So, I've heard (from a source that I'm obviously doing a check on) that turning the rotors isn't worth the hassle, to just get new rotors. My car has 32k on it and I'm wondering if rotors should be going bad already? I'm assuming it's the rotors, because the steering wheel shakes heavily when braking (enough that my watch rattles pretty loudly) and when I slow down to stop, the car seems jerky. The dealer told me I'd probably need a "brake job", which would include turning the rotors and new pads... and possibly something else, but it'd run around 260$. Does this price sound fair?

1. Let me know about the "turning the rotors" issue
2. How much would new rotors cost if I have to get it done?
3. Where is a good brake shop (non-dealer)?

THANKS!

6/8/2008 9:20:24 AM

YEAR MAKE MODEL

6/8/2008 9:32:43 AM

2006 Mercury Mariner

6/8/2008 10:44:11 AM

jesus christ thats high - you can go to a small shop and get rotors turned for like 5 bux each if you can get someone you know to take them off for you (the first time i had mine turned i had my grandfather take everything off for me and it was $10 for both at a local shop) - i got mine done locally this past week (in roxboro) for $55 including taking them off and putting them back on - i'd buy my brakes at like advance or something (my brakes were $40 with a 1 time replacement free at advance, and theyre still good with 30k+ miles on them) - $260+ just seems so high and no im not an expert but i do shop around for my car - front and back rotors are over $200 new for my car, so i always get mine turned around every 30k miles

[Edited on June 8, 2008 at 11:56 AM. Reason : ]

6/8/2008 11:52:15 AM

i think those rotors have the bearings pressed in, so the cost for the rotors is going to be a little bit higher

6/8/2008 12:20:01 PM

You can only get them turned a few times. Eventually they'll be too thin to safely use.

6/8/2008 2:14:59 PM

Quote :

"i think those rotors have the bearings pressed in, so the cost for the rotors is going to be a little bit higher"

i think they are slide ons

6/8/2008 9:15:32 PM

OEM Brembo Rotors for my car cost ~$65 for the pair. Pads were about $32. All the parts came from Carquest. Total cost was around $100 and I paid a WolfWebber $30 to put them on. That's roughly half the price of what the dealer quoted you and that is with new rotors. Turning them only costs $25 or so I think.

I'd say $260 is pretty high. You could probably get it done cheaper at a Meineke or Midas if you don't want to do it yourself.

6/8/2008 9:32:15 PM

Rotors are warped from high heat/lugs too tight/shitty material/or D all of the above, which can cause the heavy vibration under braking. Do you drive it hard? The more material you take off when you turn them as ^^^ said can lead to safety issues, and can also lead to shorter intervals between this happening again. The worse the pulsing, the more they'll need to shave off to get it cut straight. If you plan on keeping this vehicle a while, and for that price, I'd check to see what new rotors will cost you.

[Edited on June 8, 2008 at 9:53 PM. Reason : ^'s]

6/8/2008 9:43:03 PM

just keep turning them until they start braking off

6/8/2008 9:45:37 PM

just get new ones. if you've already warped them from heat, turning them is a short term fix at best.

6/8/2008 11:24:05 PM

$260 isn't a high price at all (for any shop really). Of course I wouldn't pay that I'd remove them and have a machine shop turn'em, which is what i do when i have that problem

Take the advice in this thread.

6/9/2008 12:04:45 AM

So what's the best place to have rotors turned around here? Mine definitely need help, and if they can be turned, I'd rather not pay the $$$$ for new ones. I've had the Midas on Western do them in the past and remember that being reasonable, but if there's a better place I'd love to know.

6/9/2008 11:44:22 AM

Last time I had mine done I took them to a machine shop off Six Forks Road, past Wake Forest Rd. I think thats where I went (it was over 3 yrs ago).

I just looked up machine shops in the phone book and called the first place close by for me.

6/9/2008 12:03:28 PM

I just replaced the rotors and the pads on my Saab. The mechanic wanted to charge me ~$450.

I ordered some nice ceramic pads and Brembo Rotors (shipped) for $140.
Another $10 on supplies and 2 hours to install them (with help, but my first time).

6/9/2008 12:25:37 PM

Quote :

" 2 HOUR INSTALL "

wow i hope you were doing all 4 at least

6/9/2008 12:33:14 PM

Two hours was a long time. We had to run back to the store to pick up a 7 Standard Hex, and breaker bar, then it took maybe 10 mins to figure out how to get the rotors off. Ended up banging with the hammer till they came loose. next time maybe 30 mins a side, as I am far from a pro.

6/9/2008 12:53:47 PM

just buy new ones.. not worth the time to turn them on most cars anymore, replacements are too cheap

6/9/2008 7:40:59 PM

took me almost 6 hours to change the brake pads on the lotus yesterday.

but that includes the 5 fucking trips to the store. goddamn british cars.

Next time it will take me 20 minutes

6/9/2008 9:20:00 PM

^holy shit! Yeah 20 minutes sounds more like it.

6/9/2008 9:34:11 PM

idid rear brakes on a jag pads and rotors. impressed it only took me 3 hours. fucking rotors are in right next to the diff and had to take the axles out. fucking shit box

6/9/2008 10:54:47 PM

Any suggestions for good domestic shops in the area (non-dealer)? Thanks.

6/10/2008 8:02:12 AM

i hear 4 brothers is a good place. modern service in dt cary is good as well

6/10/2008 11:19:49 AM

what do you need done. if you already have done the brakes

[Edited on June 10, 2008 at 11:21 AM. Reason : ]

6/10/2008 11:20:15 AM

if you swap the rotors, make sure you also get new pads.

6/10/2008 11:44:19 AM

I'm assuming that's what the dealer said when they said "brake job", which I think includes rotor shaving and pads. My problem is that the steering wheel shakes under heavy braking, which I have been told sounds like a rotor issue. I would just like to find a place near Six Forks/Atlantic/Wake Forest that is reputable for domestic work that won't try and rail me with fees like the dealer is proposing. The 270$ figure is just a total "brake job" and doesn't include new rotors, from what I understand. Just trying to get a pulse on what I'm looking at.

6/10/2008 10:49:48 PM

i think the dealer includes a flush too. i know crossroads did when i worked there

6/10/2008 10:52:17 PM

Quote :

"i think the dealer includes charges for a flush too. i know crossroads did when i worked there"

6/11/2008 6:16:06 PM