I had my 2011 XF in for a state inspection and the front brake pads needed replacement. Turns out they only replaced the pads and did not replace or resurface the rotors. Car has 32,000 miles. I thinking they should have replaced the rotors as they did when they did the rears a while back. I know that's what I would have done if I were doing the job. I will be calling the service manager on this but wanted to get the opinions of folks on this list. BTW the shop was backed up so I thinking that was the major reason to taking this quick fix approach. What do you guys think.


Thanks


Happy New Year

 

Not automatically touching the rotors is typical and sound practice. The old 'upselling' habit of changing or 'turning' them at every pad change never made any sense.

 

I change mine only if they're down to the minimum spec (or I suppose if "warped" but let's not go there). They never have been after only one set of pads. I believe this is as recommended by Jaguar (and other car makers).

 

I am sure your rotors aren't in a perfect condition, therefore any imperfections will get transferred on to the new pads. Which usually leads to shudder under hard braking.


Your pads and rotors are covered. I would have them do it anyway, because another 15-20k miles, you will end up paying for them as you will be out of warranty.

 

This part of the thinking that lead to the myth that rotors need to be turned or replaced every time the pads are replaced. It's just not true.

If the the brakes don't shudder now, why would they start with new pads?

 

I wouldn't say the rotors need to be replaced, but they should've resurfaced them. I would expect a shop to do that.

 

Why?

 

If it's a myth, then you can call me the myth buster.
I have done brake changes on 40 different vehicles in the last 10 years. From a 4 door sedans to big 6 wheel trucks. And, I know exactly what kind of feedback they each gave after rotor/pad change.


To answer your question, because the original pads and rotors wore out together. What ever the imperfections, they are printed on both parts.

Now, you take a old rotor that most likely has grooves in it and put a new pad on it, you will be throwing the balance off.