Brake Disc Replacement
Also called brake rotor change
The disc is the metal plate the pads clamp onto. Discs thin out with use, develop grooves when pads are run too low, and distort under heat, which is felt as a shudder through the pedal or steering. Replacement is needed when the disc is below the minimum thickness stamped on its hub face, cracked, or too thin to be skimmed. New discs are always fitted with new pads, and always as a pair on the same axle.
What the job includes
- Disc thickness and run-out measured before any replacement
- Decision between skimming and replacement explained with the readings
- Discs replaced in pairs on the same axle
- Hub face cleaned so the new disc sits true
- New pads fitted with the new discs
- Road test and bedding-in procedure
Signs you need this
- Steering wheel or pedal shudders when braking from speed
- Deep grooves or a lip you can feel at the edge of the disc
- Blue heat discolouration or visible cracks on the disc face
- Grinding noise after pads were left too long
- Braking feels uneven or pulses at low speed
Not all of these have to be present, and one of them on its own can mean something else entirely. That is what the diagnosis is for.
How we do it
Measure and inspect
Thickness is compared with the minimum figure on the disc and run-out is checked with a dial gauge.
Skim or replace
A disc with enough material left can be skimmed true; one below minimum or cracked is replaced.
Clean the hub
Rust and scale are removed from the hub face, because debris there makes even a new disc run untrue.
Fit and bed in
New discs and pads are fitted as a set, then bedded in on a road test with progressive braking.
How we work
The same on every job, which is why we can write it down.
Diagnosis before quote
We find the fault first. A price given over the phone for a noise nobody has heard is a guess.
The price is agreed first
You approve the work and the cost before a spanner is picked up. Extra work means another call.
Parts you can check
We tell you whether a part is genuine, OEM, aftermarket or used, and what each one costs.
Old parts returned
Ask and we will hand back whatever we replaced. It is the simplest proof that the job was done.
Book brake disc replacement
Fill this in and a person will call you back to confirm the time and the price. Only your name and one way to reach you are required.
Before you book
Questions we get asked
If your question is not here, ask it. We would rather answer honestly now than have you find out after booking.