When should I get a rotor resurfaced?
Your vehicle's brake rotors might need a resurfacing service if they have these issues:
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Pulsation or vibration when braking: Often caused by uneven rotor surface or minor warping. Machining can smooth it out.
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Visible grooves or scoring: If your rotors have ridges from worn brake pads but still have enough thickness left, resurfacing can restore a flat, even surface.
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Minor rust or glazing: If the rotor face has light rust or pad material buildup (glaze), resurfacing can clean it off.
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New brake pads on old rotors: Sometimes shops recommend resurfacing so pads seat properly and wear evenly, especially if rotors aren’t perfectly flat.
When should I NOT get a rotor resurfaced?
Sometimes, you need to replace the rotors instead of resurfacing them. Let's see some of these cases:
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Rotor below minimum thickness: Every rotor has a stamped “minimum thickness.” If machining takes it under that spec, it must be replaced.
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Cracks or deep damage: Heat cracks, very deep grooves, or heavy rust mean replacement is safer.
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Excessive warping: If rotors are badly warped, machining often won’t hold up for long.
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Already resurfaced before: Each cut thins the rotor. If it’s been turned once or twice already, replacement is usually better.
Rule of Thumb
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Resurface if the damage is light to moderate, and you’ll still stay above the manufacturer’s minimum thickness.
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Replace if they’re too thin, cracked, or badly warped.
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Many modern shops skip resurfacing and go straight to replacement because new rotors are often relatively affordable and ensure longer pad life.
Symptoms of a bad rotor
If you suspect your brake rotors are having problems, a brake inspection might be what you need. But, if you’d like to notice on your own if your rotors are in dire straits, keep an eye out for the symptoms we’ll list below; they indicate rotor problems.
Still, take the vehicle for an inspection, and if the rotors have a problem, a rotor resurfacing process might just be what fixes it.
Squealing or Squeaking Noises
Grinding Sounds
Vibrations When Braking
Increased Stopping Distance
Visible Damage or Grooves
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If you check your rotors and see deep grooves, scoring, or rust, it’s a clear sign they need resurfacing or replacement.
Burning Smell
Brake Pedal Feels "Soft" or "Spongy"
Uneven Brake Pad Wear
