{"id":124998,"date":"2025-01-09T23:05:28","date_gmt":"2025-01-10T07:05:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=124998"},"modified":"2025-08-28T16:24:28","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T23:24:28","slug":"what-does-a-bad-brake-rotor-look-like","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-does-a-bad-brake-rotor-look-like\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does a Bad Brake Rotor Look Like?"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 6<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column124998_fbe81b-fb > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column124998_fbe81b-fb > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column124998_fbe81b-fb > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column124998_fbe81b-fb > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column124998_fbe81b-fb > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column124998_fbe81b-fb > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column124998_fbe81b-fb{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column124998_fbe81b-fb > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column124998_fbe81b-fb > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column124998_fbe81b-fb inner-column-1 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-43cdd2  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-a93d65\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading124998_3d0c18-f5, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading124998_3d0c18-f5[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading124998_3d0c18-f5\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading124998_3d0c18-f5 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading124998_3d0c18-f5[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading124998_3d0c18-f5\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading124998_3d0c18-f5 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading124998_3d0c18-f5[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading124998_3d0c18-f5\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading124998_3d0c18-f5 summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading124998_3d0c18-f5\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Visually inspecting your brake rotors is a good way to check whether they&rsquo;re bad. Deep grooves, cracks, or rust on the metal surface are things to look out for.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brake pulsation, squealing noises, and reduced braking performance are the most common symptoms of bad rotors.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brake rotors are critical. Ask a mechanic to inspect your rotors immediately if you suspect that they&rsquo;re bad.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/brake-disc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Brake rotors\">Brake rotors<\/a> are big circular discs with hubs that are sandwiched between the wheel and the wheel hub. The outer part of the disk is machined on both sides so that it spins between the disc pads that are mounted in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/brake-caliper\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"caliper\">caliper<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When brake fluid pressure is applied to the caliper, the brake pads pinch the machined surfaces. Since lug studs that pass from the hub through the wheel also pass through the center of the rotor, pinching the rotor slows or stops that wheel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rotors are in a hostile environment and do a lot of hard work, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-long-do-brake-rotors-last\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"over time, they get thinner\">over time, they get thinner<\/a>. That&rsquo;s just the nature of the rotor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Continuing to use a worn brake rotor can affect your safety. That begs the question, what are the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/bad-brake-disc-common-symptoms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"signs of bad brake rotors\">signs of bad brake rotors<\/a>? How to tell if your vehicle&rsquo;s brake rotors are bad?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visible Brake Rotor Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can&rsquo;t always tell the condition of the rotors by simply looking at the rotors. Rotor thickness is measured using a micrometer before and after machining. A rotor can look just fine and still be too thin to machine or reuse, so don&rsquo;t expect to be able to just look at a rotor and determine whether it&rsquo;s good or not. Even if a rotor has grooves, it may still be thick enough to machine and reuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having said that, here are indicators of brake rotor problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/destroyed-rotor-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"close up shot of a destroyed brake rotor\" class=\"wp-image-132473\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/destroyed-rotor-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/destroyed-rotor-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/destroyed-rotor-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/destroyed-rotor-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/destroyed-rotor.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image caption: The rotor in this photo was destroyed when the brake pad lining was used up down to the metal backing plate and the driver ignored the metal-to-metal scrubbing noise. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lines or Grooves<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s normal for brake rotors to have visible grooves or scratches on the machined surface of the rotor where the pads make contact. However, these scratches will gradually become deeper after prolonged use. Faint scratches are probably not going to be concerning. However, if the scratches are deep or the rotor has cracks, it&rsquo;s time for measurement, machining, and usually a replacement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cracked Rotors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>First of all, note that rotors cracking is very rare. But in case it happens, you&rsquo;ll likely feel or hear the cracked rotors before you see them. Cracked rotors typically make loud banging noises or pulsate on the brake pedal. If your brake rotor has a crack, then it&rsquo;s considered destroyed and you should replace it immediately. Continuing to drive with a cracked rotor can compromise your safety because the rotor can disintegrate and cause brake failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Excessive Rust<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you frequently peek at your brake rotors, you might notice that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/rusty-brake-discs-should-you-be-worried\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"they can rust\">they can rust<\/a>. Brake rotors are typically made from cast iron or steel, which can rust quite easily when exposed to moisture or salt. This shouldn&rsquo;t be concerning because the friction from the brake pads should clean them off during use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"806\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/rusted-rotor-1024x806.jpg\" alt=\"brake rotor with rust\" class=\"wp-image-132474\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/rusted-rotor-1024x806.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/rusted-rotor-300x236.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/rusted-rotor-768x605.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/rusted-rotor-150x118.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/rusted-rotor.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The photo shows how a rotor looks when it has rusted over a long period of non-use and how the pads begin to clean the rust while driving. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column124998_edd22e-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column124998_edd22e-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column124998_edd22e-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column124998_edd22e-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column124998_edd22e-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column124998_edd22e-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column124998_edd22e-9b{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column124998_edd22e-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column124998_edd22e-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column124998_edd22e-9b kb-section-dir-vertical kb-section-sm-dir-vertical inner-column-1 pro-tip-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id124998_c1d16f-eb > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id124998_c1d16f-eb > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id124998_c1d16f-eb > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:20px;padding-right:32px;padding-bottom:20px;padding-left:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(10% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(90% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id124998_c1d16f-eb > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.00;}.kb-row-layout-id124998_c1d16f-eb .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:100px;}.kb-row-layout-id124998_c1d16f-eb .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:100%;}.kb-row-layout-id124998_c1d16f-eb .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}.kb-row-layout-id124998_c1d16f-eb .kt-row-layout-top-sep{height:100px;}.kb-row-layout-id124998_c1d16f-eb .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{width:100%;}.kb-row-layout-id124998_c1d16f-eb .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id124998_c1d16f-eb > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id124998_c1d16f-eb .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id124998_c1d16f-eb .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id124998_c1d16f-eb > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:28px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:25px;padding-left:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}.kb-row-layout-id124998_c1d16f-eb .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}.kb-row-layout-id124998_c1d16f-eb .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id124998_c1d16f-eb alignnone pro-tip-wrap wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-right-golden kt-mobile-layout-right-golden kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column124998_76d627-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column124998_76d627-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col{min-height:45px;}.kadence-column124998_76d627-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column124998_76d627-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column124998_76d627-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col{row-gap:0px;column-gap:0px;}.kadence-column124998_76d627-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}.kadence-column124998_76d627-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column124998_76d627-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column124998_76d627-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column124998_76d627-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}.kadence-column124998_76d627-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column124998_76d627-5d{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column124998_76d627-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}}@media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column124998_76d627-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column124998_76d627-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column124998_76d627-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column124998_76d627-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column124998_76d627-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:flex-start;}.kadence-column124998_76d627-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column124998_76d627-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column124998_76d627-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column124998_76d627-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column124998_76d627-5d kb-section-dir-horizontal kb-section-md-dir-horizontal inner-column-1 pro-tip-item1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image124998_f92fad-0c.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image124998_f92fad-0c .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:45px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image124998_f92fad-0c.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image124998_f92fad-0c .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image124998_f92fad-0c figure{max-width:45px;}.kb-image124998_f92fad-0c .image-is-svg, .kb-image124998_f92fad-0c .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image124998_f92fad-0c .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image124998_f92fad-0c\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/f_auto,dpr_auto,q_auto,c_pad\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/protip\/services-icon\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img\"><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column124998_7d7128-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column124998_7d7128-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column124998_7d7128-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column124998_7d7128-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column124998_7d7128-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column124998_7d7128-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column124998_7d7128-1b{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column124998_7d7128-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column124998_7d7128-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column124998_7d7128-1b inner-column-2 pro-tip-item2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"protip-desc\">\n\t<div class=\"help-tip\">\n\t\t<p><strong>Pro Tips<\/strong> are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n    <div class=\"help-caption\">\n        <p>\n            <strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong>\n            If the vehicle is driven regularly you shouldn&rsquo;t notice rust on the stopping surface of the rotor. If you do, the pads aren&rsquo;t pinching the rotor and the reason needs to be investigated.\n\nIf the vehicle has been parked for months in wet conditions, the rotors may be rusty enough to make noise when stopping as the pads begin to remove the rust. The rust particles will become embedded in the pad lining and may continue to cause squeaking or scrubbing noises.\n        <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In some cases, a vehicle may be parked right after driving through water so that some water is trapped between the pad and the rotor and it can make a rusty patch in that one spot, which will cause a shuddering feeling when applying the brake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You&rsquo;ll see the rusty pad-shaped patch on the rotor in these cases. Sometimes, you can remove the wheel and use some 80 grit sandpaper to smooth this patch. Usually the rotor needs machining or replacing if this happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"rsi-card\">\n  <div class=\"rsi-thumb\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/d_noimage.jpg\/b_white\/e_sharpen,e_auto_brightness,e_auto_contrast\/f_auto\/q_auto:eco,dpr_auto\/w_873,h_873,c_pad\/images\/set-stpc27110095drs2_1\">\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"rsi-info\">\n    <span class=\"rsi-title\">Your Guide to Shopping for New Brake Rotors<\/span>\n    <span class=\"rsi-desc\">Find out which brands of brake discs are the best on the market with this guide. Compare pros and cons, and choose the best rotors for your vehicle.<\/span>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/your-guide-to-shopping-for-new-brake-rotors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Discover Your Options\">Discover Your Options<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Brake Rotors Turned Blue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Brake rotors can turn blue when they overheat. This can happen if the brakes were excessively used during a mountain descent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, some high-performance brake rotors are perfectly usable even if they turn blue. Some rotors are designed to handle high temperatures. Hence, high heat exposure won&rsquo;t cause these rotors to warp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The point is that you don&rsquo;t need to replace the rotors just because they&rsquo;ve changed colors unless you notice brake pulsation while stopping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, most vehicle rotors will warp when they turn blue. Warped rotors are considered worn and can be a safety issue since they&rsquo;ll cause issues such as excess vibrations while braking, which is unsafe. Sometimes, blue rotors can even be caused by overheating due to improper installation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>You don&rsquo;t need to replace the brake rotors just because they&rsquo;ve changed colors unless you notice brake pulsation while stopping.<\/p>\n<cite><em>&ndash;&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/richardmccuistian\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician\">Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"302\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/rotor-with-mud-302x1024.jpg\" alt=\"image of a brake rotor with mud\" class=\"wp-image-132475\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/rotor-with-mud-302x1024.jpg 302w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/rotor-with-mud-150x509.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/rotor-with-mud.jpg 442w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 302px) 100vw, 302px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">If the vehicle has been driven through mud a lot, the cooling fin area of the rotor can clog with mud that will dry and stay there (see photo) and cause the rotor to run very hot. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Brake Rotors Are Too Thin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Just like the brake pads, the brake rotors will also lose material over time. Eventually, the friction will cause the brake rotors to become too thin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This happens normally over time even if the pads are replaced before the lining is gone. But some shops will machine rotors without measuring rotor thickness and if the rotors become too thin and the pad lining wears, in some cases, the pad backing may be ejected during a normal stop.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column124998_e44060-48 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column124998_e44060-48 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column124998_e44060-48 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column124998_e44060-48 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column124998_e44060-48 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column124998_e44060-48 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column124998_e44060-48{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column124998_e44060-48 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column124998_e44060-48 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column124998_e44060-48 kb-section-dir-vertical kb-section-sm-dir-vertical inner-column-1 pro-tip-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id124998_38fd17-a6 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id124998_38fd17-a6 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id124998_38fd17-a6 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:20px;padding-right:32px;padding-bottom:20px;padding-left:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(10% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(90% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id124998_38fd17-a6 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.00;}.kb-row-layout-id124998_38fd17-a6 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:100px;}.kb-row-layout-id124998_38fd17-a6 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:100%;}.kb-row-layout-id124998_38fd17-a6 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}.kb-row-layout-id124998_38fd17-a6 .kt-row-layout-top-sep{height:100px;}.kb-row-layout-id124998_38fd17-a6 .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{width:100%;}.kb-row-layout-id124998_38fd17-a6 .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id124998_38fd17-a6 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id124998_38fd17-a6 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id124998_38fd17-a6 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id124998_38fd17-a6 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:28px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:25px;padding-left:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}.kb-row-layout-id124998_38fd17-a6 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}.kb-row-layout-id124998_38fd17-a6 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id124998_38fd17-a6 alignnone pro-tip-wrap wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-right-golden kt-mobile-layout-right-golden kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column124998_e133e7-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column124998_e133e7-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col{min-height:45px;}.kadence-column124998_e133e7-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column124998_e133e7-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column124998_e133e7-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col{row-gap:0px;column-gap:0px;}.kadence-column124998_e133e7-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}.kadence-column124998_e133e7-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column124998_e133e7-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column124998_e133e7-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column124998_e133e7-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}.kadence-column124998_e133e7-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column124998_e133e7-1d{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column124998_e133e7-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}}@media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column124998_e133e7-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column124998_e133e7-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column124998_e133e7-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column124998_e133e7-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column124998_e133e7-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:flex-start;}.kadence-column124998_e133e7-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column124998_e133e7-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column124998_e133e7-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column124998_e133e7-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column124998_e133e7-1d kb-section-dir-horizontal kb-section-md-dir-horizontal inner-column-1 pro-tip-item1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image124998_5c6032-84.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image124998_5c6032-84 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:45px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image124998_5c6032-84.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image124998_5c6032-84 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image124998_5c6032-84 figure{max-width:45px;}.kb-image124998_5c6032-84 .image-is-svg, .kb-image124998_5c6032-84 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image124998_5c6032-84 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image124998_5c6032-84\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/f_auto,dpr_auto,q_auto,c_pad\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/protip\/services-icon\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img\"><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column124998_7ea628-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column124998_7ea628-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column124998_7ea628-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column124998_7ea628-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column124998_7ea628-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column124998_7ea628-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column124998_7ea628-aa{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column124998_7ea628-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column124998_7ea628-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column124998_7ea628-aa inner-column-2 pro-tip-item2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"protip-desc\">\n\t<div class=\"help-tip\">\n\t\t<p><strong>Pro Tips<\/strong> are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n    <div class=\"help-caption\">\n        <p>\n            <strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong>\n            This can happen, believe it or not, when the rotors are machined and reused too many times on high-mileage vehicles and can cause brake failure without warning.\n        <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>You&rsquo;ll need to measure your brake rotor&rsquo;s thinnest spot using a micrometer. Brake rotor micrometers have a pointed contact so you can measure the rotor where it&rsquo;s thinnest at the bottom of a groove. Most rotors have a minimum operating thickness. If the brake rotor has worn past this thickness, then you need new rotors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rotor Symptoms on Brake Feel and Performance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vibrating or Pulsating Sensation During Braking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pulsating or vibrating brakes are the most common warped brake rotor symptoms. Pulsating brakes mean the brake rotors don&rsquo;t have a flat contact surface with the brake pads. Instead, the rotor surface can have small curves and indents which can cause the brake pad and caliper to vibrate. Sometimes the uneven surfaces will vibrate the pads and caliper so much that you&rsquo;ll feel the vibrations on the brake pedals and even your steering wheel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Squealing Noises<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Squealing or screeching noises happen because the brake pads rub against an uneven brake rotor. This means some portions of the rotor have less metal, while some parts have more. When there are a lot of uneven surfaces on a brake rotor, the contact patch between the rotor and the pad becomes smaller, causing a screeching noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reduced Braking Performance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the most obvious symptom of an old and worn-out brake rotor. You might notice this when stopping at an intersection and you notice that the brakes might require more input before slowing down your vehicle. Worn-out brake rotors cause reduced performance because they can become uneven, resulting in less contact and therefore less friction with the brake pad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can You Drive With Bad Brake Rotors?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you think your rotors are bad, ask a mechanic to inspect your brakes immediately. Brake rotors play a significant role in your vehicle&rsquo;s braking system and driving with a faulty rotor is unsafe. Driving at higher speeds is going to be risky because you&rsquo;ll have reduced stopping power. Plus, there&rsquo;s a chance your vehicle might have brake failure.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 6<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>Brake rotors are big circular discs with hubs that are sandwiched between the wheel and the wheel hub. The outer&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-does-a-bad-brake-rotor-look-like\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1651,"featured_media":125129,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3749,52],"tags":[918],"ppma_author":[2607,2985],"class_list":{"0":"post-124998","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-braking-system","8":"category-diy","9":"tag-brake-disc","10":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Does a Bad Brake Rotor Look Like? - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn the visual signs and performance-related symptoms of worn-out brake rotors so that you can identify them before they affect your safety.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-does-a-bad-brake-rotor-look-like\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Does a Bad Brake Rotor Look Like? - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn the visual signs and performance-related symptoms of worn-out brake rotors so that you can identify them before they affect your safety.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-does-a-bad-brake-rotor-look-like\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-01-10T07:05:28+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-08-28T23:24:28+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bad-brake-rotor.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"CarParts.com Research Team, Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@https:\/\/twitter.com\/CarPartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"CarParts.com Research Team\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"1 minute\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/what-does-a-bad-brake-rotor-look-like\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/what-does-a-bad-brake-rotor-look-like\\\/\"},\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"$id\":\"1651\",\"name\":\"CarParts.com Research Team\",\"jobTitle\":\"Expert Automotive Writer\",\"description\":\"The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. 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