What is brake disc turning? What happens when brake discs grind down? When do brake discs wear out?
What is Brake Disc Turning and how does it work?
Brake disc turning refers to the grinding of disc surfaces with a brake lathe. Grinding brake discs removes wear and roughness from the disc surface. This helps to eliminate vibrations and abrasions by aligning the brake pads closer to the disc surface.
This can be done even though the brake discs are removed from your vehicle. Today, however, you have a variety of grinding tools. Some services do not require you to remove the discs.
Grinding eliminates wear, corrosion, and thickness changes. The surface is polished to ensure maximum friction. This increases braking power, and prolongs the lifespan of the brake pad.
What happens when brake discs grind?
Two situations indicate that brake discs must be ground.
When replacing brake pads, the first is grinding. The discs should be ground if the pads have scratched the surface. New pads have a better braking performance and can be used longer without wear.
The second is when the brake pedal is pressed to stop the vehicle. This vibration can be caused by uneven wear to the brake discs and pads. This is why it is necessary to examine the disk’s surface and measure its thickness by using a micrometer. A comparator can also be used to detect surface variations. Generally, 0.025mm. When the brake pedal is pressed, vibrations can be caused by even a small change in surface or thickness.
Some brake discs today can be perforated and/or slotted to improve braking performance. Surface grinding is possible for cars with this type brake disc. The brake lathe tool may be damaged by this type of disc. Some mechanics may not be willing to take this risk and will not grind.
Some automakers require discs to be replaced before replacing brake pads. It is important to check with the authorized service before you grind.
What is the best time to change brake discs?
Brake discs typically last 100,000 km. Although it is made to last, its actual life expectancy depends on several factors such as driving style and brake pad type. It is necessary to replace a worn, cracking, warped, or damaged brake disc. The minimum thickness requirement for the disc that is to be ground must be met. If the disc is not sized correctly, it can become thinned and unsafe. You will need to purchase new brake discs in such instances.
Brake disc wear usually occurs simultaneously on the right and left sides. To ensure that braking is consistent, one of the brake discs must be replaced with another. If there is a substantial difference in the thickness of one disc, the brakes may cause the vehicle pull to one side.
If your brakes make squeaking or scraping noises when you apply them, it could be a sign that your brake discs have been damaged, warped or worn. It may be necessary for you to replace your brake disks in such cases.
If the brake discs have been ground a number of times, the surface thickness can become thinned and not thick enough to be grindable. In such cases, you will need to insert new discs. Brake discs are usually made with a thickness that is suitable for grinding in at most two replacement pads. To save weight, newer cars have thinner discs. Some discs can be worn with brake pads so disc turning may not be an option.
