Thread: Brake Discs, to machine or not to machine?

Yes - you have the correct Akebono part numbers.



If your discs are still in good condition and close to original thickness, and as you say, not grooved - I wouldn't have any hesitation at all in giving them a light skim on a lathe. Basically shouldn't require much more than a touch up with wet & dry to remove any glazing and give a new surface for the pads to work on.

Many years ago, I worked as a brake mechanic, and used to very lightly skim discs all the time for exactly this reason.

When I fitted the Akebono's to my D4, I replaced all the discs as they were probably grooved beyond machining, though still had a fair bit of life left in them. But like yourself, I wanted a "new" surface for the Akebono pads to work on. I have not been sorry with that decision - the discs are still like new and the pads have shown very little sign of wear after about 70,000km. And no more brake dust.

It would probably be wise to also replace your brake pad wear sensors at the same time - they cost bugger all. You can re-use the old ones if they have not worn through and activated, but I was told that the wires can be brittle and easy to brake, particularly if your brakes have been running hot. You can get replacement sensors either from your LR dealer or from Pedders.

Thanks BMKal!

So i could actually sand my discs back using a fine grit sand paper? If so that would be awesome! Then i don't have to take them off and have a workshop machine them, and i can hopefully do it all in one day! Could i use a fine grit (say 600) on an orbital sander or better to use wet/dry by hand?

I will need a new sensor. It activated about 4 weeks ago...

Cheers

Dan

Sandpaper wont work.
Firstly you need to measure the thickness of the disc,the minimum thickness is stamped/embossed on all discs.
Are you DIY your brakes??? If so there are companies that come to your home in a spannerbus and can machine the discs without removing.
Replacing the discs isn't too hard if they are too thin.
ENJOY
Andrew

[QUOTE=Disco-tastic;Could i use a fine grit (say 600) on an orbital sander or better to use wet/dry by hand?

Dan[/QUOTE]



I wouldn't do either.....no way of judging if you have taken an even amount of material off.......more than likely get feedback through the pedal...

Like Andy said...get a mobile guy out to machine them.......

Ahh sweet i didnt know there were mobile guys. I'll have a look around my area.

Yeah i plan to DIY. Bolts and stuff are generally fine. The only thing i hate is pushing the calipers back in. Last time i did it i had fluid pouring out the reservoir, and the time before that i tried to bleed it out the nipple but got air in the lines and it needed a full bleed.

Might get a proper bleed kit and do it that way.

Cheers

Dan

Mine needed only a little fluid removed when the pads were down to the warning light. The small syringes we had had home for dispensing kids medicine did the trick. Can buy cheap at pharmacy.

Well i didnt find a mobile guy but i found a workshop 10mins from home that will machine front and rear for $110 all up. And he works saturdays.

Thats a bit cheaper than new discs...

Cheers

Dan

Really if the disks are not warped or have deep gouges I wouldn't bother - I never do mine and if anything the wear pattern increases area so grip must be a bit better.

Just ensure they are above the wear limit and will remain so for the life of the new pads.