Front Brake Rotors

SETHMINSTER

MEMBER
2002 JEEP CHEROKEE
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
70,000 MILES

Had the front rotors replaced with a brake job 2 1/2 years ago (about 30,000 miles) and now mechanics says it needs new rotors. Wondering if they actually do last only that long due to rust (Wisconsin weather/salt) and not enough hard braking to heat them up and remove rust. Also, poor materials and fact that cast iron brake parts meet aluminum wheels (dissimilar metals) and corrosion occurs. Is he just trying to sell me new rotors and brake job (pads still are at 50% wear) or is this true that modern rotor material only last less than 3 years in Wisconsin? Thanks for your answer.

1 Reply

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

Without seeing the rotor and how bad it is rust wise and thickness I can't really say if it need's to be replaced. But I can tell you this I used live in upstate ny and work for the saturn dealer up there I have seen first hand what salt and melted snow aka water does to steel. Cast iron is even worse I have never replaced so many rotor's because of rust in life. Salt and melted snow is like battery acid to them so it's very likely that you do need new rotor's again. The brake's, body and exhaust take a beating in those condition's.