I have 2 issue's

1) re-surface rotors or go with Stoptech

and

2) Brakes pads

*Endless Vita Nuova
or
*Hawk HPS

NEED FEED BACK!

 

I resurfaced mine and they only lasted another 5000 miles, so i ended up going with d.b.a. rotors and hawk ceramic pads.

 

I HAD to replace my front rotors with new OEM units (no time to order aftermarket rotors) due to all the minute cracks that developed after some serious weekend racing...(previous owner). And I replaced my rears due to lack of material to turn...I went with Racing Brake slotted rear rotors and Hawk HPS pads front and rear.

All around I am happy with my decision. The Hawk pads squeak a bit during light braking at slower speeds coming to a stop...not always...only at times. Front and rear rotors are holding up fine and still have plenty of material left on them. Stopping power/grip is impressive after proper bedding of the pads.

 

The cheaper route is to have them resurfaced. If you plan in tracking at all, you mind as well upgrade.

 

In most cases these are just heat surface stress cracks and are totally fine. I never had them grow beyond that. You can still use the rotor even without turning it. After a few K miles of street driving, they'd be wiped clean.

The only time I would even consider turning a rotor is when your rotor is slightly warped - turning helps true the rotor or if your rotor is glazed. Rest of the time my opinion is that it is a waste of money and your rotor material even if you have groves in it.

A crack that continues through the entire rotor surface or it is located on the outer or inner edge on the other hand should immediately be replaced. These types cracks you can usually feel in your brake padal when braking lightly..

 

I have never had a rotor cut. I just replace the rotors when I replace the pads.

 

WOW, that's nuts! Can I have your old rotors? I bet they have plenty of life in them.

I go through at least 1/2 dozen brake pad sets before the rotors are done. You should replace the rotor when they reach min thickness...no need to any earlier.

 

It was time for me to do the pads all around so when I had the fronts turned, the cracks went too deep within the rotors to continue turning. So I 'had to' replace them....my car was at the dealership on a rack with the brakes apart....I had no choice but to pick up a set of OEM front rotors instead of going aftermarket...no time to wait for shipping.....my Evo is my DD.

As a side note, they hung up one of my rotors on the shop wall of FUBAR'd parts!!

For the most part I agree with what you said......I always turn my rotors when installing new pads....never had issues with this practice.