Do I need new rotors?

First time changing brake pads and wonder if I need new rotors as well

 

Usually you want to do rotors with pads but you can have them measured and turned down.

 

IMHO they are just too inexpensive these days to not replace them while you have things opened up.

 

I personally would leave them if they all look like that. That looks decent. My rotors on my 2019 all have 135k miles on them. How many miles on these?

 

What brand old pads now and what new pads are you using?
If same brand pad, I would keep them. If changing pads, you can turn or replace them. Not all shops turn rotors to a new rotor grade finish, so inspect their work or get new rotors.

 

The rotors look like they are in good shape? How many miles on them. I typically keep the rotors for two sets of pads.

 

Don't turn rotors you guys...

Paying money to reduce remaining life? Come on.
Keep as is or replace, and only replace when damaged or worn to or close to the minimum thickness.

 

That’s what I do as well. Call me lazy, but if the surface of the rotor is good, and it’s only the second set of pads, I keep them as is. I’m 25k miles into my second set of pads on original rotors. Rotors are still true and smooth, no pulsing.

The only draw back that I noticed on the 4runner when I re-used my rotors (they had 50k on them when I replaced pads), was that the braking action was a bit too strong when initially applying the brakes. It took a while for the pads/rotors to bed in to the point where the initial brake bite is as progressive as it was on my factory pads.

That said, it could have been caused by the fact I used the “cheaper” version of OE replacement pads. Maybe the frictional properties on the cheaper versions are less linear than the formulation used on the factory pads. Or maybe the factory pads when new had too much initial bite until they settled it, but I just forgot how it felt.

Either way, it’s not worth the extra work to change out rotors or turn them if they are still good dimensionally and the surface is smooth. There’s no guarantee that they’ll turn them properly anyway, and they’ll also end up with less material.

I’ll replace the rotors on the next set of pads.

 

Old days of turning rotors is gone, rotors are not as thick as they once were. At best you can continue to use them if they run smooth and no pulsating, but you may need to replace them mid pad wear.

 

At the very least it would be a good idea to al least check the runout of the rotor surfaces...especially if you've ever had an extensive amount of braking (a very long downhill.). A simple process using a dial gage and you dont have to remove the rotors from the vehicle.

 

Last time I recommended a pad swap without replacing the rotors on this site it was a complete
That said, I typically just swap the pads as long as I don't feel any pulsing sensation.

Just in case you do decide to replace them I'd recommend sticking with OEM rotors.

 

I don’t even know where to get a rotor turned. Not sure if anyone does it anymore around here.

 

unless they are super thin, youre good

 

I'm with you, especially on the rear.

 

If the rotors measure to an acceptable service thickness, then just the pads. If they are close or beyond spec, then also change out the rotors.