I have a 2013 BMW M5 41.5kmi on it: is it necessary to replace rotors when replacing brake pads?
Is it necessary to replace rotors when replacing brake pads on my M5?
My car has 41500 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Thanks for writing in about your BMW M5. The rotors should be checked to be correct thickness. They should only be replaced if they’re damaged or below the minimum thickness. If you’re unsure if you’re rotors need to be replaced, have your brake system diagnosed by a certified technicican, like one from YourMechanic.
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Consistently, BMW rotors need to be replaced every 30,000 – 80,000 miles depending on the factors above. It is always best to reference your BMW maintenance manual for more information.
You don`t always have to replace rotors when replacing brake pads. The frequency of rotor replacement depends on factors like rotor quality and driving conditions. However, if your mechanic finds warped or worn rotors beyond the minimum discard thickness, they recommend replacing them together with brake pads.
Deep grooves that have developed in a worn rotor will act as a hole-puncher or shredder and damage the pad material as it is pressed against the rotor. Be sure to replace the rotors when changing the brake pads.
You do not need to replace all 4 rotors at the same time, but it is recommended to replace the rotors and pads as a set for each axle front or back at the same time. If the front brakes need to be replaced but the rear brakes are not worn out yet, then you do not need to replace the rear brakes.
If you don`t replace the rotors when needed, you risk brake failure and an accident. The rotor absorbs and dissipates heat when the brakes are applied. The thinner the rotor becomes, the more heat is absorbed. This excess heat warps the rotor.
Normally both rotors need to be replaced because they will usually have the same amount of wear. Even if one side is “good enough” it is wise to replace both brake rotors at the same time to maintain even braking as any difference in rotor thickness will cause the brakes to pull to one side.
Some common symptoms of bad rotors include vibration or pulsation in the steering wheel, high-pitched squealing noise when braking, shaking steering wheel, brake pedal pulsing, vehicle taking a long time to stop, loud bangs while braking, large edges on the outer part of the brake rotor, and scratch marks on the rotor.
Common Causes of Worn Rotors
Panic or emergency braking at high speeds can cause rotor wear. The friction from the brake pad grabbing the rotor can cause high enough heat to result in wear.
Brake pads can last anywhere between 30,000-70,000 miles, depending on the brake pads` quality. Your rotors will last around 70,000 miles because they are denser. If you believe it`s time to replace your vehicle`s brake pads or rotors, schedule a service appointment with us today.
Changing your own pads and rotors is a great way to save on brake replacement costs. Not only is this a great way to save money, it`s a relatively straightforward job that can be done by a moderately skilled DIYer in a couple of hours.
Brake pads can last anywhere between 30,000-70,000 miles, depending on the brake pads` quality. Your rotors will last around 70,000 miles because they are denser. If you believe it`s time to replace your vehicle`s brake pads or rotors, schedule a service appointment with us today.
The most surefire way to determine if they are at the end of their life is to measures the physical thickness to determine if they are too thin. The minimum thickness is defined in the vehicle`s service book, and some brake rotor manufacturers even engrave it on the rotor`s surface.
BMW Brake rotor replacement can cost anywhere between $300 – $750 for all four rotors to be replaced. This price price encompasses labor and elements.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
I have a 2013 BMW M5 41.5kmi on it: is it necessary to replace rotors when replacing brake pads?
ANSWER : Thanks for writing in about your BMW M5. The rotors should be checked to be correct thickness. They should only be replaced if they’re damaged or below the minimum thickness. If you’re unsure if you’re rotors need to be replaced, have your brake system diagnosed by a certified technicican, like one from YourMechanic.
Brake calipers needing replacement after brake pads and rotors were replaced?
ANSWER : I think you have it backwards. The pads and rotors do not cause bad calipers, but a sticking or binding caliper can cause the pads to wear excessively and cause the pads to dig into the rotors. The calipers may not of been binding until the caliper pistons had to be pushed back to install the new pads. It would be recommended to have the brake system flushed after replacing the calipers, pads, and rotors so the system has all new fluid. A certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to perform any needed repairs with your brake system.
how thin can rotors be before replacing?
ANSWER : Nothing sounds right about that. There are references that tell mechanics how thick rotors are when new, when they’re too thin to machine, and when to discard. The rotors need measured with a micrometer to check this. Rust and some other factors can shorten the life of a rotor before it’s too thin, but you should have been informed of this. They are many reasons to replace a caliper. Brake pads being too thick are not one of them. Either the piston in the caliper is not compressing all the way, there’s a seized caliper slide, or they have the wrong pads. If the piston is stuck, this warrants replacement. I would get a second opinion from a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who can diagnose your brake system and suggest what to do from there. Good luck.
Does my car need new brake pads and rotors?
ANSWER : Hi there:
In most instances, if the brake pads have not fully worn out, the rotors will not suffer scarring or pitting which typically means the rotors need to be surfaced or replaced. However, it really depends on the damage that has been done or if the rotors may have been warped due to excessive heat or braking. Before you take your vehicle to any of these shops, you might want to have professional mobile mechanics complete a brake pads and rotor inspection to give you an accurate assessment of the repairs you need to have completed on your Volvo.
Uneven brake rotor wear
ANSWER : Hello. I tried to view the pictures but the link seems to be broken. It sounds like you have two different problems reading the description of the problem. The first is the brake pads being too tight and binding in the caliper bracket. This is most likely caused from the pad ends are not machined smooth and do not slide into the caliper bracket smooth. This will cause them to bind and cause low brake application or will keep the brakes partly applied wearing them down quickly. The other possible problem is the caliper may be binding on the slides or the piston is binding. If you would like precise advise on exactly what needs repair, have a certified professional diagnose the brake system in person and follow through with correct repairs.
My car brake pedal vibrates while braking….so do i need to get front rotors replaced or rear rotors replaced? What are charges?
ANSWER : A pulsating brake pedal can be caused by front, rear, or all 4 rotors being warped or out of round. Typically when it’s the front rotors, you will feel the vibration in the brake pedal and the steering wheel. When the rear rotors are warped, you may feel it in the brake pedal and more in the seat, feeling it in your back side. Whether front, rear, or all 4, if the rotors are replaced, it’s a good idea to replace the pads as well.
The best approach would be to have a certified technician inspect the brakes to determine where the pulsation is coming from. An accurate estimate for repairs can be given at that time.
The best approach would be to have a certified technician inspect the brakes to determine where the pulsation is coming from. An accurate estimate for repairs can be given at that time.
After new brake pads & rotors, SUV has a grinding noise
ANSWER : Hello. It sounds like the brake calipers may be locking up and causing the grinding noise that you are hearing. I would check to see if the caliper hose is twisted. If it is, this may cause the brake fade that you are experiencing. It is also possible that the master cylinder is starting to fail which could also cause the problems you are having. I would suggest that you have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, complete an inspection of your brakes and determine if your master cylinder needs to be replaced, or if the brake calipers need to be replaced.
When replacing rear brake pads on 2012 nissan rogue is it necessary to replace rotors at the same time?
ANSWER : Whenever brake pads are replaced the brake rotors must be resurfaced on a brake lathe or replaced outright. Putting new pads on a worn rotor is a guarantee that the new pads will wear irregularly, you will have vibration, and so forth. On vehicles with over 75,000 miles, the calipers are strong candidates for replacement due to the high heat and corrosion that calipers are subjected to. Eventually, calipers get sticky and once in that condition that ruins the brake pads. At minimum, the sliding pins on the torque plate have to be carefully cleaned and re-greased. If you use conventional DOT 3 or 4 brake fluid, all 4 wheel positions should be bled at time of major brake service to thoroughly remove the accumulated moisture from the system. If you want your brakes serviced properly, and according to the instructions, the services to request are brake pad replacement and brake rotor replacement.
