Rotor Skimming

Rotor skimming — also called disc machining or resurfacing — takes a fine cut across the face of a brake rotor to return it to a flat, even surface. We do it here on site.

When a rotor needs skimming

• Brake shudder or pulsing through the pedal or steering wheel under braking
• Scoring — visible grooves worn into the rotor face, often from pads left too long
• Surface rust on a vehicle that has been standing, which is extremely common on imports that have sat at a port
• Uneven pad deposits causing inconsistent braking

Skimming or replacement?

Skimming is considerably cheaper than replacing rotors, and where there is enough material left it gives you back a proper braking surface. But every skim removes metal, and a rotor has a minimum safe thickness stamped on it by the manufacturer. Below that it must be replaced, not machined.

We measure before we cut. If a rotor is too thin, too badly scored, or cracked, we will tell you it needs replacing rather than skimming it and sending you away on brakes that are marginal.

Brakes and compliance

Brake condition is an inspection item, so rotor problems are a common reason for a vehicle to need work before it can pass entry certification. Because we skim rotors on site, this is usually resolved without the vehicle leaving the property or the inspection needing to be re-booked.

Done with other work

If your vehicle is already with us, rotor skimming can be handled alongside mechanical repairs or a 3D wheel alignment in the same visit.

Get a quote

Start with an instant, free vehicle compliance quote, or contact us on 022 648 6276 to talk through your vehicle.