just pads ok?
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Milwaukee WI
just pads ok?
If my rotors are in good shape on my 02 z is it alright to replace just the pads without touching the rotors? I just don't like all the brake dust and I don't track the car so I was thinking of going to a less dusty pad. Also, do the base c5 pads dust less than the Z06 pad? I've herd ceramic pads dust much less and you don't lose too much preformance. So what is a good ceramic, or should I just live with washing the wheels every 2 days?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Hot Springs AR
1. You don't have to replace the rotors.
2. Z06 pads dust more than stock OE pads
3. Ceramic pads dust the same as OE pads, but the dust is less visible (the pads are less effective, also)
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
2. Z06 pads dust more than stock OE pads
3. Ceramic pads dust the same as OE pads, but the dust is less visible (the pads are less effective, also)
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
Le Mans Master
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From: Longview Texas
If the pads have not worn a lip on the edge of the rotors and they are not pulsing, you can probably get away with replacing the pads and not turning the rotors. I have done that with no problems. In fact, the factory service manual says that machining the rotors should NOT be part of normal maintenance. 
That said, most all shops machine the rotors as part of a brake job, but I think it is mostly to avoid problems with brakes making noise, not brake performance.
That said, most all shops machine the rotors as part of a brake job, but I think it is mostly to avoid problems with brakes making noise, not brake performance.
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If the pads have not worn a lip on the edge of the rotors and they are not pulsing, you can probably get away with replacing the pads and not turning the rotors. I have done that with no problems. In fact, the factory service manual says that machining the rotors should NOT be part of normal maintenance.
That said, most all shops machine the rotors as part of a brake job, but I think it is mostly to avoid problems with brakes making noise, not brake performance.
That said, most all shops machine the rotors as part of a brake job, but I think it is mostly to avoid problems with brakes making noise, not brake performance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,900
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From: Hot Springs AR
1. Finding a competent shop with equipment less than 50 years old isn't that easy
2. Those that have the equipment won't do it for free
3. Most importantly, new OEM rotors can be had from NAPA for less than $30 each.
My rotors have had a "lip" on them for almost 50K miles, 8 track sessions, and 2.5 full autocross seasons under them. The lip means nothing.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
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no reason to turn rotors. Go buy new ones from NAPA at $25 each.
You can change just the pad, but make sure you flush the brake fluid. If you went through a set of pads then it is time to get some new brake fluid.
Valvoline Synpower Dot3/4 is good for everyday driving.
You can change just the pad, but make sure you flush the brake fluid. If you went through a set of pads then it is time to get some new brake fluid.
Valvoline Synpower Dot3/4 is good for everyday driving.
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From: Kingsport TN
Melting Slicks
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From: Des Moines Iowa
Never, ever, ever, ever, EVER, turn C5 rotors.
1. Finding a competent shop with equipment less than 50 years old isn't that easy
2. Those that have the equipment won't do it for free
3. Most importantly, new OEM rotors can be had from NAPA for less than $30 each.
My rotors have had a "lip" on them for almost 50K miles, 8 track sessions, and 2.5 full autocross seasons under them. The lip means nothing.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
1. Finding a competent shop with equipment less than 50 years old isn't that easy
2. Those that have the equipment won't do it for free
3. Most importantly, new OEM rotors can be had from NAPA for less than $30 each.
My rotors have had a "lip" on them for almost 50K miles, 8 track sessions, and 2.5 full autocross seasons under them. The lip means nothing.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
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From: Calgary Alberta
I agree, don't turn the rotors, however, it'd be fine to take an electric drill, with a sanding disc. and clean up both sides of the rotor. It'll put swirll marks on the rotor and clean off the rust on the rotor lip/edge, and make help prevent brake pad squeal. I did this to my rotors when I installed new ceramic brake pads, and I am very happy with the results, since the wheels don't look nearly as dirty after driving a couple of hundred miles.
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I'm concerned now.Don't cut the rotors?When I got my C5, there was a pulsation in the brakes. The dealer replaced the pads and turned the rotors. I've read that they are pretty inexpensive, but the car brakes OK now. Does turning them weaken them by reducing the meat on them? The dealer which has Dodge and Chevy products at different locations said that they checked with their Chevy mechanics, and it was OK to machine the rotors. What's the real deal here?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Hot Springs AR
At least as important to me is the fact that turning a rotor isn't something an unskilled mechanic can do right. If the mech doesn't get the rotor seated absolutely square on the lathe, a wobble will be cut into the rotor, ruining it. (ask me how I learned that one!). If the lathe isn't true, same result.
And, as has been mentioned, brand new rotors from NAPA are so cheap as to just make the rotors throwaways.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Milwaukee WI
My question was that I want to chang just the pads because of all the dust, the pads on there now are not worn out and there is no rust or lip on the rotors so can I just change the pad if the rotors are in good shape? Do I really need to chang the brake fluid?
Also since I have a Z06 I believe they come with a carbon pad,= lots of dust. Im I correct on that?
Some suggestions on a ceramic pad.
Also since I have a Z06 I believe they come with a carbon pad,= lots of dust. Im I correct on that?
Some suggestions on a ceramic pad.