1997 850 FWD - Passenger rear rotor after 100 miles of metal-to-metal...

[xHeart]

I ordered replacement brake pads and hardware. But did not order rotor since its appears nice and thick except visible grooves that you I can feel it on you finger.

It is the outer face of brembo rotor. Would you resurface, replace, or just leave it as-is and put new pads.
If replace, what make from local retailer.

Thank you!

[erikv11]

These rotors don't have much extra thickness from the factory so while I don't know the mileage on it, still I will speculate it is unlikely the rotor can be resurfaced and still be within spec. But if it can, would be the most satisfactory route for me. You'd have to bring it in to the shop to find out.

If they won't turn it, I would probably just get another set of pads and use it. Fronts I would not but on the rears, yes.

[scot850]

Depends what a repair shop charges for turning the rotors. May cost as much as a new rotor or close to.

Normally Volvo reckon on 2 sets of pads to 1 rotor change. I agree on the rears the new pads may have a shorter life, and will take a while to bed in as they have to wear down to fit the grooves. This will load the fronts a but more, and of course the braking efficiency will reduce somewhat but not enough to worry about I would suggest.

Neil.

[abscate]

Somewhat driving style dependent - my 1999 basically gets used for a town commute of 6 miles to the airport, so I would probably try the rotors with new pads and evaluate braking action

[j-dawg]

If you're going to replace pads with the same pad compound, just chuck 'em on there. The grooves don't really matter unless they're very deep; what you have sounds pretty normal.

Turning rotors is mostly useful for removing the layer of friction material your old pads left there, which may not play nicely with your new pads. If your new pads use the same or a similar compound as your old pads, there's not much point in turning a rotor.

[mrbrian200]

My experience. The brakes will feel soft/spongy until the new pads wear into the shape of the grooves on the rotor. Even though they're only light grooves it may still take some time depending on your driving style. Could be 10 miles or several hundred. Also, the new pads won't last as long as they might with either a turned or new rotor, and won't grab quite as good/increased stopping distance, and will have a greater tendency to squeak. If this groove/wear is uneven between rotors on different wheels you may notice brake steering issues, especially during that break-in period.

[abscate]

5 years later I’ve turned into a fan of returning sets of pads and rotors to FCP for new FreeCP ones.