My pads need to be changed all around, and as it turns out my rotors are at the tail-end of their life as well (~0.5mm tolerance left with no cracks or warping). From this forum (search), I've seen that it's actually preferable to change pads and rotors *not* at the same time. Is this so? Should I just do them at all at the same time?

 

Actually, the post is quite recent. Doh! Additional opinions specifically on changing out rotors would be appreciated though.

 

I do both at the same time, and just take care to bed the pads and rotors in before going back to normal driving.

See no issues with doing both at the same time at all - in fact, while you're down there working on the brakes, it would make sense to do the whole job, rather than re-visit again later.

 

What about the flip side? Aside from extra time, is there any problem with replacing the pads and doing the rotors in a couple months time?

 

If your old rotors are scored/ridged and damage the smooth surface of your new pads, then yes, that could be an issue with waiting.

 

befast,

Are you going to DIY your brakes?

 

My rotors last about 2x as long as the pads. I've changed pads and used the old rotors and the rotors usually are still thick enough and have no cracks.. I don't like the idea of using old pads with new rotors, though. Something in me just seems to go against the grain to mate the shiny new rotor with grimy old scored pads.

New rotors and new pads together have such a great feel, though, that I've gone to changing them together now.

 

You're going to be replacing rotors in the very near future, so while you have the wheels off to replace the pads go ahead and replace the rotors.

 

What kind of life can you expect out of pads and rotors assuming no track or autox?

 

Totally dependent on how much and how hard you use the brakes.

 

Brakes are hard to analyze over the internet due to so many variables of driving styles. Personally, I would change both pads and rotors at the same time. No reason to have to do the job twice. If my pads or rotors ever wear out (currently 70,000 miles on orginals), I'll be putting on new OEM pads and rotors.

 

I hate changing pads and rotors at the same time on a race car. On a street car I doubt it will make much difference. Hell, it came from the factory with new pads and rotors!

BTW, how do you wear out rotors without cracking them? You guys got to start using those brakes!

 

I am indeed going to try to do the brakes by myself, for the first time no less. It's mostly for the sense of pride/accomplishment, and for the love it just doesn't seem that complicated. However, it seems that changing rotors and pads at the same time is two jobs. I'd like to keep the "f*** up level" to a minimum by doing one job right before starting another.

I just picked up a digital vernier caliper, and the fronts read ~26.8. So if the reading is indeed correct (the wheels were on and it was dark), that is well within the spec. I'll stop by my indie, and hopefully he can verify my readings. Is a vernier-style caliper even appropriate for the job?

 

befast,

If you need a hand PM me. I will help if available.

 

Just DIY my pads and rotors... removed the vibration dampers, shortened and soddered my brake sensors together (cause I keep an eye on the wear of the pads). Installed SS lines and flushed the brake/clutch lines with motul fluid... the feel is so nice with plenty of stopping power, even with the SC. At the track, you drive so much faster knowing that your brakes are up to the task. These stock brakes are phenominal when maintaned...