Replacing Pads.. Replace rotors as well ?

Zer0Cool92 · 12-01-2016, 07:08 PM

2011 550i. Just hit 74k miles. Brakes are getting a little squeaky. My rotors look to be in good shape. Can I replace just the pads/sensors and be okay or do you guys recommend replacing rotors as well? Will I run into any issues if I don't replace them same time as pads?

You guys recommend OEM, aftermarket (slotted/drilled) rotors? Thanks!

xxpanipuri · 12-02-2016, 11:02 AM

So i've always done both at the same time.

Here's my reasoning

1) I usually do the brakes myself, so the additional time/labor involved is not much more to replace the rotors.

2) cost of the rotors is cheap insurance compared to reducing potential braking power.

3) I've usually used OEM rotors and other 'dustless' pads in my old e39 540i. However, the dustless pads tended to squeal more. I prefer to stick with OEM pads/rotors because they seem to work the best for me, you can always wax/ceramic coat your wheels to make it easier to clean off brake dust.

4) I'm not a big fan of machining the rotors, as you are removing metal, and i don't want to do that when it comes to brakes.

I've had good luck buying OEM pads/rotors from bavauto.com, i'm sure there are other vendors you can purchase from.

hope this helps!

12-01-2016, 07:08 PM	#1
Zer0Cool92 Captain 106 Rep 736 Posts Drives: blue metallic Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: st. louis iTrader: (1)	Replacing Pads.. Replace rotors as well ? 2011 550i. Just hit 74k miles. Brakes are getting a little squeaky. My rotors look to be in good shape. Can I replace just the pads/sensors and be okay or do you guys recommend replacing rotors as well? Will I run into any issues if I don't replace them same time as pads? You guys recommend OEM, aftermarket (slotted/drilled) rotors? Thanks!
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12-02-2016, 11:02 AM	#2
xxpanipuri Major 768 Rep 1,154 Posts Drives: 550i Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Silicon Valley, CA iTrader: (0)	So i've always done both at the same time. Here's my reasoning 1) I usually do the brakes myself, so the additional time/labor involved is not much more to replace the rotors. 2) cost of the rotors is cheap insurance compared to reducing potential braking power. 3) I've usually used OEM rotors and other 'dustless' pads in my old e39 540i. However, the dustless pads tended to squeal more. I prefer to stick with OEM pads/rotors because they seem to work the best for me, you can always wax/ceramic coat your wheels to make it easier to clean off brake dust. 4) I'm not a big fan of machining the rotors, as you are removing metal, and i don't want to do that when it comes to brakes. I've had good luck buying OEM pads/rotors from bavauto.com, i'm sure there are other vendors you can purchase from. hope this helps!
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