rotor ?

[glpd74]

In checking my rotors I see that the front rotors have grooves in them. My question is do you guys recomend grinding them down or just replacing them with new ones. I have the 20" LTZ rims so not sure if the extra weight puts to much torque on shaved rotors. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

TJ

 

[mdtahoe]

Are you having any other brake problems? If you do not need pads there is no reason to do anything the groves are common and will return. The are created by a hard piece of friction material in the pads.

 

[iwaslowr]

Upgrade.

 

[73shark]

Are you having any other brake problems? If you do not need pads there is no reason to do anything the groves are common and will return. The are created by a hard piece of friction material in the pads.

^^^^^^^^^

Good advice.

 

[blueflamed03]

a shop will tell you if they are too thin to turn, then if you must upgrade, slotted like Power Slots would be a good upgrade.

 

[LVyukyuk]

Keep in mind with the upgrade to slotted and drilled rotors, you will go through pads a little quicker. I don't have personal experience, but I have been told that simply replacing the rotors with slotted and drilled really will not offer that much more braking power.

Grooves in the rotor are normal. This is due like someone else said, to larger particles in the pad itself, or a small rock got lodged inbetween the pad and rotor. (more common if you go off road or drive on dirt roads or unpaved surfaces) If you are not experiencing shuttering, pulsing, or squeeking, and the pads still have life in them, leave well enough alone for now.

 

[glpd74]

thanks guys. I'm not the best mechanic around so I'm not sure if my pads need to be replaced. I don't really notice anything but I know the pads haven't been changed for at least 20,000mi. I just noticed that the front rotors had grooves in them and the rear did not. I'm also starting to have a hard time trying to keep the front rims clean, getting like a goldish color...was thinking that it was being caused by hot metal coming off of the rotor onto the rim and staining it. I really appreciate the help here on the forum as I try to learn to be more self sufficient on the hoe.

TJ

 

[73shark]

The front brakes do about 70% of the braking due to weight shift. The color you are seeing is probably just the brake pad dust. Be sure to keep your wheels clean as it will damage the clear coat on the factory wheels if left on too long.

The OEM pads have scrapers on them that will start to squeal when it's time to replace the pads. At first they will just squeal when you apply the brakes and then as they wear more, they will start to squeal all of the time. Best not to wait to the second notice.

 

[Redline5004]

Got the same going on with mine. Pads are still good though so I'm just going to wait a little while then get some crossed drilled to replace them. Figure with the big wheels need something fancy since you can see them.

 

[007fl]

First, if you only have 20K miles on your truck it almost certainly does NOT need brakes. These brakes last 80K plus under normal conditions. The grooves you see are normal.

Second, as 73shark said, you have wear indicators that will tell you if your pads are getting thin.

Third, if you do upgrade eventually, think larger, not slotted/drilled. Slotted/drilled rotors give you no performance increase (check photos of track cars,, no slotted/drilled rotors there). They look nice (I even have them on my Vette) but that is all. They also make pads wear more.

Speaking of pad wear,,, for all drivers,,,, if you see tiny rust spots on your chrome wheels it is far more likely that it is rusted brake dust than anything else. Remember you pads are semi-metallic and that metal rusts. You DO need to get it cleaned off the wheels though or it will discolor your chrome.

GL