Brake replacement question

Ghost-Flame · #1 10-24-2010, 08:05 PM

2002 X5. I replaced the front brake pads and rotors at 85,000 miles. I need to replace the brake pads again at 121,600 miles.

Do I need to replace the rotors? the rotors are still in good shape, no warping very light scratches on the surface... what should I do?

mywidebody02 · #2 10-24-2010, 08:22 PM

as long as the are smooth and no groves. you could just replace the pads.

Ghost-Flame · #3 10-25-2010, 07:57 AM

Thanks, I've got people here telling me I need to replace both with a BMW... big difference in price

kevinkay · #4 10-25-2010, 09:59 AM

I replaced just the pad, made a MESS of the rotors with in about 20k miles. Still ended up getting new rotors AND another set of pads. I would replace both

JCL · #5 10-25-2010, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghost-Flame

Do I need to replace the rotors?

No, you don't need to replace them if they have a good surface finish, no significant wear lip on the outer edge, and they are above the minimum thickness (which is stamped on the rotor).

However, it is good practice to replace them.

If you don't, you may be going back in to them to change the rotors and buy another set of pads. Or they may be fine. Shops know that, and will encourage you to buy the rotors as well because if they are noisy afterwards, customers often expect the shop to pay for the rework.

I generally change my rotors (especially at those miles), even though I am doing it myself and there is no labour charge involved, because I don't like having to redo work.

admranger · #6 10-25-2010, 02:28 PM

minimum thickness is key here. Too thin = bad things about to happen.

FWIW, I've never had a problem changing out just pads onto used rotors, especially if the pads are the same compound as the previous ones. Different compounds can cause some issues that usually resolve themselves in about 500 miles or so of "normal" driving (mix of city/hwy).

If you can stomach the delta $, then getting another 40k miles trouble free would be preferred, of course. I do my own work and hate rework as much as JCL, but I just haven't had a problem. YMMV, of course, as my braking isn't considered 'typical' or 'normal'...

Ghost-Flame · #7 10-25-2010, 04:08 PM

Well here's what I decided. I'm getting all new parts from auto zone rotors, pads, senser, hardware for $167 with discount, for the friont. That I can stand and I can do the work... I just didn't want to

. Inde mechanic wanted $475 which isn't the end of the world but, It's an expense... so it looks like I'm getting the cover alls on this weekend.

It sounds like replacing the rotors is the best way to go.

c4racer · #8 10-25-2010, 05:42 PM

you are lucky you don't have a 4.6is! Rotors for us are a lot more $$. I personally don't really trust Autozone sourced brake for a BMW. I like OEM type replacement parts, typically from German OEM suppliers. The BMW PN rotors for the 4.6is were $350 each, but I found Brembo OEM spec rotors for 1/3 of that. For pads I used Textar, which also is a german OEM supplier to BMW. Finished the job just today and it all works quite well after a 4 stop bedding.

Although I used an aftermarket brake pad sensor and it isn't resetting - Bentley said to hold key on ACC for 30sec which I did but either didn't clear the code, or the new sensor isn't working properly.

Ghost-Flame · #9 10-25-2010, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c4racer

you are lucky you don't have a 4.6is! Rotors for us are a lot more $$. I personally don't really trust Autozone sourced brake for a BMW. I like OEM type replacement parts, typically from German OEM suppliers. The BMW PN rotors for the 4.6is were $350 each

, but I found Brembo OEM spec rotors for 1/3 of that. For pads I used Textar, which also is a german OEM supplier to BMW. Finished the job just today and it all works quite well after a 4 stop bedding.

Although I used an aftermarket brake pad sensor and it isn't resetting - Bentley said to hold key on ACC for 30sec which I did but either didn't clear the code, or the new sensor isn't working properly.

Congrats on the break job...

It says OEM specs right on the box. OEM is OEM... bought my last pads and rotors at Pep Boys

they lasted 39,500 miles before the senser went off 2 days ago and my rotors hardly have any wear.

FSETH · #10 10-25-2010, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghost-Flame

It says OEM specs right on the box. OEM is OEM... bought my last pads and rotors at Pep Boys

they lasted 39,500 miles before the senser went off 2 days ago and my rotors hardly have any wear.

Don't confuse OE with OEM. OE is original equipment, period. OEM means that it is made by a manufacturer who produces the original part. It does not mean the part is the same as OE. OE is not OEM and not all OEM is created equal. All of these products vary as far as quality and exact design are concerned.

One big factor with regard to rotors is the vent design. Look at the quality put into these Centric rotors. I doubt, the same can be said for your rotors from Autozone.

DRUMS AND ROTORS - Centric Parts