the vehicle, I put the OEM pads back on and return the aftermarket pads for my money back.

I am not exactly sure where he gets the idea that you have a lifetime warranty on pads???

I was making some simple observations and assumptions.



1, he is doing the job himself so he has the know how to do a brake job.

2, the rotors are too thin



With those two things, I assumed that he has done brakes before on this vehicle. 99.9% of all aftermarket brake pads I have seen have a lifetime warranty or some type of long length warranty.



So, if I am correct, then he should just trade in the old pads for new pads and be done with it.





Tom

 

[mookie]

Caymen:

When I buy a new vehicle, I buy new pads and pull the OEM's off. When I sell the vehicle, I put the OEM pads back on and return the aftermarket pads for my money back.

How is that fair to the manufacturer of the brake pads? They are not in the business of supplying you with free brake pad usage!

 

[Bob McDonald]

Caymen wrote:

When I buy a new vehicle, I buy new pads and pull the OEM's off. When I sell the vehicle, I put the OEM pads back on and return the aftermarket pads for my money back.

Did I read that right? You want to get your money back after getting use from the aftermarket pads and then selling the car they fit?



I don't know about that action. While that situation may not technically be illegal, IMO it sure borders on being unethical and morally corrupt.



Sorry, I can't support doing that.

 

[Tom Schindler]

How is that fair to the manufacturer of the brake pads? They are not in the business of supplying you with free brake pad usage!

Did I read that right? You want to get your money back after getting use from the aftermarket pads and then selling the car they fit?

Yea...and ...so. I got the idea from an employee at one of the parts stores.



I do have the opportunity to use one purchase to supply brake pads for 5 different vehicles. My Trac has the same pads as my wifes Explorer, my brothers Explorer, my brothers other Explorer, and my brother-in-laws Explorer. Also, the same pads I purchaes for my 1992 Escort were the same ones used on my 1996 Escort and now my 1991 Escort.



That is something I will not do.





Tom

 

[mookie]

So there is a limit on how far you will go and how much you will steal!:smile0006:

 

[Bob McDonald]

...so. I got the idea from an employee at one of the parts stores.

Following the advice of an unethical employee who knowingly would rip off the supplier certainly doesn't make it the right thing to do.

I do have the opportunity to use one purchase to supply brake pads for 5 different vehicles. My Trac has the same pads as my wifes Explorer, my brothers Explorer, my brothers other Explorer, and my brother-in-laws Explorer. Also, the same pads I purchaes for my 1992 Escort were the same ones used on my 1996 Escort and now my 1991 Escort.



That is something I will not do.

Not sure exactly what you mean when you include that last line. But it is really a moot point.

Even if you only do it on a single car, if you try and get your money back after selling the vehicle and after using any number of pads, I think it would be the wrong thing to do.

 

[Les]

When I buy a new vehicle, I buy new pads and pull the OEM's off. When I sell the vehicle, I put the OEM pads back on and return the aftermarket pads for my money back.

:smile0008::smile0008::smile0008:

 

[Richard L]

Caymen wrote:

In my experience, a lifetime warranty on pads is you never have to buy another set again. If you do not like the way they stop, the way they wear, they way they feel, or if they wear out, they are replaced for free.



When I buy a new vehicle, I buy new pads and pull the OEM's off. When I sell the vehicle, I put the OEM pads back on and return the aftermarket pads for my money back.



I was making some simple observations and assumptions.



1, he is doing the job himself so he has the know how to do a brake job.

2, the rotors are too thin



With those two things, I assumed that he has done brakes before on this vehicle. 99.9% of all aftermarket brake pads I have seen have a lifetime warranty or some type of long length warranty.



So, if I am correct, then he should just trade in the old pads for new pads and be done with it.

??? NO COMMENT ????



...Rich

 

[Thomas Rogers]

Caymen said:

When I buy a new vehicle, I buy new pads and pull the OEM's off. When I sell the vehicle, I put the OEM pads back on and return the aftermarket pads for my money back.

That sounds like the guys that I see return inflatable pools to WalMart at the end of the summer, still dripping wet. They have receipt in hand, and after having used them all summer they want their money back. The WalMart return policy allows, but still...come on.



That's a douchebag move, IMHO.



TJR