Disc Brake Rotors

The breaks pulsate on my 96' Accord. Should I have them resurfaced or
replaced since I'm sure they have been resurfaced a few times in their
history? The Honda dealer wants $249 to replace them. Should I look into
having a local mechanic do the job and maybe save a few bucks? Thanks.

 

if they've already been skimmed, they'll need replacing. next time,
take them to a shop that knows how to do brakes properly. honda hubs
are lightweight and elastically distort of the wheels aren't torqued in
the correct way. if you've been back the same shop multiple times with
the same problem, and each time you get this problem return, i'd say,
yes, find another mechanic because your current one is the cause of the
problem. when calling around, ask if they torque with a hand wrench or
use air tools. if the latter, avoid like the plague.

 

Just a short list of prices:

Rockauto.com lists
1. Brembo rotors (10.25" vented, 45251-SM4-020) for $28.79.
2. Raybestos PG-Plus (Noise Dampening Iron) runs $31.79.
3. Raybestos imported "Red Label" rotor costs $7.99.

The Honda dealer wants $190 to replace the $60 parts. Chain stores
offer lifetime warranty, but their charges are about as high. For
example, Midas will charge you $150 labor per axle just to replace the
"free" brake pads.

I'd say a good independent mechanic specializing in Hondas is probably
the best. But you need references and a good mechanic is always hard to
find. That's why I do it myself.

Like Jim said, the use of a torque wrench is very important. Uneven
torque can cause the rotor to warm. The mechanic should also clean and
properly lube all the hardware contact points after disassembling the
components. If the caliper pins are not properly lubed, they may stick
and cause the pads to stay in contact with the rotors, leading to
warpage.

 

Try to retorque the lug nuts - this helped reduce the braking shudder
on a 80 accord I had - never ever let anyone use an impact wrench on
your lug nuts - even with a torque stick - can be a problem. I thought
the later model accords had a rotor that was very easy to replace.