2005 Mercury Mariner Replacing just the brake pads

Tiny
MANNYP
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 MERCURY MARINER
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 42,000 MILES
I have about 42000 miles on my Mercury Mariner and I know I am going to need to replace the front disc brakes soon. I have always wondered whether I could just replace the pads and continue using the rotors that are there. They are still in good condition. Can someone advise whether this is ok to do? If not, what would happen?
Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 AT 3:38 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

It is a good idea to have the brake rotors skimmed, this can be done on site and on the car, your rotors do have a minimum thickness and they should be replaced if they are under size, the machining is not mandatory, but if you have any pulsation or steering wobble when braking, this will normally cure it. New rotors are not all that expensive these days and many opt to replace them with every 3-4 pad set change.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 AT 3:50 PM
Tiny
MANNYP
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
What is skimming? I have never heard of that term before. Where can I have that done? Braking is still very smooth, no pulsing or wobble, so it sounds like just doing a pad change would be ok.
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Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 AT 2:42 PM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

Skimming is just machining a fraction off the disc, often the old pads will have caused some hot spots and glazing on the rotor, if you don't machine them back you may have some brake squeal, but this can be done later if you don't want to do it now.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 AT 3:45 PM

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