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Brake rotor has circular bands

Tiny
GEARSOFT
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN
  • 3.6L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 154,200 MILES
Dear all,

I replaced my rear brake pads last year and just noticed some circular bands developing on my brake rotors. The pictures are attached here. It seems my brake pads only touch rotor in these shiny area.

Could you let me know what is going on? How could I fix this issue?

Regards
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Thursday, February 27th, 2020 AT 5:41 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

This looks like normal discoloration where the brake rotor is getting hot from normal braking. There is nothing to worry about. Brake rotors go bad when the brakes go metal to metal when the brake pads are worn completely down and the rotors will then get grooves worn in them from the brake pad rivets, which hasn't happened here.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Thursday, February 27th, 2020 AT 5:48 PM
Tiny
GEARSOFT
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Hi Alex: appreciate your prompt reply. On the 2nd picture, I can feel the part I circled in red seems to be higher than the shiny part, although it was quite hot. I will take another look tomorrow morning when it cools down. It would be a very frustrating DIY experience if I messed up my rotors.
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Thursday, February 27th, 2020 AT 5:53 PM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
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Hello again,

Did your brakes go metal to metal before you replaced the brake pads?

Thanks,
Alex
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Thursday, February 27th, 2020 AT 5:56 PM
Tiny
GEARSOFT
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Hi Alex: since my old pads had a about 4mm left, it didn't go metal to metal. If I didn't apply enough torque on the caliper bolt, will it cause any issue?

By the way, I just touch the rotor again. Now it is cool, I feel the dark part is slightly higher than the shiny part.

Best regards
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Thursday, February 27th, 2020 AT 6:01 PM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
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Hello again,

No. If the caliper bolt was loose than the caliper would be dragging the brake pad on the rotor and it would feel like the brakes were applied all the time and you would definitely know it. I really don't think there is an issue here, but if you are worried about it you can either replace the rotors or take them to a shop and have them turn them for you. I am 99.9% that they will still be serviceable and within the specs needed to have them turned.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Thursday, February 27th, 2020 AT 11:19 PM

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