What Are Bad Rotors?
Imagine a spinning top that you enjoy playing with. It should rotate smoothly without wobbling excessively when spun. Your car’s braking system has a similar component known as a rotor. A rotor is essentially a flat, circular metal plate that rotates along with your car's movement. When you apply the brakes, brake pads come into contact with the rotor, creating friction that slows down the vehicle. Now, just like a poorly made spinning top would wobble when spun, a car’s rotor can also malfunction if it's not in good shape. When this happens, the rotor can cause issues when you're trying to stop your car. This situation is referred to as having bad rotors. If you have bad rotors, you might feel your car shake or vibrate when you press the brake pedal. You may also hear unusual sounds like squeaks or grinding noises. These signs indicate that your car’s rotors might not be functioning properly, and it's a good idea to get them inspected by a professional mechanic.Key Takeaways:
- Rotors are vital components of your car's braking system. They work with brake pads to slow down your vehicle. Bad rotors can lead to vibrations, strange noises, and poor braking performance, posing a safety risk.
- Common symptoms of bad rotors include a vibrating or pulsating steering wheel, high-pitched squealing noises when braking, a shaking steering wheel, brake pedal pulsation, a longer stopping distance, loud bangs when braking, large edges on the outer part of the brake rotor, and visible scratch marks on the rotor.
- Wear and tear from regular use is the most common reason for brake rotor failure. Other causes include warping from overheating, cracks in the machined surface, or damage from rust.
- Replacing bad rotors is essential for safety, brake performance, preventing damage to other components, reducing noise, and improving fuel efficiency. Regular maintenance and timely rotor replacement ensure a safer and more comfortable driving experience.
Table of Contents
- 8 Symptoms of Bad Rotors
- Brake Rotor Overview
- How Good Brake Rotors Function
- Reasons Why Brake Rotors Fail
- How Often Should Brake Rotors Be Replaced
- How to Extend the Lifespan of Brake Rotors
- Why Do We Need to Replace Bad Brake Rotors?
8 Symptoms of Bad Rotors
Vibration or Pulsation in the Steering Wheel
If you notice any vibration or pulsation in your steering wheel, it could be due to rust on the brake rotors or if they've become imbalanced from overheating. You should have the rotors checked by a reliable mechanic to determine whether they need repair or replacement. It’s worth noting that if the issue is caught early, a mechanic can “turn†(resurface/machine) the rotor to remove the damaged surface while still maintaining the rotor's minimum thickness. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to the rotor wearing down to an unsafe thickness, endangering your braking system.High-Pitched Squealing Noise When Braking
If you hear a high-pitched squeal every time you press the brake pedal, it’s important to inspect your brake rotors for any damage, brake dust buildup, or edges. When brake rotors wear out, they develop uneven surfaces and edges on both the inner and outer surfaces. These edges and surfaces can produce a high-pitched sound when driving normally, especially when applying force to the brakes. When brake rotors wear down, they often develop numerous uneven surfaces, reducing the “braking surface†available for the brake pads. This significantly decreases brake efficiency.Steering Wheel Shakes
Front brake rotors failing typically result in noticeable shaking in the steering wheel. This could be due to rust on the rotors or their imbalance from overheating. If you find that your steering wheel shakes when you apply the brakes, it’s time to check your front brake rotors.Brake Pedal Pulsing
Pushing the brake pedal and feeling it pulse could be due to rust on the rotors or uneven surfaces. Both the front and rear brake rotors can cause a pulsating brake pedal when braking. However, if the front brake discs fail, you’ll likely feel it in the steering wheel.Vehicle Takes a Long Time to Stop
If your brake rotors are worn, they create uneven surfaces, giving the brake pads less braking surface on the rotor. This results in your vehicle taking longer to stop.Loud Bangs While Braking
If you hear loud bangs while braking, it could mean your brake rotor is cracked. In this case, you should replace it immediately, as you could lose full brake function and risk accidents.Large Edge on the Outer Part of the Brake Rotor
If you compare the edge of the brake rotor’s inner or outer part to a new one and it appears larger than it should, this could indicate that your brake rotor is worn down.Scratch Marks on the Rotor
If you peek behind the wheel and see numerous scratch marks on the brake rotor, it’s likely time to replace the brake rotors. New rotors naturally develop a few scratches shortly after installation. However, if you notice deep scratch marks, it’s time to replace the disc rotors. Small stones trapped between the brake pad and the rotor are a common source of deep scratch marks. Unusual noises while braking are often caused by stones.Brake Rotor Overview
Brake rotors are circular discs attached to each wheel and used to convert kinetic energy into thermal energy. When you press the brake pedal, the master brake cylinder sends a signal to the brake calipers, causing the brake pads to press against the rotors' large surface area. The friction generated by the pads pressing on the rotors resists the wheel's spin, slowing its rotation and bringing the car to a stop. There are four main types of rotors: - **Blank and Smooth:** Most passenger vehicles use a smooth, blank metal surface on the rotor. - **Drilled:** Drilled rotors have holes drilled throughout the metal surface. - **Slotted:** Slotted rotors feature long "slots" or grooves etched into the metal surface. - **Drilled and Slotted:** Combining drilled holes and slots, these rotors offer enhanced performance. Finding the right rotor for your car is straightforward—simply look at the installed ones. When replacing your vehicle’s rotors, remember that the rotors on your family car won’t fit on your pickup truck and vice versa.How Good Brake Rotors Work
Good brake rotors provide a smooth surface for brake pads to press against, enabling efficient conversion of kinetic energy to thermal energy. When the brake pedal is pressed, brake fluid is forced out of the reservoir by a plunger in the master cylinder. The fluid flows to the wheels through rigid brake lines and is then carried into the calipers via flexible brake lines. The fluid pressure pushes out the brake pistons in the calipers, which press the brake pads' backing plates. The braking rotors and pads push against each other, with the pad linings compressing the rotor surface from both sides. The friction slows the car down or brings it to a complete stop. The brake rotors and pads reach high temperatures due to the heat generated.Reasons Why Brake Rotors Stop Working
The most common reason for a brake rotor becoming unusable is wear and tear. Every time you apply the brakes while driving, the brake rotor material gradually wears away over time and with regular use. Other defects in brake rotors include warping beyond resurfacing due to repeated severe use. Any metal surface repeatedly heated above its tolerance and then quickly cooled can become warped over time. This can happen when your vehicle experiences significant brake demand, such as when driving through hills or mountains, towing a boat or trailer, or carrying extra weight. Occasionally, brake rotors can develop cracks in the machined surface. If a brake rotor develops a crack, it must be replaced to ensure proper braking performance and safety.How Often Should Brake Rotors Be Replaced?
Brake rotors will eventually need replacement due to the amount of use they receive. Their lifespan ranges between 50,000 and 100,000 kilometers, primarily due to continuous friction. They also tend to distort when heated by friction and then driven through water, requiring rotor replacement. You'll notice wear and other issues with the brake rotors because they are critical to the car's braking operation.How to Increase the Lifespan of Brake Rotors
To extend the lifespan of your brake rotors, practice using only one foot to operate the gas and brake pedals. This technique can contribute to the overall longevity of your brake system. Avoid simultaneously pressing the brake and gas pedals, a common racing tactic, as it can inadvertently cause wear to your brakes and negatively impact fuel efficiency. Refrain from unintentionally resting your foot on the brake pedal, as this can lead to premature brake pad wear and excessive heat, both of which can damage the rotors.Why Do We Need to Replace Bad Brake Rotors?
Replacing bad brake rotors is essential for several reasons: - **Safety:** Worn or damaged rotors can reduce the braking efficiency of your vehicle, increasing the risk of accidents due to longer stopping distances or potential brake system failures. Ensuring that your brake rotors are in good condition is crucial for the safety of you, your passengers, and other road users. - **Brake Performance:** Bad rotors can cause uneven or pulsating braking, leading to poor vehicle control and reduced brake performance. Replacing bad rotors can restore your vehicle's braking performance and provide smoother, more consistent braking. - **Prevent Damage to Other Components:** Damaged or worn rotors can cause uneven wear on your brake pads, calipers, and other braking system components. This can result in additional repair costs and potentially compromise the integrity of the entire braking system. Replacing bad rotors can help prevent further damage and extend the life of other braking components. - **Noise Reduction:** Worn or damaged rotors can cause squealing, grinding, or other unpleasant noises during braking. Replacing bad rotors can help eliminate these noises, providing a more comfortable and quiet driving experience. - **Improved Fuel Efficiency:** Poor braking performance due to bad rotors can affect your vehicle's overall efficiency. Efficient braking contributes to better fuel economy, so maintaining your brake rotors can help save on fuel costs in the long run. Don’t compromise on safety—choose NuBrakes Mobile Brake Repair for all your brake maintenance needs! Bad brake rotors can put you, your passengers, and other road users at risk. Restore your vehicle's braking performance, prevent damage to other components, reduce noise, and improve fuel efficiency by trusting NuBrakes with your brake rotor replacements. Our team of certified technicians comes to you, making the process convenient and stress-free. We are committed to providing top-notch service and ensuring your vehicle’s braking system is in the best possible condition. Schedule your appointment with NuBrakes Mobile Brake Repair today and experience the difference in safety and performance!References
- https://mechanicbase.com/brakes/worn-brakes-rotors-symptoms/
- https://www.motorbiscuit.com/are-the-marks-on-your-brake-rotors-a-bad-sign/
- https://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/brakes/brake-parts/brake-rotors.htm
- https://www.hawkperformance.com/blog/when-should-you-replace-brake-rotors-in-your-car
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