Turning the brake disc, does it make any sense at all?

The braking system can wear out for many reasons. It happens that the discs need to be replaced just after they have been changed. Does turning the brake disc make sense in this situation?

In this article:
Should I replace the discs with brake pads, or maybe just the pads?
What are the causes of brake disc damage?
Turning a brake disc – when does it make sense?
Turning brake discs – what do manufacturers say?
When is turning brake discs bad?

Most often, brake discs are a component that lasts for a long time. Most brake system manufacturers recommend replacing discs every other pad change (or even every pad change). For example, for the ROTINGER RT 2088-GL model, the minimum brake disc thickness is 23 mm.

Should I replace the discs with brake pads, or maybe just the pads?

To make the right decision, an inspection of the braking system is necessary. When the brake disc has a distinct lip, installing new brake pads often means vibrations. Then they are heard in the form of a squeal or even felt on the brake pedal and steering wheel when braking.

What are the causes of brake disc damage?

Turning the brake disc may be necessary in various circumstances, depending on the operating conditions of the car and the way the brakes are used. Important factors that may influence the decision to transfuse shields are:

Immediate cooling of brake discs – this is one of the main causes of disc deformation. This may occur, for example, when the car drives into a puddle immediately after heavy braking or visits a car wash immediately after a long drive. A sudden change in temperature may cause uneven heat distribution in the disc, which leads to its deformation.
Poorly installed brake discs – deformation of the discs may also result from assembly errors. Brake discs incorrectly seated on the hub or errors when installing the brake pads can cause the disc to rotate at an inappropriate angle, resulting in uneven wear and deformation of the disc.
Corrosion – cars that are left unused for a long time may be particularly vulnerable to corrosion of brake discs. Deep corrosion can lead to the formation of unevenness and pitting, which affects braking efficiency and accelerates the wear of brake pads.

In each of these cases, the decision about whether turning the brake disc makes sense is very individual. However, there are several factors to consider that help you make the right choice.

Turning a brake disc – when does it make sense?

The decision to turning brake discs should be made after careful analysis of the vehicle’s technical condition and taking into account all cost and safety aspects. In some situations, this may be a viable and technically sound option. However, you should always remember about road safety as a priority and do not ignore the recommendations of vehicle manufacturers. In some cases, especially with significantly damaged discs, replacing them with new parts may make more sense.

Turning brake discs – what do manufacturers say?

Most service manuals suggest turning the brake rotor every time you replace your brake pads. The aim of this procedure is to ensure maximum braking efficiency. However, considering the additional costs – often several hundred zlotys – many people decide to skip this step. Turning itself involves cutting off a thin layer of metal from the working surface of the brake disc in order to restore its original properties. You also need to be aware that each time you turn the disc, its thickness slightly decreases. This results in a shorter service life of this element.

When is turning brake discs bad?

If the discs are not significantly damaged, corroded, or deformed, they may not need to be re-rotated. However, it is worth paying attention to the outer edge of the disc, which is formed as a result of material wear. Only turning of discs is allowed, provided that the final thickness of the disc does not decrease below the minimum specified in the disc manufacturer’s catalog (so-called MIN TH).

Experts also recommend paying attention to the design aspects of the brake disc itself:

Overheated brake discs – characteristic blue spots indicate structural changes in the metal. Rolling such shields can be risky and lead to their weakening.
Cracks and damage to the brake disc – machining discs with visible damage may worsen their condition and increase the risk of failure.
Mechanical wear – discs with a thickness approaching the minimum thickness should not be turned.
Slotted or drilled brake discs, which can be treated as tuning components, should also not be reshaped. In case of damage, they can only be replaced with new ones.

An extreme example of lack of responsibility is trying to turn a brake disc on your own without the appropriate knowledge and equipment. Using tools that are intended for other activities combined with the lack of disc runout measurements is a recipe for big problems. Then such a processed element may have an even more distorted axis, which, when installed in a car, will lead to very serious vibrations while driving. Additionally, when pressing the brake pedal, as a driver, we may feel a strong pulsation.

Turning a brake disc is a topic that requires individual assessment. It is worth following the manufacturers’ recommendations, but it is equally important to be aware of the technical condition of your vehicle and consider the costs associated with each option. Let us remember that road safety is a priority and brake discs play a key role in it.

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Turning the brake disc, does it make any sense at all?