Are Brake Rotors Sold in Pairs? Economical Considerations!

Have you ever wondered how and what slows down a vehicle when you apply brakes? Here is the answer for those who didn’t know the answer to the above question. The brake rotors help a vehicle to slow down when you press the brake pedal. Many think brake rotors are sold in pairs. But are brake rotors actually sold in pairs?

The braking system is an integral component of a vehicle. It has to be in good condition because your safety depends on the system’s effectiveness.

Let’s learn whether brake rotors are sold in pairs, whether they need to be replaced, and more information concerning brake rotors.

Are Brake Rotors Sold in Pairs?

The answer is no. Brake rotors are sold individually and not in pairs. However, you may have to buy rotors in pairs since they must be placed in pairs, not separately. This is because, in most cases, both rotors will wear out simultaneously.

It is vital to maintain a balance in braking; even if the problem is with one rotor, it is advisable to replace both rotors.

Replacing both rotors simultaneously will ensure even braking instead of more force being applied to the side where the brake rotor was replaced.

Why would you Need to Replace Brake Rotors in Pairs?

Usually, you find a vehicle’s brake rotors in the front two wheels. However, there are also vehicles with four brake rotors. The recommendation is to replace the brake rotors on the same axle or the two in the front wheels or two in the rear wheels.

When driving a vehicle, movement happens when the wheels turn. In most cases, only the front two wheels turn to move the car.

By replacing brake rotors in pairs, there will be a balance and a uniform wearing of the brake parts.

If we replace only one rotor, there is a high probability for that rotor to wear out or stop working faster than the other rotor which wasn’t returned. Replacing brake rotors in pairs will ensure a balanced or parallel performance.

Do Manufactures Recommend Changing Rotors in Sets?

Yes. Many manufacturers recommend and advise vehicle users to change rotors in sets. However, they are sold individually. Vehicle owners think manufacturers recommend replacing rotors in pairs as a part of their marketing tactic, yet, this is not true.

The reason is that even though one rotor works well, you only have to replace one. As mentioned before, when you replace only one rotor, there is a high chance that it will wear out sooner than the rotor that wasn’t replaced.

Therefore, when rotors are replaced in pairs, you can use them longer due to less wear and tear. Moreover, it helps to maintain the balance in the vehicle for smooth driving.

Is Uneven Brake Wear a Reason to Replace Rotors Together?

Yes. Both brake pads and rotors are a part of the braking system of a vehicle. Therefore, for a complete service replacing only the rotors will not work.

If only one brake rotor has worn out, you shouldn’t be stopping there. Consider replacing both together. Upon inspecting, if you feel only one rotor has diminished, the other rotor on the same axle also has declined.

The common cause for uneven brake wear is Disc Thickness Variation (DTV), which can happen on only one rotor. Factors including dust and debris clogging between the disc and the rotor, rust formation on the brake pads, and sticking calipers are a few reasons for DTV.

Can you Replace Only One Brake Rotor If Needed?

Yes, you can. It is not compulsory to replace both rotors when only one rotor is damaged. However, it is recommended and advisable to replace both rotors.

After all, why do you want to face far worse consequences by replacing only one rotor when it will benefit you to replace both at once?

You will lose more money than spending a little extra to replace two rotors. However, you don’t have to replace all four rotors when the problem is with one rotor. For instance, if the problematic rotor is in one of the two front wheels, you don’t have to replace the two in the rear wheels.

Benefits of Replacing Brake Rotors As a Set

There are a few benefits of replacing brake rotors in a pair. Let’s look at a few of them.

Brake pads and brake rotors work parallelly. Therefore, if one of these two malfunctions, it leads to the malfunctioning of the other too. If the brake rotors are not replaced in pairs, it could cause premature wearing of the brake pads. Hence, for the smooth functioning of the brake pads, ensure to replace brake rotors as a pair.

Tires become unstable, and as a result, the vehicle becomes wobbly and begins to vibrate.

Not replacing in pairs can cause a failure in the entire braking system, which can be hazardous.

Better balance and stability in the vehicle.

You cannot drive at high speed by replacing only one rotor.

Does Replacing Rotors in Pairs Improve Braking Performance?

Yes, they do. As mentioned, brake rotors are an integral part of the braking system. If you feel uncomfortable or unstable when applying brakes, it can be a problem with either brake rotors or pads.

Therefore, the answer is simple. You will not even feel braking once you replace the rotors in pairs. Remember that replacing only the defective rotor will not work.

If you feel the brakes are less responsive and take time, it is time to check the brake pads and rotors.

How Do you Know When to Replace Rotors?

There are a few ways to know when to replace the brake rotors. Let’s look at a few of them.

Physically if you feel that your vehicle’s braking is jammed or the car is unstable, that could be due to a defective rotor or rotors. However, you can inspect a few things to verify if the problem is due to a faulty rotor.

Check on the thickness of the rotor. If you feel the thickness has reduced compared to the rest of the rotors, it is a faulty rotor that needs replacement. Thin rotors lose mass, therefore, are unable to dissipate heat.

Additionally, uneven wear, heat, and corrosion are ways to check for faulty rotors that require replacing. Corrosion can completely destroy the rotors; therefore, even if you don’t notice a change in the brakes, check monthly for the above causes, including corrosion that can destroy the rotors.

How to Determine If Both Brake Rotors Need Replacement?

Even though there is only one faulty rotor, we know it is better to replace both. Therefore, let’s look at a few ways to determine if both brake rotors require replacement.

If your vehicle emits a squealing sound when braking, that could be due to defective rotors. Another symptom is the time taken to stop after pressing the brake pedal. A faulty rotor doesn’t function smoothly, thereby delaying response to your brake signal.

Have you felt the steering wheel vibrating when braking? This suggests that it is time to replace the rotors.

Apart from the above ways, there are many other ways, including an inspection by the mechanic, various sounds when braking, ABS warning light, blue discoloration on rotors, and many other signs pointing out that you need your vehicle’s rotors need replacement.

Now that you have gained sufficient knowledge in choosing between replacing rotors individually and in pairs, it should be easier to decide whenever your vehicle displays the above signs. Remember that when choosing between buying rotors in pairs vs. individually, they are sold separately; however, it is your decision to either proceed with one rotor or a couple.

The only thing that will stop you from replacing two rotors is the cost; however, remember that you will have to spend twice the money if you replace only one rotor. If you still want to continue with a single rotor, it is better to consult a mechanic to obtain an expert opinion on brake rotor replacement.

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Video Credits – HumbleMechanic 

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