New car rotors

[ChallengerHK]

Every time I or anyone I know gets work done on their car through an MLR-type place, we're told that the rotors are "just short of being un-usable," or words to that effect. In every instance, even if the pads were just replaced, and in one instance where the rotors had been replaced 6 months prior.

Are rotors on new cars being made to a much lower standard than older cars, or are these gys just aiming for some quick gravy work?

[burdar]

Most places are just looking for more work.  It's true that rotors are hardly ever turned anymore though.  That's just becuase labor rates are so high...it's more cost effective to just put on a new set.

[Chryco Psycho]

It is getting retarded , the last set I took in to turn they told me they had .020 left & still would not turn them , I told them they were still safe so turn them but they refused , I told them to take a Hike & took them over to my friends machine & turned them myself . Cost me more time & fuel but I reused them .

[Matt70]

A lot of the chain brake/muffler shop mechanics work on commission for parts sales. Can't always be trusted

[PlumCraZRT]

It is getting retarded , the last set I took in to turn they told me they had .020 left & still would not turn them , I told them they were still safe so turn them but they refused , I told them to take a Hike & took them over to my friends machine & turned them myself . Cost me more time & fuel but I reused them .

That's some BS.  As a mechanical engineer, so .020" is as good as a mile to me.  If he said .007", I might be on the fence.  If he said .003", then maybe get new ones.

[LAA66]

 When having problems warping rotors on my work truck, a mechanic actually told me to turn the new ones as well. "They sometimes come warped from the manufacture".

[wally426ci]

About 2 weeks after I put brand new thick ones on our subaru, I took it in for Tires. Yep, it needed rotors. Nope it didnt. 

[ChallengerHK]

That's pretty much what I thought. There are way too many scam artist in this business.

[Gumby]

And even if you know they guys, and get to chat with them in the back of their shop - these guys weren't trained on rotor turning, and will take of 1/8 inch or more and totally ruin your rotors. I was always taught take the least amount possible off, and if you have low spots, touch it up a little more. Some idiots think they are carving out new pieces for there custom chess set at home or something and can ruin a new rotor in one swipe. I almost shat myself the last time I took rotors in to get turned and watched the dork do it. But, in his defence - he obviously just did not know any better and had never been taught. Or never cared that much in the first place.

[Super Blue 72]

Some idiots think they are carving out new pieces for there custom chess set at home or something

 

I would think that with modern technology, metalurgy has improved, although the mighty $ still holds first place to many retailer/manufacturers.

People get hungry to sell stuff.  Greed is bad thing.

[ChallengerHK]

Greed is bad thing.

I'm a diehard capitalist, and greed is where capitalism fails.

[jimynick]

Why do you think there are all those "free brake inspections"? If they can get your car on their hoist, I can almost guarantee you that they'll "find" something! The sad part, is that there're lots of ignorant (in the proper sense) people who'll fall for a story like that. As a fourth generation mechanic, I'm ashamed those guys are in the trade; period. Tell them that you're aware of what's going on and that you'll tell everyone you can about it and perhaps that'll slow them down. 

[ChallengerHK]

Very good advice.

[burdar]

The labor rates and mark-up on parts is crazy in certain areas...

About 8 years ago my sister and her husband were living in Pheonix.  They were told there Grand Prix needed front brakes and rotors.  The estimate was over $600.  They ended up flying me from Iowa to Arizona to install brakes on their car.  Less than 2 hours after my plane landed, the brake job was done.  The next two days we took a trip over to Las Vegas and the Hoover Damn.  That was a nice little vacation. 

[Gumby]

The labor rates and mark-up on parts is crazy in certain areas...

About 8 years ago my sister and her husband were living in Pheonix.  They were told there Grand Prix needed front brakes and rotors.  The estimate was over $600.  They ended up flying me from Iowa to Arizona to install brakes on their car.  Less than 2 hours after my plane landed, the brake job was done.  The next two days we took a trip over to Las Vegas and the Hoover Damn.  That was a nice little vacation.

The Hoover Damn? lol. Is that what they call that engineering marvel? I bet they saved money flying you there, and had enough coin left over to treat you to a sight-see? Very cool deal!