Turning Rotors

[wagslick]

Ok, after reading a bunch of your threads, a lot of you are saying you should turn your rotors. First, what does that mean? Second, when i'm breaking, the whole truck gets bumpy. Is that something that can be fixed by turning rotors? Also, I use my parking brake a lot, can that mess up my rotors? Lastly, if i do need to get new rotors, what kind do i get and how much do they cost? I've read that cermix brake pads are the way to go. Thanks for the help.

[Mike K.]

What is turning the rotors? Actually they are machined to "true up" the braking surfaces, so braking is smooth and not "bumpy".

Having them turned should stop the "bumpiness" during braking.

Using the parking brake does not affect rotors. Rotor-style brakes on front, drum-style on back, parking brake is on back only.

I have ceramic on my 96 K1500 front, seem to be OK for apporx. 15k miles, no warping, very little brake dust, lots of city miles.

Have no idea re: brand of rotors, OEM I hear is no good, no experience re: this aspect.

Good luck,

Mike K.
Cincinnati, Ohio

[wagslick]

Thanks for the Quick Reply Mike K.

[killerkatana75]

Turning the rotors is basically putting yours on a machine brake lathe and maching both sides of them until the braking area is smooth...The reason you feel the vibration when you brake is because, due to heat, your rotors can warp just like a cd in the sun to long...Using the parking brake alot is a great idea, it helps keep your rear brakes in adjustment. Ceramic pads are the best way to go if you have nice rims, they are supposed to be completely dust free... the reason you get brake dust on your rims without them is because as you wheels spin they create a magnetic (sp?) force, they turns your wheels into magnets, they metallic brake pads create a dust which sticks to the wheels. ceramic pads are non metal so they still create the dust, it just doesnt stick to the rims......As far as rotors go, my personal favorite is raybestos, probably 50 bucks apeice...just be sure that if you have your rotors turned, they also check the minimum thickness specs on them...if they get to thin, they are not turnable, to thin and they will snap in half , ive seen it many times........ok so how do i know all this??? worked 3 yrs at a meineke muffler and brake shop...LOL oh and P.S. i have a 03 silverado 4.8....my friend has an 03 ram hemi...he blows my doors off LOL but mine is 4x4 his is 2x4

[draboo]

as i stated in your other thread,i ve just finished doing what you are planning,but i put on all new rotors. the rear rotors have a drum for the rear parking brake,so use caution when yanking them off. i messed up one side pulling too hard. be cautious and make sure your parking brake is off when you pull on them.

other than that ,it was a real simple unbolt/rebolt thing.

i checked around and got premium pads and rotors for around $250.00 . cant recall the name of the store,tho its a popular chain.

gulluk,eh?

brad