Where and how to pierce brake discs? Grooving of brake discs without removal

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The brake system of a car requires regular maintenance. In particular, this applies to the replacement of brake pads, inspection of disc defects, fluid replacement, etc. But this is far from always done on time and is done at all. Many turn to the service station only in case of obvious malfunctions. But all this can be avoided if you change the pads in a timely manner and do not forget to grind the brake discs.

About car brake discs

Usually, manufacturers indicate the service life of a serviced node. That is why it makes no sense to talk about specific figures. On some machines, the pads go 10-15 thousand kilometers, on others they run 50 or more. This also applies to disks. If they are of high quality, then they easily live 100-150 thousand kilometers, provided that the entire system is working. If the caliper guide jams, and the pad does not move away from the disc, then it is quite logical thatthe entire assembly will heat up, and the discs and pads will not only undergo increased wear, but may also fail due to overheating.

Brake discs are ventilated and non-ventilated depending on many factors. In most cases, the ventilated structure is on the front axle. Behind can be ordinary discs, and even drums. During operation, the disc gradually wears out, and when the minimum thickness is reached, it must be replaced. This is due to the fact that the thinner the metal at the point of contact with the pads, the more it heats up.

Sharpen or change?

Someone is a supporter of turning the brake discs, while others are inclined only to replace. Here it is necessary to look at the situation. If the disk is erased, then at least sharpen it, at least not, it will no longer perform its function correctly. When the wear is insignificant, but during braking there is such an effect as beating in the steering wheel or the brake pedal, then the groove is quite acceptable. And again, in the absence of mechanical defects in the form of cracks, etc.

That is why it is not possible to unequivocally answer the question. Often there are reviews that the groove gives only a short-term effect and only a full replacement paired with pads can save. This is partly true, but not always. Let's take a closer look at how to properly grind brake discs. Today there is a mass of equipment and various technologies that allow you to do this not only quickly, but also with high quality.

Express turning of brake discs without removal

As the name implies, in this case there is no need to dismantle the repaired unit from the car. That is why such a groove is carried out extremely quickly, and in terms of efficiency it is not inferior to a full-fledged repair on a lathe. Many modern service stations are equipped with such stands. To perform the work, you only need to remove the wheel. Further, a special unit is installed on the studs, its block is brought directly to the plane of the disk.

The turning process itself takes about 10-15 minutes. Therefore, it will take no more than one hour to complete the work in a circle. Cutters for turning brake discs on the machine block are installed on both sides. This allows to significantly reduce the runout during the operation. True, this method has its drawbacks. The main drawback is the impossibility of turning discs with such a brake element as a handbrake.

About the cost of work

Here a lot depends on the place of repair and its method. In many car services you will see different price tags, but at the same time, everyone will praise the quality of the work performed. It is worth noting that turning the brake discs without removing them will cost a little less, since the craftsmen do not have to unscrew the extra nuts. Also, the cost of services varies depending on the class of the car:

• domestic passenger car - 700 rubles per drive;
• foreign car - 1,000;
• foreign business class car - 1,100;
• SUVs - 1,200;

luxury cars(sports) - 1 500.

If the discs, among other things, are also perforated, then another 200 rubles should be added to the amount. As you can see, if you do the work in a circle on a foreign car, then everything will cost 4,000 rubles, a maximum of 5,000. But if you think about it, it's not so cheap. Indeed, for 6,000-7,000 rubles you can buy new discs. Therefore, the situation here is somewhat twofold. Of course, it makes sense to groove brake discs, the price of which is quite high. Usually this is the original or tuning. If they are Chinese, then sharpening does not make sense, it is much easier and cheaper to replace.

Brake disc turning machine

The equipment used to carry out the work plays an important role. Today, many car services use portable stands that allow you to perform groove without removing the disc. Nevertheless, no one has yet canceled stationary lathes. They are more functional, and if a professional works, then the result obtained is an order of magnitude better. The machine for turning brake discs allows you to work in three planes. That is, the sides are machined where the pads and the place of pressing to the hub are adjacent. At the output, you will have a perfectly flat disc, and you can forget about the beating during braking as a bad dream.

Today's most popular machine is PRO-CUT costing about 200,000 rubles. It is considered professional and allows you to sharpen the disc without removing it from the hub. But if possible, it is better to change, as a last resort - the groove of the brake discs. Service priceis constantly increasing today. In large cities, it can reach 3,000 rubles with a beating check, etc. Still, this is a rather expensive procedure.

Can I do it myself?

There is a corresponding section in the manual for the operation and repair of cars of the VAZ family. It clearly and clearly states that the groove can also be performed in garage conditions without special equipment. For example, you can remove the shoulder, which was formed as a result of disc wear or the use of hard pads, using a file. To do this, you need to perform the following activities:

• lift the car on the jack and remove the wheel;
• start the car and shift into 4th or 5th gear;
• using a file or a coarse-grained emery disc, the bead is removed first on one side and then on the other.

Of course, this is relevant only for the axis that is leading. In addition, it is not recommended to do this on foreign cars, it is still better to just take and replace the disks with new ones. Where to grind brake discs? Best of all in a proven service station, where you have already applied more than once. It is also advisable to first familiarize yourself with the cost of the work. In some services, they take too much for a groove. Perhaps they do it qualitatively, although this is not a fact. Too cheap - also not good. It is likely that they neglect quality and deceive customers.

How to do it right?

First of all, you need to independently inspect the condition of the brake discs. Most defects can be identified visually. This refers to the thickness of the disk. If he worked his way, then there is no point in going to the service station and trying to restore it. The presence of cracks also indicates the futility of the groove.

If, nevertheless, it was decided to grind the brake discs, then in order to reduce the cost of work, it is recommended to take care of their removal yourself. There is nothing complicated here. The wheel is thrown off, the caliper is removed. To do this, unscrew a couple of long stud bolts. After that, with a flat screwdriver, pry off the retaining bracket and press the piston a little. Now you can easily remove the brake disc. If necessary, you can use VD-40 and lubricate all threaded connections with graphite or copper grease before installation. The latter is more preferable for the braking system.

Summarize

Sometimes it makes no sense to do a groove. As noted above, today there are a huge number of Chinese brake discs. It is worth noting that not all of them are of poor quality. You can pay attention to European counterparts. Acceptable price tag and good enough metal. Try not to brake at high speed in puddles, because it is overheating and sudden cooling that often lead to the curvature of the brake disc.