I am about to replace my rear brake pads. Aside from looking for scratches or indentations in the rotor, how else can you tell if it needs replacing? Any photos?

I did a search and did not find anything definitive. Thanks.

 

pictures don't really help.. unless they are obviously damaged..

you need to measure them - thickness.. and check if they are running out of true with a clock.

 

There is a thickness standard published in the Helm manual. But with just street use and OEM brake pads, your rotors will probably last the life of the car.

On the track your rotors will crack from heat cycles long before they get too thin. But that is usually pretty obvious.

 

The rear rotors have 10mm stamped on them, which I believe is the minimum material width. My rear rotors lasted 3 years, with probably two dozen or so track days and I never cracked them. In that same time I've gone through probably 4 or 5 sets of front rotors because of cracks.

I replaced my rear rotors beginning of this year because the rotors wore down too low and it got this stripe of rust looking material on the rotor. Didn't help braking too much and did a number on my rear OEM pads..

 

Thanks for all the replies. I have done a few track days on them and have my first set of aftermarket pads. I probably have plenty of life left in the rotors.

One slightly off topic note is that I am going back to OEM. I have HP Hawk Plus and they squeak consistently even after applying plenty of anti squeak grease.

 

That's the best plan. Street pads for street use, track pads for track use (if any).

 

While your car is only a few years old and the rotors will last for many.....many more years (and track days)....feel free to tell the wife the board has recommended some high end aftermarket rotors. We will back you here. It worked for me!

Utah

P.S. Once again Euclid and others for all your help with my pre-summer brake upgrade

 

How about some 6 piston 13 Wilwood, tell your wife that you need the more stopping power for safty