2007 TL, 3.2, 68,000 miles.

Honda says I have 3mm left on the inside front pads, which seems weird considering how lightly we have driven the car from new, but I guess it's because most of the miles are in-town. I'm probably going with the Duramax CMAX pads, although I'm admittedly skeptical about after-market pads from Autozone.

Anyway, I get a vibration when slowing from Interstate speed as well, sometimes worse than others and I'm wondering if this is normal for this mileage. I'm also wondering if I can just turn the rotors a bit and not have to replace them, as Honda didn't say anything about them being too thin to do so. Your thoughts?

 

Cutting rotors is so 1998

 

pads have a wear indicator on them, when it gets down to the metal, the built in prong will touch the rotor and emit a metallic squealing noise.
however, the dealers assessment might be correct and you'll have to replace them, eventually.

the Duramax Cmax pads are wonderful and come with a lifetime warranty.

and, of course you can turn the rotor!
although, i believe Honda has issued an internal message saying not to, but they are absolutely machinable!

 

you got 68k miles out of your pads? thats great!

 

Thanks for the responses. Why would they not want the rotors turned?

 

^the internal memo could be about anything. saving money, while getting the customer to buy new rotor, etc
not to sure, but if the rotors have plenty of meat left, they are definitely machinable.

 

^^^^^

it's true, did it on all rotors on our MDX, although my TL has had the rotors turned already and now need replacing… oh darn it, I'll have to get some sexy slotted rotors. Shucks.

 

Got it. Looks like I'm on the right track. Thanks guys!

 

It's not a good idea to cut rotors for performance use since you're removing mass. It's not as bad usually as many make it out to be though. I just got my BBK rotors cut. $10 each if you bring just the rotor in. Since I have so much temperature data and even stopping distances I'll be able to compare directly.

FYI, not all pads have wear indicators.

This vibration you speak of, it's only with the brakes applied, right? If it's all the time I would look at axles, especially the intermediate shaft.

 

I'm having the rotors cut this weekend, $12 each. The vibration is only when applying the brakes, and only coming down from Interstate speed. Classic rotor warp. The guys cutting the rotors will be able to tell me if the rotor is out of spec, and if it is, then I'll start researching replacement rotors.

Thanks again for the replies

 

^if not able to turn, the autozone rotors are great as well.

 

If the rotors are warped, turning them will just make things easier to warp next time. Instead of getting 60k miles, you might only get 30k the next time around and then you need to change your pads generally to match up with the new rotors so it's like doing another brake job all over. Time is money.

I would simply replace the rotors and pads now instead. I have some stoptech rotors and Hawk pads sitting in my garage now. I have almost 60K on my car and the rotors have a slight warp felt with hard braking at highway speeds.