Is it necessary to change or resurface the front rotors at about 29000 miles if the pads need to be replaced? I am not planning to resurface the rotors - does that become a safety issue? Someone told me that the rotors are not designed to be resurfaced.

If the rotor looks relatively smooth with no bad scoring from overly worn pads and if the rotors are above minimum specified thickness, then you may reuse them. A slightly worn surface is okay for new pads... it'll just take a bit longer for new pads to wear into the used rotors.

You're right - these rotors aren't designed for resurfacing. Turning the rotors will remove "meat" from the rotor that is needed for heat dissipation, otherwise the rotor will have a higher tendency to warp. Not much extra metal was put into these rotors like we had in the old days.

If there's any doubt, replace them. They're not all that expensive.

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95 E320 Cabriolet, 169K

Many thanks! Kestas......
Sandy

My belief is that if your going to put new pads on your car then either resurface or replace the rotors. An automotive shop can determine if the rotors can safely be turned.

My experience with replacing the pads and not replacing/resurfacing the rotors is that as the new pads get worn the rotor becomes out of balance resulting in vibrations.

My experience with rotors is that I can get one resurfacing if they are in good shape. Like Kestas stated, the new rotors are not that expensive.

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Ray
1998 Mercedes E320, 200K Miles
2001 Acura 3.2TL, 178K Miles
1992 Chevy Astro, 205K Miles