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When to replace rotors?
Purchased a 2014 C7 Z51 for track day use last year.
I wore out my first set of pads @2500 miles and the dealer said I needed to replace the rotors (all 4). The rotors look OK to me but what do I know. Is there a way to determine if the rotors need replacing by measuring their thickness? (I have the old rotors so I could measure them. ) I think that the dealer is both dishonest and incompetent so I want to have my homework done before I have a "discussion".
Also, do all four rotors need to be replaced if one is replaced or just one axel at a time?
Just used up my second set of pads at 3000 miles so now I am replacing with the Carbotech XP10s.
Thanks Adam
Unless they are warped or damaged I wouldnt replace them - I had a friend think he had to replace his rotors on his jeep with the brake pads... I'm not sure where this is originating from, rotors last forever for the most part
you will need to measure the thickness of the rotor using a digital caliper. you can get one at harbor freight tools. Technically you are supposed to use a micrometer, but I have always done it with a digital caliper and never had any issues.
Here is a good example of how to measure it. (I snagged this pic off google but premise still applies the same).
As for rotor thickness, here are the specs from the official service manual for the 2014 C7:
Specifically for Z51:
Front Rotor Thickness Minimum: 27.0mm (1.06 in.)
Front Rotor Thickness Maximum (New) : 30.0mm (1.18 in.)
If your rotors are at the minimum or below, then they must be discarded and fully replaced. If they are between the min and max values, they can be cut down on the lathe if necessary if they are warped. If the rotors are not warped, and the brakes do not make the steering shimmy when you slow down, and they are between the min and max values, then no need to do anything with them. Replace the pads at that point and be on your way. Hope it helps.
The stock rotors are soft. Mine got warped in one track day. They also overheat quickly.
Look into AP rotors, good pads, and good brake fluid as minimum.
I went with AP big brake kit and it worked really well on the track.
I wished I would have checked the thickness of these when I changed them, FYI they were true till the removal ( never warped) if I did not have a NCCC event at ponoco next week I would not have changed them, also I needed to find a rotor to stand up to my hawk streetrace pads, so far the DBA's are working .
I wished I would have checked the thickness of these when I changed them, FYI they were true till the removal ( never warped) if I did not have a NCCC event at ponoco next week I would not have changed them, also I needed to find a rotor to stand up to my hawk streetrace pads, so far the DBA's are working .
I wished I would have checked the thickness of these when I changed them, FYI they were true till the removal ( never warped) if I did not have a NCCC event at ponoco next week I would not have changed them, also I needed to find a rotor to stand up to my hawk streetrace pads, so far the DBA's are working .
you will need to measure the thickness of the rotor using a digital caliper. you can get one at harbor freight tools. Technically you are supposed to use a micrometer, but I have always done it with a digital caliper and never had any issues.
Here is a good example of how to measure it. (I snagged this pic off google but premise still applies the same).
As for rotor thickness, here are the specs from the official service manual for the 2014 C7:
Specifically for Z51:
Front Rotor Thickness Minimum: 27.0mm (1.06 in.)
Front Rotor Thickness Maximum (New) : 30.0mm (1.18 in.)
If your rotors are at the minimum or below, then they must be discarded and fully replaced. If they are between the min and max values, they can be cut down on the lathe if necessary if they are warped. If the rotors are not warped, and the brakes do not make the steering shimmy when you slow down, and they are between the min and max values, then no need to do anything with them. Replace the pads at that point and be on your way. Hope it helps.
Ant
I purchased a digital micrometer that is specifically designed to measure rotor thickness. It lets you get past the ridge at the edge of the rotor and to measure in the center of the pad wear patch.
I purchased a digital micrometer that is specifically designed to measure rotor thickness. It lets you get past the ridge at the edge of the rotor and to measure in the center of the pad wear patch.
When to replace rotors?
