I’m planning to change my front brake pads soon, and wondering if I should change the discs at the same time? The car is about 20 years old, and I don’t think the brakes have been touched so far - discs are noticeably rusted (and a bit flaky) round the outer edges.
Also, if I’m doing the front, should I also do the back? As I understand the brake bias should be about 80/20 - so I’m guessing if I don’t do both front and rear, this could be affected?
Obviously it would be ideal to replace all pads and discs, but as budget is a consideration I’m wondering what the minimum I can get away with is for now…
You only need to change them if they’re really badly corroded (e.g. the “web” of the vented discs might collapse), deeply scored, or below the minimum thickness. Otherwise the new pads will bed into the old discs within 100-200 miles.
The converse is NOT true and you need new pads if you change the discs.
Is there any scoring on the disc’s,face or back?or any groves?front or backs if there is then get new ,if they are just polished but flat then they will be ok(just rework them with some sand paper on the faces) ,but as said make sure they are not to thin before starting.
M-m
Thanks for the tips - sounds like for now I can get away with just replacing the pads. Would someone mind taking a quick look at these pictures of my front brake discs though and confirming they’ll be OK?
http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff482/alligatorlizard/brakediscs001.jpg
http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff482/alligatorlizard/brakediscs002.jpg
It does seem to be just the edges that are corroded, not the surface - though I’m not sure how I can check the backs without removing them?
Jake her up, put her on an axle stand and take the wheel off, have a look or feel the back? The backs could be shot? It will only take a couple of minutes.
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
M-m
