Brake Pads and Rotors: Why We Measure Them
Your brake pads and rotors work together every time you stop. When either one has a problem, your vehicle may not stop as well as it should.
At Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City, CA, we inspect and measure your brakes to find the problem. We don't just look at the parts and guess.
What Is Rotor Runout?
The photos with this article show a dial indicator measuring a brake rotor.
A dial indicator is a tool that shows how much a rotor moves as it spins. This is called rotor runout.
A small amount of movement can be normal. Too much movement can cause problems such as:
- Brake pedal vibration
- Steering wheel shaking when braking
- Uneven brake pad wear
- Brake noise
- A rough feeling when stopping
A rotor may look good but still have too much runout. That's why measuring it is important.
When Do Brake Rotors Need to Be Replaced?
Brake rotors wear over time. Heat and friction from braking can also damage them.
A rotor may need to be replaced if it is:
- Too thin
- Deeply grooved
- Cracked or damaged
- Wearing unevenly
- Showing too much runout
Our technicians measure the rotor and check its condition before deciding what service is needed.
Why Do Brake Pads and Rotors Matter?
Brake pads press against the rotors to slow your vehicle. Both parts need to work properly for your brakes to work correctly. Installing new brake pads on a rotor that has a problem may not fix the issue. That is why a proper brake inspection looks at the complete brake system. We want to find the cause of the problem and recommend the repair your vehicle needs.
Brake Repair in Cathedral City, CA
If your brakes are squealing, grinding, shaking, or feeling different, have them checked before the problem gets worse.
Jim Brangham Auto Repair provides brake inspections, brake pad replacement, brake rotor service, and complete brake repairs in Cathedral City and throughout the Coachella Valley.
We take the time to inspect your vehicle and use the right tools to help find brake problems.
Need a brake inspection? Call Jim Brangham Auto Repair at (760) 321-7040 to schedule your appointment.
