Spork MarketingWhen it comes to replacing brake pads, almost every auto enthusiast and DIYer asks themselves the same question: Can I get away with just replacing the pads? Can I save the money without sacrificing my braking performance or the integrity of my braking system?
A pads-only repair job (aka, a ‘pad slap‘) is a tempting solution and could be ok – for a short time. But as your go-to brake experts, we’ll tell you that wouldn’t be our recommendation.
Here’s why.
A Rotor Isn’t Just A Spacer
Your old brake rotor isn’t a perfectly flat, smooth surface, even if it looks fine. Over thousands of miles, your old pads have worn microscopic (and sometimes not-so-microscopic) grooves into its surface.
Here’s the problem: Your new brake pads are perfectly flat.
When you put that new, flat pad against that old, uneven rotor, you’re not getting full contact. You’re only getting contact on the peaks of the old grooves. This can lead to a whole list of problems you really don’t want:
- Reduced Braking Power: You’re using less of the new pad’s surface. Your stopping distance can be reduced.
- Noise: That tiny, high-pressure contact point is the perfect recipe for brake squeal and vibration.
- Pad Damage: The new pads will try to conform to the old grooves, wearing them out unevenly and leading to improper bedding-in.
- Brake Pulsation: An uneven surface can lead to uneven heat buildup, which can quickly warp a rotor and lead to a pulsing feeling in the pedal.
The Right Ways To Do A Brake Job
You have two good options that will help you avoid the downfalls of a pad slap.
Option 1: Replace the Rotors
This has become the new standard, and for good reason.
- Perfect Match: You’re putting a brand new, perfectly flat set of pads against a brand new, perfectly flat set of rotors. This gives you 100% contact, the best possible bedding-in process, and maximum stopping power right out of the box.
- Faster: For a DIYer, swapping a rotor is 10 times easier than driving to a machine shop to get your old ones resurfaced.
- Affordable: High-quality rotors are available now in greater varieties and include more economical, budget-friendly options than ever.
Option 2: Resurface or Turn the Rotors
This is the old-school method, and it’s still a valid option if (and this is a big if) your rotors are in the right condition.
Resurfacing means putting the rotor on a brake lathe that shaves off a thin layer of metal, making the surface perfectly flat again. But here’s the catch: Rotor Thickness.
Every rotor has a minimum thickness (min-thick) spec stamped right onto it. This is the thinnest it can be before it’s unsafe. A rotor needs mass to absorb and dissipate heat.
If resurfacing your rotor takes its thickness below that min-thick number, it can’t be used. It won’t be able to handle heat, and it will warp (or even crack) in no time. For many modern, thinner rotors, a single resurfacing is all they can handle before they’re junk.
Pro-Tip: If you have performance rotors (drilled, slotted, or both), you cannot resurface them. You must replace them.
Get New Brake Rotors From BuyBrakes.com
So, back to the original question: Do you need new rotors with new pads?
Our professional recommendation is YES.
Given the low cost of new, high-quality brake rotors and the huge risks of a pad slap, it’s just not worth skipping. You’re spending good money on a quality set of new pads. Don’t set them up to fail by pairing them with a worn-out, uneven surface. The rotor is the other half of the braking system.
The best, safest, and most high-performance brake job is a set of new pads and new rotors. We offer a huge selection of pad and rotor kits to guarantee the components are perfectly matched and save some money. Brakes from BuyBrakes.com deliver superior performance at unbeatable value:
- Wide Selection: Complete pad and rotor kits or individual components
- Fast Shipping: Warehouse locations across the U.S.
- Free Shipping: Orders over $99 ship free in the continental U.S.
- Price Match Guarantee: The lowest prices anywhere
- Concierge Service: Brake experts ready to help
- Easy Returns: Hassle-free satisfaction guarantee
Founded in 1999 and veteran-owned, we are committed to excellence and are always on hand to help you find the right parts at the best price – guaranteed. We offer a wide range of brake pad and rotor replacement options, including R1 Concepts, PowerStop, EBC, and DFC. Order today!
Rick Carlton
