With my old Honda every time the dealer deemed the brake pads in need of replacement they tried to get me to have the rotors resurfaced at the same time. Resurfacing is expensive. If the rotors aren't warped is there much advantage in having them resurfaced every time the pads are replaced, especially in relation to the cost of doing so? I'm at 60k on my '09 Sport and expect that the pads will need to be replaced at my upcoming state inspection, and want to know what to say when they insist on resurfacing. Thanks.

 

Resurfaces rotors anymore and manufactures are making rotors that are thinner as a result. Resurfacing todays rotors likely WILL cause them to warp, as they will be too thin. The cost of resurfacing rotors is not much more than it is to replace the rotors, so replacement became the norm within the past 10-15 years.

If you just replace the pads without resurfacing the rotors the pads will wear out quicker because they will first conform to the shape of the rotor. But by the time the pads wear out it will be time to do both the pads and rotors anyway.

 

10 years ago Honda did not recommend resurfacing. My 12 year old honda still had the original rotors after 225K miles.

Today I think Honda recommends it due to the incidence of people complaining about noisy brakes. That's the only advantage, unless they're warped (and then they probably need replacing).

popping in new pads (and shoes) is a good diy. I think Honda gets $40 for the front pad set.

 

Thanks Steve244 and Blackbeard. Good. When they try their sales pitch I'll mention that I'm thinking of having them replace the rotors "next time", which should keep them happy. I'll be less disingenuous when I reply to their kind offer to replace the cabin filter in exchange for $100.00.

 

^

I've never resurfaced the rotors on any of my cars either. Just replace if warped or under spec.

 

yep, as mentioned in the posts above, i dont resurface my rotors and just replace them every other time i replace the pads. sure rotors will introduce grooves after a while but not to worry unless you are getting poor braking. mechanics will almost always point that out visually to scare the customer into resurfacing.

the pads are softer and will wear along the groove line making full contact after break-in.

in the past ive had more brake issues with mechanics surfacing the rotors than not surfacing them at all and just replacing the pads.

 

I replace my rotors every second pad change. Never resurface.

Do it yourself and save a ton!

 

Agreed, I have a set of Raybestos from my integra (never installed) that I am going to use on the FIT when it is time. Changing rotors is one of the easier DIYs out there. I ordered my rotors for the integra and for the ridgeline from rockauto.com and have been very happy with their service.

~SB

 

resurfacing with an on-car brake lathe is better because sometimes if you put new rotors on and your hub is a bit warped( from heat, curbing or not torquing wheels properly) even with new rotors on you willl feel pedal pulsation.
i know that's not what your asking, but just throwing it out there.