My daughter has a 04 Mazda Tribute. How do I tell if front rotors need resurfacing. Brake pads seem find. When applying brakes vehicle shakes.

The shaking means the rotors are warped pretty bad. Don't waste your time or money tryin to resurface them, because the resurfacing is not gonna get the warp out. Replace them with "Raybestos" rotors. Click on the link below.

http://www.raybestos.com/wps/portal/raybestos

Jmunguai,

To determine if a rotor needs to be replaced or resurfaced they must be measured to make sure they are thick enough to be resurfaced. If they have never been resurfaced (or if the last person that did wasn't a "brake butcher") they might be thick enough. I don't recommend turning them down to the min. though. Thick rotors are more capable of handling the heat. The thinner they are the quicker they warp.

Let us know if you have any other questions. We'll be glad to help.

Jmunguai,

Not only is drivabilty is a a good mechanic, but he’s a friend and colleague as well. On just about everything he and I are on the same page on things but we’re talkin brakes here (can mean the difference between life and death), and with all due respect to drivability I don’t agree. Replace the rotors hands down that’s it finished case closed. I’m sayin that because you’re already feelin the shakin in the brake pedal. I’m tellin you from experience that even if you can cut the rotors (industry term) for resurfacing they are not gonna be safe because they are be left thin after the cutting.

Jmunguai,

Please don't let me be misunderstood. I agree with Big Block in that replacing the rotors is always a safe bet but you asked how you can tell if the rotors need resurfacing.

The manufacturer sets specs. for each and every brake rotor. They have a Nominal (new) and Discard (minimum)spec. Some rotors also have a Machine (the min. thickness after resurfacing)spec. These specs are then enforced by the DOT.

By rights the rotor should be checked with a dial indicator to check for runout and measured for minimum thickness with a micrometer.

Big Block and I don't disagree on what would be best for the vehicle. It's just that as a certified technician, it's my obligation to give a customer their options. I can suggest replacing the rotors as an option and tell them why this might be best but if I tell them that a perfectly safe (per DOT specs.) rotor has to be replaced, I'm guilty of theft by deception.

Hope that clears it up. We don't disagree we just word it a little differently.:)

We don't disagree we just word it a little differently.:)

Yeah, but I still like Bulldog!!!! :-)

Quick! Somebody call "the Dr."!!!:)

I agree with the other posts.
if you're gonna do the brakes yourself, remember that a lot of autoparts stores will turn your rotors for you at a reasonable price. (be sure that they measure them first and compare the measurement to factory specifications)