Brake Rotor/Disc Service Cost Guide
Brake Rotor Resurfacing
Labor Time: 1-1.5 hours
Labor Cost: $125-$187.50
Parts Cost: $0 (service only)
Total Estimated Cost: $125-$187.50
Brake Rotor Replacement (Front Pair)
Labor Time: 1.5-2 hours
Labor Cost: $187.50-$250
Parts Cost: $100-$300 (varies by vehicle)
Total Estimated Cost: $287.50-$550
Brake Rotor Replacement (Rear Pair)
Labor Time: 1.5-2 hours
Labor Cost: $187.50-$250
Parts Cost: $80-$250 (varies by vehicle)
Total Estimated Cost: $267.50-$500
Complete Brake Rotor Replacement (All Four)
Labor Time: 2.5-3 hours
Labor Cost: $312.50-$375
Parts Cost: $180-$550 (varies by vehicle)
Total Estimated Cost: $492.50-$925
*Please note: Prices are estimates and may vary based on vehicle make/model, rotor quality, and additional required services. Luxury and performance vehicles typically fall on the higher end of the range. Contact us for an accurate quote for your specific vehicle.
Brake Rotor/Disc Repair Procedures
Standard Brake Rotor Resurfacing
When applicable:Minor wear, even surface wear, slight scoring
Procedure Steps:
- Remove wheel and caliper assembly
- Inspect rotor thickness and compare to minimum specifications
- Mount rotor on brake lathe
- Machine both surfaces to restore smoothness
- Measure final thickness to ensure within specifications
- Clean surfaces with brake cleaner
- Reinstall rotor and components
- Test brake operation
Drilled Rotor Repair
When applicable:Cracking between holes, hole edge damage
Procedure Steps:
- Remove wheel and caliper assembly
- Perform detailed crack inspection
- If cracks are present, replacement is mandatory
- For minor hole edge damage:
- Chamfer damaged hole edges
- Sand smooth to prevent crack formation
- Clean surfaces thoroughly
- Reinstall components
Slotted Rotor Repair
When applicable:Slot wear, minor surface issues
Procedure Steps:
- Remove wheel and caliper assembly
- Inspect slot depth and width
- If slots are within spec:
- Light resurfacing between slots
- Clean slot channels
- If slots are too worn, replacement is necessary
- Clean and reinstall components
Cross-Drilled and Slotted Rotor Repair
When applicable:Combined wear patterns, minor damage
Procedure Steps:
- Remove wheel and caliper assembly
- Perform comprehensive inspection of holes and slots
- Check for crack formation between features
- Due to complexity, usually requires replacement if damaged
- For minor issues:
- Clean all holes and slots thoroughly
- Inspect edges for damage
- Light resurfacing if possible
- Reinstall and test
Important Note:All brake rotor repairs must meet manufacturer specifications for safety. When in doubt, replacement is the safer option.
Regular inspection and maintenance of brake rotors is essential for vehicle safety. If you notice any vibration, noise, or reduced braking performance, please have your vehicle inspected by a qualified technician.
Types of Brake Rotors/Discs
Blank & Smooth Rotors
What they are:Blank and smooth rotors are the most basic and common type of brake rotors. They feature a smooth, flat surface without any holes, slots, or patterns.
What they do:These rotors provide consistent braking performance and are ideal for everyday driving conditions. They offer good heat dissipation and reliable stopping power while being the most cost-effective option.
Drilled Rotors
What they are:Drilled rotors feature holes drilled through the rotor surface in a specific pattern.
What they do:These holes help dissipate heat more effectively and allow water, gases, and debris to escape from between the pad and rotor surface. This results in better wet-weather performance and reduced brake fade. They're particularly effective for high-performance vehicles but may wear faster than blank rotors.
Slotted Rotors
What they are:Slotted rotors have channels or grooves machined across the rotor surface.
What they do:The slots help wipe away water, gases, and debris while providing better bite between the pad and rotor. They offer excellent heat dissipation and are less prone to cracking than drilled rotors. These are popular in performance and racing applications.
Drilled & Slotted Rotors
What they are:These rotors combine both drilling and slotting in their design.
What they do:They offer the benefits of both drilled and slotted rotors, providing maximum heat dissipation and water/gas evacuation. While they're the most expensive option, they deliver superior performance in demanding conditions and are popular among performance enthusiasts.
Two-Piece Rotors
What they are:Two-piece rotors consist of a separate rotor disc and aluminum hat (center section) that are bolted together.
What they do:This design reduces overall weight and allows for better heat dissipation due to the separation between components. They're primarily used in high-performance and racing applications where weight reduction and maximum performance are crucial.
Carbon Ceramic Rotors
What they are:These are premium rotors made from a composite material of carbon fiber and ceramic.
What they do:Carbon ceramic rotors offer exceptional performance with significantly reduced weight compared to traditional iron rotors. They provide superior heat resistance, longer life span, and better braking performance. However, they come at a premium price and are typically found on high-end luxury and performance vehicles.
Common Signs of Brake Rotor Failure: Symptoms to Watch For
Common Brake Rotor Warning Signs and Service Intervals
Drilled Rotors
Warning Signs:
- Cracks developing between drill holes
- Visible heat checking or bluing
- Enlarged or oval-shaped holes
- Excessive rusting around holes
Service Schedule: Typically need replacement every 30,000-40,000 miles depending on driving conditions and habits. Performance applications may require more frequent inspection.
Slotted Rotors
Warning Signs:
- Slots becoming significantly wider or deeper
- Uneven wear patterns between slots
- Visible cracking near slot edges
- Severe grooving beyond the original slots
Service Schedule: Generally last 50,000-70,000 miles under normal driving conditions. Regular inspection recommended every 15,000 miles.
Solid Rotors
Warning Signs:
- Pulsating brake pedal
- Scoring or deep grooves on surface
- Visible rust beyond the rotor edge
- Thickness below minimum specifications
- Vibration during braking
Service Schedule: Typically last 70,000-80,000 miles on average. Recommend inspection every 20,000 miles or during tire rotation.
Vented Rotors
Warning Signs:
- Excessive runout or wobble
- Internal vent separation
- Unusual noise during braking
- Uneven wear between inner and outer surfaces
Service Schedule: Average lifespan of 50,000-60,000 miles. Inspection recommended every 15,000-20,000 miles.
Important Note: These are general guidelines. Actual service intervals may vary based on:
- Driving conditions (city vs. highway)
- Vehicle weight and type
- Driving style
- Environmental factors
- Brake pad quality and condition
Always consult your vehicle's manual for specific maintenance schedules and have a professional inspect your braking system if you notice any unusual symptoms.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
