front brakes and hardware 2002 SL2

[Silverblu02SL2]

I bled all 4 wheels today, fluid was nice and clear. I wanted to take the front calipers off to clean the rust that's binding the pads but did not have replacement brake pad clips, which are really rusty and not functional anymore. So I did not take them off.

The pads are 1/2 worn so I may as well get new pads and do it next time.

Are these Autozone pads https://www.autozone.com/brakes-and-...4_116848_16108 with clips ok?

It has limited lifetime warranty which I think means I will never have to buy them again. Just bring the old ones in and exchange for new ones. Is that right?

[Waiex191]

Anything is ok. I have the Centric 90862072 rotor and pad kit on both of my Saturns. The '98 has about 10000 miles on the brakes and the '99 has about 40. I would never just replace the pads.

[fdryer]

Are you aware that using the old rotors with new brake pads may take longer to bed in pads? Rotors wear down along with brake pads. It's prudent to machine rotors, if they're not worn down to minimum thickness, to have both surfaces parallel in preparation for new pads. Parallelism can't be seen visually. Rotors wear down unevenly and may have ripples, undulations and taper that would not allow new brake pads to bed in quickly as opposed to new or machined rotors.

[Silverblu02SL2]

I have done my own brake work forever and never turned or teplaced a rotor except on onethat had a small hairline crack. Sure, new or turned rotor is best but as long as the rotor meets min thickness and not warped, it's good enough for me. Before anyone think I am wreckless, I am a safe driver with a perfect driving record.

[fdryer]

This isn't about safe driving but being aware of using new disc brake pads on used rotors and the issues of mismatching/misalignment between worn rotors with new brake pads. Its always a personal choice with no one pointing fingers. I've done this in the past once or twice but no more. I'm not sure but rotors don't seem to have much meat on them when new so the last time I miked rotors, they appeared made for one time use - wearing down a set of brake pads doesn't leave much left for machining for reuse so I decided to replace rotors and brake pads at the same time. Each situation has its own set of issues that must be considered on it own merits. Include costs for brake lathe machining and replacing rotors seems less costly to replace.

[mattwithcats]

I always replace rotors when I replace pads...

I also replace drums and new hardware kit when replacing shoes...

Look on Rock Auto for good prices...

or EBC brakes for different pad materials...
Black, Yellow, Green, or Red...

[mattwithcats]

EBC brakes...

https://www.autoanything.com/brakes/ebc-brake-kits

[Silverblu02SL2]

I have never owned a car with vented rotors till this Saturn. Maybe vented rotors wear out faster? What is the min thickness?

[RicanSC-2]

Originally Posted by Silverblu02SL2

I have never owned a car with vented rotors till this Saturn. Maybe vented rotors wear out faster? What is the min thickness?

Usually it has the minimum thickness stamped on the edge of the rotor

[fetchitfido]

FSM:

New - 0.71in
Scrap - 0.625in
Variation - 0.0005in
Runout - 0.0024in

Be careful what color EBC pads you get, most of the time Green is all the S-Series needs. Either yellow or red is a race pad that has no grip before being warmed up while the other is a HD pad meant more for Trucks & SUV's hauling stuff.

[Silverblu02SL2]

Going with Autozone limited lifetime pads is a no brainer for me. Buy it once and never have to buy it again.

[fdryer]

Originally Posted by Silverblu02SL2

I have never owned a car with vented rotors till this Saturn. Maybe vented rotors wear out faster? What is the min thickness?

Personally, vented rotors on daily economy cars are window dressing. Whether or not they wear out brake pads is up for debate as I would imagine if they do wear out brake pads the supposition is that braking is stopping the car where driver and passenger are thrown forward all the time........

[billr]

I have some (vented) rotors in use that are 50 years old. Stick with your common-sense here. If the braking is fine, just replace worn pads/shoes.

You will never notice the difference in braking, as the friction surfaces wear in, without sophisticated instrumentation.

[Silverblu02SL2]

Originally Posted by billr

I have some (vented) rotors in use that are 50 years old. Stick with your common-sense here. If the braking is fine, just replace worn pads/shoes.

You will never notice the difference in braking, as the friction surfaces wear in, without sophisticated instrumentation.

Braking is fine. Current pads still have a lot of meat left on them. I am replacing the pads because they are binding a bit due to rusty clips, not because the rotor and pads are at the end of their useful life. The only place I can find the clips is a set that comes with pads from Autozone. If they had clips separately, I would have just bought those.

This is the first time I hear of the recommendation to replace the pads and rotors together.

[mattwithcats]

These clips?

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...dware+kit,1736

[Silverblu02SL2]

Originally Posted by mattwithcats

These clips?

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...dware+kit,1736

yes, plus probably around $10 shipping.

[Waiex191]

I may have a set in the trash I could part with. Brake pads too.

[Silverblu02SL2]

Originally Posted by fetchitfido

FSM:

New - 0.71in
Scrap - 0.625in
Variation - 0.0005in
Runout - 0.0024in

(.........................)

My rotors are 0.688 in, still good. Install new front pads and clips today. The pad carrier now floats as it should where the old set was stuck due to rust.

While everything was apart, I took a hammer and screwdriver to knock off the thick scaly rust on the wheel knuckle then coated it with wheel bearing grease to prevent further rust. Can't believe how must rust came off! I took some pics which I will post later.

[Silverblu02SL2]

If I had new rotors, I would have installed them. Next brake job definitely. Knocked off lots of rust!

[Silverblu02SL2]

Coated with wheel bearing grease to stop further rust.