replace rotors with brake pads?

[h&t]

Hi all,

I drive 2011 4runner SRV in Ontario, Canada, it's at 94 K km (58K miles).

Somehow I missed the rear brake pads wearing down and by the time I got it to the mechanic, the rear rotors were scratched. Obviously they needed to be replaced. My question is about the fronts, the mechanic recommended replacing the front rotors while replacing the pads, which I did.

But was it necessary?
I drove 96 4runner for 300K with original rotors IIRC.

 

[uptheirons]

Depends on the condition of them really, if they were badly worn they may need replacement but that does sound rather premature. Generally speaking, front brakes usually wear down before the rears, not always, but usually.

 

[NorthwoodsRunner]

Hi all,
I drive 2011 4runner SRV in Ontario, Canada, it's at 94 K km (58K miles).
Somehow I missed the rear brake pads wearing down and by the time I got it to the mechanic, the rear rotors were scratched. Obviously they needed to be replaced. My question is about the fronts, the mechanic recommended replacing the front rotors while replacing the pads, which I did.
But was it necessary?
I drove 96 4runner for 300K with original rotors IIRC.

It is not necessary to replace front rotors unless 1) thickness is less than the spec 2) you do have the shakes when your brake or 3) rotors are damaged. You just don't have enough miles to worry about the thickness. As long as you don't have the shakes, I would just keep the front rotors and replace the pads if they are truly worn.

 

[Bossman]

More information on this issue can be found in these threads:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/142164-just-brake-pads-rotors-so-confused.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/211393-brakes-rotors.html

 

[h&t]

thank you and thanks for the links

 

[Beaumont67]

I ordered the premium brake kit for wife's 2008 RAV4 Limited v6, in Canada.
- Max Brakes is out of Richmond Hill, ON.
Couldn't be happier on price & performance / just did the rears, storing the fronts till next year.
- strong brakes & low break dust generated
Brake Kits - ELITE xDS Series Kits
^^ Kits are cheap enough, I change rotors & ceramic pads / all at the same time.

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[Soupbean]

Rotors

Just my $.02 . Several years I drove a '97 E-250 service van, not too many miles (about 130,000) but it was about 9-10 years old at the time. Was driving home on a Friday night on the expressway doing about 65-70mph, as frequently happens a row of brake lights lit up in front of me, I got on the brakes fairly hard and the right front rotor split in half where the vents are. Needless to say it was extremely exciting trying to come to a stop. Of course this was a Ford part (I think) but definitely not a Toyota part. Got it back to our shop and the fins at the center of the rotor where it split were very badly corroded. Even if runout and thickness is within spec check overall condition for rust, corrosion and scaling. A set of rotors really isn't that expensive, probably under $150.00. This topic is timely. Just replaced warped front rotors on the wife's Camry SE , she drives that thing like Mario Andretti !