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Old Sep 3, 2008 | 05:24 PM
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I have an '07 A6 Coupe, my question is that when I have to end up changing my pads, will I need to replace the rotors too or is there enough meat on these ones to machine them? I tried a search on this but to no avail. Thanks.
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Old Sep 3, 2008 | 05:33 PM
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I'd think if you changed your pads on a timely basis you wouldn't need to turn your rotors, but, yes they can be turned.
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Old Sep 3, 2008 | 08:08 PM
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Originally Posted by ben dover
I'd think if you changed your pads on a timely basis you wouldn't need to turn your rotors, but, yes they can be turned.
I'm not an expert but I've had auto shops tell me that you have to machine the rotors every time you change pads otherwise the new pads will wear out very quickly - I guess this is not true?
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Old Sep 3, 2008 | 08:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Mad*Max
I'm not an expert but I've had auto shops tell me that you have to machine the rotors every time you change pads otherwise the new pads will wear out very quickly - I guess this is not true?
It's not true - unless they're warped (which you can feel).

Some argue that switching to a different pad material necessitates resurfacing (very "light" machining) in order to remove the old embedded pad material and allow the new pad material to properly seat.

On the other hand, I swapped over to different pads with my '99 Z28 and didn't touch the rotors; I had no problems.

None of that is an issue if you stay with the OEM pads...
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Old Sep 3, 2008 | 08:34 PM
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Originally Posted by harddrivin1le
It's not true - unless they're warped (which you can feel).

Some argue that switching to a different pad material necessitates resurfacing (very "light" machining) in order to remove the old embedded pad material and allow the new pad material to properly seat.

On the other hand, I swapped over to different pads with my '99 Z28 and didn't touch the rotors; I had no problems.

None of that is an issue if you stay with the OEM pads...
Thanks
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Old Sep 4, 2008 | 04:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Mad*Max
Thanks
I just replaced all my pads with ceramic ones and didn't machine my rotors. The car stops as good if not better than before.
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Old Sep 4, 2008 | 12:15 PM
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There is no issue installing new pads on the same rotor as long as:
  • Same or complimentary compound pads are used
  • Minimum rotor thickness has not be reached
  • No 'warping' has been evident
  • No rotor cracks shown going to the edge

Typically speaking most pads can be used with other companies but check for sure. Of course if it is the same material, there is no problem.

Warping of the rotor which has commonly been mistaken for the material actually being 'warped' like a piece of wood, which is not the case. Warping of the rotor is typically when you have exceeded the temperature of the pad and it is leaving deposits on the face of the rotor un-evenly leaving you with a pulsation in the pedal. New rotors, or a fresh machine of the face is the only way to achieve this.

Let me know how I can help!
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Old Sep 4, 2008 | 12:41 PM
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Warping can also be caused by incorrect torque on lugnuts.
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Old Sep 4, 2008 | 04:56 PM
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This is all very informative for me, and has also dispelled a myth for me.
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Old Sep 4, 2008 | 05:08 PM
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While some of it can be rather long winded, there is some good reading on StopTech's site.

Tech. White Papers
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Old Sep 4, 2008 | 05:09 PM
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FYI, when I was at Spring Mountain last Dec, I asked them how long their tires lasted. The chief instructor said they get about 1,000 miles per set, and they change pads when they change tires. They do not resurface or replace rotors when they change pads.
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Old Sep 4, 2008 | 10:50 PM
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Last time I looked, the Chevy shop manual specifically said to NOT machine the rotors unless they were badly scored or warped.
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Old Sep 17, 2008 | 07:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Mad*Max
I have an '07 A6 Coupe, my question is that when I have to end up changing my pads, will I need to replace the rotors too or is there enough meat on these ones to machine them? I tried a search on this but to no avail. Thanks.
Machining rotors is not always necessary but you can if you want. It is ideal to machine them when you change pads because it gives you a flat surface on the rotor which will help your pads wear evenly. The problem with machining rotors is that it makes easier for them to warp in the future. For most driving applications I would not machine rotors unless they are warped which you will feel in the pedal and steering wheel when you apply the brakes.

Jordan
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Old Sep 17, 2008 | 11:27 PM
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Originally Posted by ben dover
I'd think if you changed your pads on a timely basis you wouldn't need to turn your rotors, but, yes they can be turned.
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Old Sep 17, 2008 | 11:34 PM
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Originally Posted by socalspringmountain
Machining rotors is not always necessary but you can if you want. It is ideal to machine them when you change pads because it gives you a flat surface on the rotor which will help your pads wear evenly. The problem with machining rotors is that it makes easier for them to warp in the future. For most driving applications I would not machine rotors unless they are warped which you will feel in the pedal and steering wheel when you apply the brakes.

Jordan
I agree!!
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Old Sep 18, 2008 | 08:11 PM
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Originally Posted by socalspringmountain
Machining rotors is not always necessary but you can if you want. It is ideal to machine them when you change pads because it gives you a flat surface on the rotor which will help your pads wear evenly. The problem with machining rotors is that it makes easier for them to warp in the future. For most driving applications I would not machine rotors unless they are warped which you will feel in the pedal and steering wheel when you apply the brakes.

Jordan
ok
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Old Sep 18, 2008 | 09:35 PM
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Warping of the rotor which has commonly been mistaken for the material actually being 'warped' like a piece of wood, which is not the case. Warping of the rotor is typically when you have exceeded the temperature of the pad and it is leaving deposits on the face of the rotor un-evenly leaving you with a pulsation in the pedal. New rotors, or a fresh machine of the face is the only way to achieve this.



Douglas in Green Bay
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