Vehicle: 2013 Lexus ES350; 122,500 miles
Today I had my vehicle replaced with new front brake rotors; the mechanic said the brake pads didn't need replacing. Driving home from the mechanics shop, I didn't hear any sounds when braking. But later that day, my husband heard soft grinding sounds (like metal on metal) when he braked. We checked the rotors and can see groove marks that run along the rotor where the brake pads make contact.
I'll be taking the vehicle back to the mechanic tomorrow. Is it normal to have groove marks after about 10 miles of driving?
what can I do to avoid paying again?
Nothing.
He wanted to change the pads and you talked him out of it. If new pads are the solution, then you should pay.
Anyway, you should let the mechanic test drive the car and show him the marks you saw. Whatever you do, do not try the "people on the internet said ...." line with your mechanic. We didn't work on your brakes, and we cannot see them now. We could be miles off,
I asked the mechanic if he thought it was ok to use the old brake pads, since he said they were still good and he said yes. If he had said "yes, the brake pads are still good, but I would recommend you replace with new pads when you get new rotors." I would have said ok. I am not a mechanic and didn't know that it's not good practice to use old pads on new rotors.
I am not a mechanic and didn't know
Your mechanic asked you if you wanted new pads, you said no and asked if he'd put the old ones back on.
He did not make this decision, you did.
Your post was initially about a grinding sound and grooves on new brakes.
Give the mechanic every opportunity to resolve any issues with his work.
The mechanic said it was the old brake pads that were making the grinding sound; so he gave me a discount on labor and put on ceramic pads. This solved the problem of grinding noises. According to the mechanic, the grooves on the rotors will not be a problem with the new pads.
The lesson I learned from this is to ask the right question - which is, What would you (the mechanic) recommend?"
Scotty expressed his opinion about your mechanic at 6:35
https://youtu.be/lOhxOd9gEEw?si=pjwuYlXsOE9l-Yew
No, it's not normal. And.. are you saying he used the old pads on new rotors? That's too cheap for me not the best practice IMHO.
mechanic said the brake pads didn't need replacing.
not a great a idea to use old pads on brand new rotors. old pads are never flat and those semimetallics are hard enough to grind away the rotor
asked me if I wanted to replace the brake pads at the same time
It really comes down to whether he suggested you change the pads and you said, "No thank you". In this situation the mechanic only did the work you asked him to do.
I asked would it be ok to keep the old brake pads and he said yes.
This is a different because you asked him, he told you it was OK to reuse the old brake pads. (I would never put old pads on new rotors, never.) New pads on old rotors are fine, but not old pads on new rotors.
If your suggestion is to find a new mechanic, I probably will. But just for now, in this particular situation, what can I do to avoid paying again?
He shouldn't be putting old pads on new rotors but there's no "rule" here. People have done this before and they are lucky when/if it works out for them, but it is not a 'good practice' at all. Talk to mechanic and be willing to compromise. He knows there is still a problem with his recent brake work.
Your goal is getting your brakes fixed properly and for the least amount of money.
As long as the new rotors are OK (not ruined & OK to use) then buy new brake pads and let him install them.
Yes, I'm hoping he will see that there is a problem with his recent brake work; the new rotors have groove marks now. I'm not sure if that is considered "ruined".
I am not a mechanic and didn't know that old brake pads on new rotors was not a good thing. I feel that I was misinformed or rather not given enough information to make the best decision.
So I should elaborate ....The mechanic asked me if I wanted to replace the brake pads at the same time, because he could hear squealing. I said I had never heard squealing when braking, but there is a definite pulsing when braking, especially on steep inclines. The mechanic said they are trained to hear squealing. I asked him if the brake pads were still good and he said yes (about 9mm and 7mm). I asked would it be ok to keep the old brake pads and he said yes. If he had said it would be better replace them at the same time, I would have said ok then replace the brake pads too.
Anyway, I called the mechanic about the grinding sound and he said to bring the car in tomorrow. But I'm guessing he will say that I'll need new brake pads. And I'll have to pay again to have that work done. How can I save myself from having to pay again? If your suggestion is to find a new mechanic, I probably will. But just for now, in this particular situation, what can I do to avoid paying again? Appreciate your expert advice.
This solved the problem of grinding noises
I'm glad everything turned out well in the end
According to the mechanic, the grooves on the rotors will not be a problem with the new pads.
That's good. I'm sure he gave the rotors a good inspection. New pads and rotors and no more noise.
You didn't drive the car very far.. should be fine. Good thing the hubby has the radar ears.
Scotty expressed his opinion about your mechanic at 6:35
hmm ...
What if your old pads still have plenty of meat on them. Lets say 75% or more.
And you replaced the rotors because they were slightly warped.
What would happen if you reused the old pads?
I think the procedure would be the same as it is recommended for new brake pads. No hard braking first 1000 miles if not necessary.
You had already answered your last question
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/new-rotors/#post-283246
well if the pads are too grooved then sand them flat. At $40 per side they're not cheap these days.