If you need to have your brake drums or brake rotors resurfaced, O’Reilly Auto Parts offers in-store resurfacing services for drums and rotors. Just bring in your used drums or rotors to any O’Reilly Auto Parts store, and our parts professionals can measure them for free using a micrometer to determine if there is enough material left to allow them to be resurfaced. In some cases, if the drums or rotors are too thin or have significant damage, including gouging or severe wear, they may not be able to be resurfaced safely. If that is the case, our parts professionals can help you find the right replacement brake system parts for your vehicle.
O’Reilly Auto Parts Offers Brake Drum and Rotor Resurfacing for most:
What is Brake Drum and Rotor Resurfacing?
The resurfacing process involves removing a layer of damaged metal to create a smoother brake-bedding surface for your brake pads. This will provide a like-new drum or rotor surface for better, more consistent, and more even application of friction while braking.
The metal friction surfaces on drums and rotors are contacted by the brake pads or brake shoes, and this allows the vehicle to be slowed and stopped. These surfaces, along with the brake pads and shoes, will eventually wear out with use, or may be damaged by worn-out, malfunctioning, or damaged brake system components. When replacing brake pads or shoes, it’s also recommended that you replace or resurface your brake rotors and drums to ensure a complete brake repair. Learn more about how to replace brake pads and rotors yourself with our helpful video.
Depending on the age and condition of your brake pads or shoes, and brake calipers or wheel cylinders, it’s possible for your drums and rotors to become pitted, develop gouging or deep grooves, or develop a buildup of pad or shoe friction material known as “glazing”. Glazing can cause an inadequate or uneven braking surface, and is caused by the brakes getting too hot. This causes the brake pad friction material to stick to the rotor, producing deposits on the machined surface and resulting in vibrations in the steering wheel or pulsation in the brake pedal. Rotors can also deform, or “warp”, over time due to uneven brake pad contact, excessive heat, or other factors. Symptoms of warped rotors can include brake noise, vibrations while braking, and poor brake system performance.
Resurfacing Brake Rotors Vs. Replacing Rotors
To qualify for resurfacing, a drum or rotor must meet the required material thickness as defined by the drum or rotor manufacturer. If the metal surface to be machined is too thin, it’s best to replace them. A thin drum or rotor can be unsafe and fail to properly dissipate heat or stand up to the hydraulic pressure of the brake system, which may lead to dangerous braking situations or more expensive repairs.
If you are unsure about the condition of your drums and rotors, our Professional Parts People can measure them for FREE. If they can be resurfaced, the price of resurfacing is typically considerably less than the expense of new components. Of course, if your brake rotors or drums can’t be resurfaced safely, we’ll be happy to help you find an appropriate replacement for your vehicle.
When to Replace Brake Rotors or Brake Drums
There are a few signs that may indicate a worn brake rotor or drum that may need to be resurfaced or replaced. If you are experiencing braking issues it’s best to get your brakes checked and diagnosed by a qualified service center, as it could indicate failing brake hardware, brake pads, brake hydraulics, and more. Typically, modern brake pad formulations are designed to last around the same amount of time as the appropriate rotors, but it is possible for other system issues to cause the pads or rotors to experience accelerated wear.
Signs of Bad Rotors or Drums may also include:
Brake Hardware and Brake Pads
Braking noise can also be caused by worn anti-rattle clips, commonly known as brake pad clips. It’s always recommended to replace the brake hardware when servicing your brakes, as worn or rusted brake hardware can cause binding and brake noise even with new brake pads. Also, the type of brake pads matter. Most OE brake pads are designed to have a similar wear rate as the rotors or drums. This is typically true of semi-metallic or ceramic brake pads. However, organic brake pads can sometimes wear faster than the rotors or drums, which makes resurfacing rotors and drums more common on older vehicles. If you'd like to learn more, check out our video on when to replace brake pads, as well as resources to find which brake pads are best for your vehicle.
If you need help with your drums, rotors, or other brake repairs, you can find a local store with our O’Reilly Auto Parts store locator.
O’Reilly Auto Parts’ Store Services
Along with drum and rotor resurfacing, O’Reilly Auto Parts also provides several other store services including custom-built hydraulic hoses, custom paint mixing, and our Loaner Tool Program, which only requires a refundable deposit. Stop by your local O’Reilly Auto Parts store today to learn more about our O’Reilly store services.