Rule of thumb on re-using pads/rotors

[harriw]

Hey folks,

I suspect I'll be replacing my balljoints in the near future (on my '94 4x4 - Dana 35 w/ Warn manual hubs), and have a bit of a dilema. I remember (very vaguely) reading years ago that you should never re-install used rotors without re-facing them first, or used pads at all. But I just had new pads and rotors put on when I bought the truck back in January. I have maybe 7k miles on them since then, and I really don't want to go buy new rotors and pads just because I need new ball joints, when I have a perfectly good set of rotors and pads on this truck with plenty of meat on them still.

They were put on at the Ford dealership, so they should be Ford rotors with plenty of metal (as opposed to thin cheapo's from autozone or something). I suppose I could split the difference and just have them turned, but I've always been un-easy about doing that with front rotors. Besides, the brakes are PERFECT - stops easily and silently without even a hint of vibration.

So what do you think, can I go ahead and re-install these, or do I need to toss my perfectly good brakes for new ones? If you think they're good, how long do you think I could leave them on there and still re-use them? Ideally I'd prefer to wait to do the ball joints, etc., until spring when it warms up a bit (though I don't think I'll be that lucky). I'll also be sure to clean and re-pack (or replace if needed) the wheel and spindle bearings while I'm in there, and replace the wheel seal, etc.

Thanks guys!

-Bill

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Absolutely no need to toss rotors or pads that are in good shape. Doesn't matter if you are changing ball joints or not.

 

[Capt Jay]

Re-use. It's ok.

 

[harriw]

Just what I was hoping to hear. Thanks a lot guys.

-Bill

 

[gw33gp]

I think it is a good idea to take note and put the pads and rotors back in the original location. That saves having to bed them in again and possibly getting some strange braking behavior during that time.

 

[AllanD]

If you are just taking them off to access sme part that's "hiding behind them"
there is no reason to replace them for ONLY that reason.

AD

 

[idriveafordranger94]

While the rotors are off, inspect the wheel seals. They are on the back side of the rotor. If the seal is damaged, i.e. ripped, torn, then replace the seals on both sides.

As for the brakes, there is absolutely no reason you can't put them back on. Just make sure you grease the caliper pins so they don't seize up.