Brake Disc Skimming

[LONDON31]

Is it necessary? Won't it cause early wear and tear to the disc? Squeak while braking isnt so bad right?

 

[upup]

Are your disc uneven? Your brakes should be still. Is the sliding pins well lube?

 

[Jet-Fighter7700]

If you replace the disc itself, and fit new pads, do you have to do this skimming so the pads bed in properly?

 

[kolaval]

I've always wondered if it was worth it to skim disks Vs replacing them.

 

[DeTector]

I've always wondered if it was worth it to skim disks Vs replacing them.

Better to replace. Price for replacement vs skimming is not that huge. Most newer cars use ventilated brake discs at the front and if you skim those it might take off more than what the minimum thickness of the disc should be (not great for you if you get in an accident and your insurance uncovers this). Another point, always insist where ever you take your car and wheels need to come off that the wheel bolts are torqued to spec. Most over tighten and this causes the disc to bend which in turn causes brake juddering.
Edit- You must replace the pads with the new disc and definetely no skimming neccesary when replacing to bed it in. It will bed in itself.

 

[longboy]

It's better to just replace your discs. They are quite cheap at around R350 (15") - R500 (17") each depending on the size.

Skimming costs around 1/2 to 3/4 the price of a new disc and should only be done if you are really in a tight financial bind. When you replace your discs and pads you should go for something that's good quality - the braking system in your vehicle is not to be trifled with since it can literally save your life in an emergency.

 

[Sinbad]

If you replace the disc itself, and fit new pads, do you have to do this skimming so the pads bed in properly?

No

 

[The_Traveller]

Is it necessary? Won't it cause early wear and tear to the disc? Squeak while braking isnt so bad right?

You only change the disc or skim it when it is warped.
I give the discs a skim the first time I feel my steering shake heavy when braking, and then when it warps again, I replace. I’ve been doing this for decades with 100’s of cars.