How Long Does It Take To Fix Brakes and Rotors?

Dealing with car-related issues can be a challenging task. There are so many factors to consider, and the actual process of diagnosing the cause is a trial and error process, which requires at least some knowledge of how things work in a vehicle. 

Seeing as a brake system is incredibly delicate, you may need some guidance. When your brakes squeak or the pedal is not as responsive as it used to be, there’s a problem, and you need to determine the cause.

So let’s get into the topic and find out how you can fix rotors and the brake system, and how long that’ll take.

How Do Brakes And Rotors Function?

A brake rotor is linked to the axle in a disc-brake system through lugs that attach the wheel to the hub and hold it. It gives the brake pads a surface to contact, and when the brakes are applied, friction is created, kinetic energy is converted to heat, and your car is slowed down until it comes to a complete stop.

Ribs link two iron discs to form rotors. When the brakes are applied, the brake pads are forced against both iron discs.

Rotor rib design may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Yet, they all accomplish the same task: they reduce the considerable heat generated when brake pads rub against the rotor. These ribs drive air into the rotor to cool it and allow hot air to exit. To function effectively, rotors must be able to disperse a significant quantity of heat.

Because braking discs and rotors go by different names, brake rotors are less well-known to regular consumers than brake pads, but they both have a flat circular disc shape.

Symptoms of Brake and Rotor Wear

Because rotors play an essential part in the brake system’s functioning, it’s never a good idea to completely disregard the problem. After all, things can quickly become very expensive, not to mention the risks the driver will be under while this issue persists. 

However, you should be able to determine whether common symptoms such as pulsation/vibration, wobbling, grooves/scoring, blue marks, and screeching or grinding noises lead to damaged rotors or another braking component by feel, sound, or visual inspection.

Listed below are the symptoms of a damaged brake rotor:

• Steering wheel vibration
• Grinding when hitting brakes
• Screeching after brake pad installation
• Out-of-round rotors
• Cracked rotors
• Corrosion
• Wobbling or rotor runout
• Oversensitive/insensitive brakes
• Longer stopping distances

How Do I Examine Brake Rotors?

You could determine the cause of any of the symptoms. This would involve a simple visual inspection that follows a straightforward step-by-step process. It goes as follows:

• With a jack stand, raise your vehicle off the ground and remove the lug nuts from the wheels;
• To access the braking rotors, remove the wheels and tires;
• Remove your brake calipers by loosening the nuts and holding them in place;
• For inspection, take the brake rotors and pads out;
• Look closely for grooves, scoring, or unevenness on the rotor faces and outer/inner edges;
• Do the same for brake pads to ensure they have yet to grow to the required minimum thickness;
• Clean your brake rotor's mounting surface and the rest of the brake system.

Any rotor distortions or individual brake system component damage should be visible at this point. Your findings should determine your next course of action.

Fixing Brake Pads And Rotors

However, there's also an outlined process to follow when fixing brake pads and rotors. If they wear out to the point where they can’t function properly, just buy a set of pads and rotors and follow the guide below to do a property DIY replacement. 

• Ensure you have enough brake fluid;
• Raise the car and take the wheel off;
• Remove the caliper and the bolts;
• Remove the old pads and clean the mounting surface of the rotor;
• Remove old pads and rotors;
• Clean the surface for mounting;
• Clean up the new rotor and install it;
• Get your brake pads and replace them as well;
• Repeat for other wheels.

The whole process should take you around 30 minutes to an hour. The same applies to fixing them up in an auto shop. After that, all that remains is to ensure you did a good job and test the vehicle.

Summary

The brake system within your car is super sensitive and, thus, requires proper care and maintenance. When you notice any symptoms mentioned, go for a quick visual inspection to determine the cause. After that, use the general guide for fixing the brakes and rotors, which should solve things for you.

But if you feel the need to delegate at any point, just drive up to the nearest auto shop. That would raise the overall cost but will solve the problem nonetheless.

Related Resources

• Research a Vehicle
• Cars for Sale
• Sell My Car
• Car Ratings
• Automotive News
• Shopping Guides
• New Car Previews
• Expert Car Reviews