What is considered excessive brake rotor thickness?
Brake rotors, also known as brake discs, are an essential component of a vehicle's braking system. They are responsible for converting the kinetic energy of a moving vehicle into heat, allowing the vehicle to slow down and stop. While brake rotors are designed to wear down over time, excessive brake rotor thickness can indicate a problem that requires attention.
What is Considered Excessive Brake Rotor Thickness?
Brake rotors have a specific thickness range that is considered optimal for their performance and safety. This range is typically specified by the vehicle manufacturer and can vary depending on the make, model, and year of the vehicle. Excessive brake rotor thickness occurs when the rotor's thickness exceeds the maximum recommended limit set by the manufacturer.
Causes of Excessive Brake Rotor Thickness
There are several potential causes for excessive brake rotor thickness, including:
- Lack of Brake Pad Wear: If the brake pads are not wearing down as expected, the rotors may not be getting the necessary friction to maintain their optimal thickness.
- Improper Brake Pad Replacement: Replacing brake pads with ones that are not compatible with the vehicle's specifications can lead to uneven wear and excessive rotor thickness.
- Overheating: Excessive heat buildup in the braking system, often due to heavy or frequent braking, can cause the rotors to expand and become thicker.
- Warping: Sudden temperature changes or uneven wear can cause the rotors to warp, leading to an uneven thickness across the surface.
It's important to note that excessive brake rotor thickness can also be a sign of other underlying issues in the braking system, such as worn or damaged components.
Consequences of Excessive Brake Rotor Thickness
Driving with excessively thick brake rotors can have several negative consequences, including:
- Reduced Braking Efficiency: Thicker rotors require more force to be applied by the brake pads, reducing the overall braking performance and increasing the distance required to stop the vehicle.
- Increased Wear on Other Components: Excessive rotor thickness can put additional stress on the brake calipers, pads, and other related components, leading to premature wear and the need for more frequent replacements.
- Decreased Fuel Efficiency: The increased effort required to slow down the vehicle can result in higher fuel consumption, as the engine has to work harder to overcome the braking resistance.
- Safety Concerns: Reduced braking performance can compromise the vehicle's overall safety, especially in emergency situations or when driving in adverse conditions.
To ensure the safety and optimal performance of your vehicle's braking system, it's essential to have the brake rotors inspected and replaced if they exceed the manufacturer's recommended thickness specifications.
How thin is too thin for rotors?
A brand new Shimano rotor is 1.8 mm thick. Every brand of disc brake rotors—Campagnolo, SRAM, Shimano, Tektro, etc. has a minimum thickness; when your rotors get this thin, they want you to replace them. Shimano for example recommends that its rotors be replaced when worn down to 1.50 mm.
What is the acceptable thickness of brake rotors?
Most brake rotors start with a thickness or width of between 10 - 30 mm, also known as its "nominal thickness." The "minimum thickness" or "minimum discard thickness" refers to how thin a rotor can be before it's considered dangerous.
Is a 3mm brake pad ok?
At 3 millimeters, the brakes are just about worn out and should be replaced.
What is considered excessive brake rotor thickness variation?
Use a micrometer to measure the thickness of the rotor. The measurements should not vary larger than . 001 inch (0.025 mm).
