What does the brake disc rotor do?
The brake disc rotor is a slim metal disc attached to your car’s wheel hub assembly. Most newer cars have brake discs on each wheel, whereas older cars have brake drums.
The brake disc (or brake rotor) is an important part of your car’s braking system. When you brake, the brake pads will create friction with the brake disc rotor, causing the vehicle to stop.
Causes of brake disc rotor damage:
When friction is created, a large amount of heat is also produced. This causes components such as the brake discs to wear over time. A worn brake disc rotor may become warped, resulting in reduced effectiveness.
Sometimes people leave their brake pad replacement too late, and the brake pad lining can wear off, casing metal to metal friction and excessive heat between the brake pad and brake disc rotor. This can also score / damage the surface of the brake disc rotor, at which time the brake disc rotor will require a brake disc skim in a brake disc rotor skimming machine.
Also, over time the thickness of the brake disc rotors can reduce due to the constant friction from the brake pads under braking. If the brake disc rotors reach a minimum thickness, they will be required to be replaced for a Warrant of Fitness (WoF).
Symptoms of brake disc rotor damage:
- The brake discs appear warped or bent – Prolonged use can warp or bend the brake rotors.
- Brake fluid leaking – If you notice clear puddles appearing around your wheels, the brake fluid could be leaking.
- Heavy corrosion / pitting – if the vehicle has been sitting for a long period with use, you may notice alot of rust on the brake disc rotors. If the brake disc rotors become too heavily corroded and pitted then they will also need to be replaced. You may also find the brake caliper is seized to the brake rotor.
- Vibration while braking – A damaged brake rotor may produce a vibration when you are braking. This is due to the brake pads not pressing against the rotor properly or unevenly
- Reduced brake effectiveness – Damaged brake discs may cause your vehicle to take longer to stop.
How important is a brake disc replacement?
All brake-related issues are important. If your brakes aren’t able to stop the vehicle quickly, your risk of being injured or killed an accident is dramatically increased. We suggest that you get your brake discs rotors skimmed or replaced as soon as you or your mechanic notices the problem.
Brake Disc Rotor Replacement in Hamilton
At Grimmer Motors, our vastly experienced and qualified mechanics are skilled in brake-related repairs. We can quickly check whether the brake disc rotor is the source of the problem. If it is, we can perform a brake disc rotor skim or replacement for your vehicle. This will allow for improved brake disc rotor effectiveness and safety.
For reliable brake repairs in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!
Please Note – we don’t generally stock or supply just “parts only” for this service. We are a general automotive repair workshop. If you are able to bring your vehicle to us, we can diagnose the problem, find and fit the necessary parts, or organise the appropriate service for you.