Rotors wearing excessively

Tiny
DRGNFLI
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 TOYOTA RAV4
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
In October of 2019, my vehicle failed inspection due to front brakes. We had the repair done, which included new rotors as well as pads. At the time, the mechanic said the rear brakes would need to be done soon as well. We got those done 4 months later (Feb 2020), and those also had to have new rotors. He said none of them could be turned. New brakes and turning of the rotors had been done elsewhere prior to this.

In July of this year, we were back at the mechanic because the brakes were grinding again. This trip required the new rotors to be turned, and the mechanic said he didn't know what caused it to need it so soon. He assured me it was not faulty parts or installation.

Now, here we are 4 months later, and the brakes are grinding again.

I have been driving for over 50 years. I don't ride my brakes, although we do live in a much more "hilly and curvy" place now. I've adjusted my speed so I don't have to over use the brakes. With this pandemic in full swing, I also don't drive nearly as much as I used to.

Any idea why these rotors are wearing out so soon/easily?
Friday, November 6th, 2020 AT 7:45 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Hi,

I don't know if it is the rotors. The pads wearing out is what is causing the rotor issue. When pads wear out quickly, oftentimes it is due to a stuck caliper piston, frozen slide pins, or even the hardware holding the pads on the mount can be affected by rust causing the brake pads to stick and not release.

When the work was done this time, were the old brake pads returned to you? Were they worn evenly? I ask because when something is frozen up or stuck, oftentimes one pad will wear much faster than the other on the same wheel.

Let me know. If this is something you feel comfortable repairing, I can walk you through the process, explain what to look for, and the actual direction.

Here is a link that shows in general how it's done. Take a look through it and let me know if you feel comfortable doing it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-front-brake-pads-and-rotors-fwd

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, November 6th, 2020 AT 1:42 PM
Tiny
DRGNFLI
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Thanks Joe! The parts were not returned to us. They didn't replace the pads a second time, just turned the rotors. I'm not comfortable making this repair myself, as I am disabled. I stopped working on my own vehicles quite some time ago. I'll take it to another mechanic and see about getting it done correctly. Thanks again!
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Friday, November 6th, 2020 AT 2:44 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. The most important thing is to make sure the pads are not binding and the slide pins are free to move easily. Of course, the caliper piston must be free as well.

In the future, when you have work done, ask them to save the old parts so you can see exactly what was replaced. Also, you are always welcome to come here and ask questions or for help. We have no interest other than to help you, so no one will suggest fixing things that aren't broken. LOL

Take care of yourself and we hope to see you again in the future.

Joe
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Friday, November 6th, 2020 AT 6:13 PM

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