Skimming the brake discs on a RRS

[streaky]

Has anyone done this? My dealer told me that they just replace them...it's seems a tad extravagant doesn't it?

My Sport is on 80,000km and just had it's third set of discs fitted....the dealer told me this is quite normal and that I'd done well to get 40k out of a set...under harder use they only see 25,000km!

[Graeme]

Many years ago I had some RRC discs machined but had to go back for another attempt because they caused vibrations. However after the 2nd attempt they were past their limit so had to get new ones anyway.

[Geedublya]

The cost of new discs (from an independent) is so little that it is hardly worth skimming old ones.
I would be checking with the dealer as to why they are replacing them also. Are the discs approaching the wear limit? or are they scored?

It may be that they are approaching the wear limit and the dealer is ensuring that they don't pass the limit before the next service. In my experience dealers can be conservative in their estimations and replace parts (especially brakes) before it is required.

[justinc]

As above.

The disc rotors on ALL RRS and D3/4 are sacrificial to a large degree, if you USE the brakes, the rotors wear very quickly too. In particular it is very likely they will be below min thickness before the next set wear out.

I really try to replace these rather than machine them, they aren't very exxy at all. Even the Brembo discs aren't all that bad in $$$

JC

[ADMIRAL]

Brake specialists are looking to take a mm off each side when machining rotors. There are not too many rotors on modern vehicles that have enough thickness to allow this. In fact some of the higher performance brake packages on FPV and HSV models, have only 3mm from new to scrap. With most pads now having a metal based compound, the rotor wear is such, that new rotors are the go, and has already been stated, they are quite cheap now.

[TDV6]

As previous responders have said new rotors are cheep, mine are drilled and slotted for $120 each. see brake pad thread.

Ryall

[Bigbjorn]

I machine my drums and rotors myself. Have done so for many years. I have made a few mandrels at different times to get them up between centres and get into them with a tungsten carbide tool. This is first year apprentice machinist work.

[Meccles]

The two RRS TDV8 I have owned had no issues wrt to brakes/rotors at 50K. Maybe I don't drive hard enough Mate of mine who drives pretty hard had 2007 TDV8 he has just sold at 100K. Dealer told him that brakes needed replacing, so he went and got new pads/rotors etc front and rear from independant, which was way cheaper than dealer quote. However, when car went in for its roadworthy, they advised that there was nothing wrong with the brakes, and there was still plenty of pad and disc remaining. So all new bits are still sitting in boxes with new owner. I think the dealers tend to be very cautious, plus make big $$$ on changing these items.

[Bigbjorn]

I am pleased I don't take my vehicles for repair to someone who regards $120 rotors as "cheap". I am of a generation that regarded drums and discs as "life of the vehicle" items, like radiators and thermostats, and resent having to replace them. These items on our new improved super you beaut modern vehicles need to be replaced regularly. Progress?

[bee utey]

I am pleased I don't take my vehicles for repair to someone who regards $120 rotors as "cheap". I am of a generation that regarded drums and discs as "life of the vehicle" items, like radiators and thermostats, and resent having to replace them. These items on our new improved super you beaut modern vehicles need to be replaced regularly. Progress?

In a nutshell, it depends on the brake linings. Good old fashioned asbestos linings made rotors last almost forever. Modern high performance linings however are hell on rotors with two sets of pads to one replacement rotor being common. Most of the standard disc rotors I have replaced on common passenger cars lately cost as little as $45 each and take only minutes to change.

You buy a high performance vehicle and maintain it accordingly. You can't even buy soft linings for some vehicles on the market as they would fade dangerously for all those modern drivers that can't use the gears to slow down. Way it goes. Would you be tempted to drive a RRS as slowly and carefully as a 4 cylinder series?