How to tell if a brake rotor/pads are worn beyond a safe limit?
05-16-23, 07:23 PM
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How to tell if a brake rotor/pads are worn beyond a safe limit?
I saw a post a couple of days ago on a Facebook home mechanics group page talking about brake rotor wear. It was very interesting to me that very few knew about what to look for and how to measure. I made a YouTube video later that day at the shop that I shared on the post, but even though both Shimano and SRAM list the minimum rotor width, it seems like one of the most neglected things I see on a daily basis as this is my day job, but in reality, it's definitely one of the most important things to stay on top of maintenance wise. Anyway, this is the video I posted. I'm interested in what other opinions are on the topic and what do you do to measure said brake components.
Last edited by Le Mechanic; 05-16-23 at 07:52 PM. Reason: Video link not showing up.
05-16-23, 08:04 PM
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This is not complicated.
All manufacturers post minimum thicknesses for rotors -- they're usually stamped right on the rotors. I simply measure them with a cheap caliper (easy to do with the wheel mounted to the bike) and replace when necessary.
Pads get replaced when they are worn down to the point that the metal retaining springs are close to making contact with the rotors. I can eyeball them without removing the wheel.
All manufacturers post minimum thicknesses for rotors -- they're usually stamped right on the rotors. I simply measure them with a cheap caliper (easy to do with the wheel mounted to the bike) and replace when necessary.
Pads get replaced when they are worn down to the point that the metal retaining springs are close to making contact with the rotors. I can eyeball them without removing the wheel.
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05-16-23, 08:20 PM
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Yeah, I agree 100%. I do the same thing, although I think a micrometer works better for the rotors.
