Well, the pad wear indicators are on again so it is brake pad replacement time again. They've been done twice already, once at 30K, again at 65K, and now the ML has 104K. The rotors are original. Should I replace them this time? I'm not picking up any since of warpage but I figure after the third pad replacement that they should be replaced as well. If I need them, where should I get them? Thanks!!!
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2002 ML320, black, inspiration leather interior, 7 passenger seating, MB DVD system
jeff, the criteria for changing the rotors is the current 'thickness' of the rotors. If they are within the acceptable range, then you are ok; otherwise, replace them. Get a caliper and measure the thickness. Then you'll know the answer to your question :-)
Vehicle: 2002 ML 500, 1994 Ford Explorer donated to Doctors without Borders
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 2,030
I agree.
I have had new rotors sitting in my garage for more than a year now. When I changed my pads last week, I checked the thickness of the rotors and they were fine, so I left them. I will continue to store my rotors until I need them.
Caliper is professional tool for the job. If you are trying to figure it out on your own observe the rim left at the edges of the rotors. If the pads took more than fingernail thickness of the center and the rim is really obvious, even if the rotor thickness pass, that is going to affect the performance, not to mention that replacing the pads having big rims is a pain. Deep, smooth groves on the rotors might not eliminate them, but would be concern.
Bottom line is, that rotors are relatively cheap and you can buy galvanized one made in Canada pretty cheap on ebay. If in doubt- replace them.
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