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I own a Dodge Nitro and I have replaced all the brake pads. Now I have just bought four(4) new rotors (slotted).

Do I have scrape the brake pads after I replace the rotors because the rotors are slotted? I was told that if the rotors were smooth (flat surface) I would not need to do that.

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  • When did you replace the pads? I would always fit new pads when fitting new rotors... Don't skimp on the safety bits... – Solar Mike Jan 23 '18 at 12:25
  • The brake pads are new. recently replaced after christmas. – Germa7263 Jan 23 '18 at 13:17
  • I think it's worth asking why you're replacing the rotors after replacing the pads @Germa7263. Is there some sort of issue? Also, what do you mean by "scraping the pads"? – GdD Jan 23 '18 at 15:05
  • The rotors were resurface (cut) once before. They can not be resurface again otherwise they will become thin and crack. They been there quit a while. – Germa7263 Jan 23 '18 at 15:29
  • "scraping the pads" making them a bit rough on the surface for better "braking". – Germa7263 Jan 23 '18 at 15:41
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Replacing the pads would be best practice. However it is not mandatory that you replace them. Be aware that if you reuse the old pads, they may take some time to wear to the surface of the new discs for the first 100 miles or so.

If it were me, I'd replace the pads and junk the used ones.

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  • 2
    If the pads are pretty new there's no reason to get rid of them, the OP doesn't say though. – GdD Jan 23 '18 at 12:59
  • @GdD, OP says the breaks are about a month old. ("From christmas") – user31794 Jan 23 '18 at 22:48
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No, there is no need to 'scrape' the pads in preparation for the new rotors.

After replacing pads or rotors, you should always 'bed' or 'burnish' the new parts according to the pad manufacturer instructions. This process usually involves several hard stops from 50ish mph to get your rotors and pads up to temperature, then driving for ~10 minutes without touching the brakes to cool everything back down. The purpose of this procedure is to deposit a very thin, even layer of pad material onto the surface of the rotor, which allows the pads to grab onto the rotor much more consistently when the brake pedal is pressed - the process also aids in reducing pad noise.

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  • And you should spray new rotors with brake-clean before installing to remove the greasy rust inhibitor, but it will go away on it's own too. – Nick Feb 5 '18 at 14:22
  • @Nick Correct! Unless they are zinc coated, in which case there is no need. – MooseLucifer Feb 5 '18 at 22:37
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There is no need to scrape the pads as drilled/slotted rotors scrape at the pad every time you stop.

For best performance though, I would burn them in: In a safe area, drive 60mph and brake to 20mph. Do this 3 times without giving the rotors any time to cool down. After you do it 3 times, let it cool completely.

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