How do you know if a brake rotor is bad?

To review, here are 15 common signs of a bad rotor:

  1. Vibration in the steering wheel.
  2. Pulsating brake pedal.
  3. Intermittent brake noises.
  4. Grinding when hitting brakes.
  5. Screeching after brake pad installation.
  6. Out-of-round rotors.
  7. Deep grooves or score marks.
  8. Cracked rotors.

Does brake rotor Quality Matter?

The hotter the pads run, the faster they wear. The quality of the metal from which a rotor is cast has a major impact on rotor life and performance. The better the metallurgy in the rotor, the better it will perform on the vehicle. Economy rotors are typically made from the cheapest scrap iron.

What is a good quality brake rotor?

Editor’s Pick: ACDelco Professional Brake Rotor ACDelco’s Professional series line of brake rotors are well-made, inexpensive and coated for rust prevention, making them a good choice for the commuter who just wants a straightforward replacement brake rotor.

How long do brake rotors usually last?

30,000 to 70,000 miles
Under normal driving conditions, rotors should last 30,000 to 70,000 miles or longer. But rotor type or design, along with city or aggressive driving (where brakes are applied harder and more often, generating excessive heat), cause rotors to wear differently.

What makes rotors go bad?

Driving too long on worn brake pads can cause rotor damage. As the brake pad wears down, the metal becomes exposed leading to metal-on-metal contact when you apply the brakes. This harmful contact between the pad and rotor can cause deep grooves to develop in the rotor.

Are expensive brake rotors worth it?

Higher end rotors will offer more precise machining and in some cases different steel content, such as a higher carbon content. This can result in a better rotors that is more resistant to brake fade and thermal cracking under extreme heat and a decreased chance of warping over time.

Is there a big difference in rotors?

Rotors are less complex than pads as they are single pieces of steel. However, there are still differences between different price points. Higher end rotors will offer more precise machining and in some cases different steel content, such as a higher carbon content.