I was discussing brakes with my favorite shop today. They work on a lot of older vehicles and I questioned why they had gotten rid of their brake lathe.
They said new drums and rotors, even those bought for older vehicles, are no longer made with enough material to turn and keep in spec. And the few that were able to be serviced the material was of such poor quality that it was nearly guaranteed to be a bring back for a warped rotor a short time later.
Are the available brake parts really that poorly made these days?
I'm running a set of Wagner drums and rotors purchased 8 years ago
Drums were USA mfg. rotors are Canadian mfg.
I'm assuming I will be able to have these turned at least once if needed. But it's going to be several years before I have the miles needed to replace pads and shoes.
I've found in most cases, the cost to turn is anywhere from 50-70% of the cost of a new rotor. I really miss the days of $5-$10 a piece turn a mom and pop would do for you.....also, you go into a lot of shops and they have no idea what you're talking about. "Yeah sir, rotors always turn when they're mounted on a car"...
