OK to re-use pads when replacing rotors?

[Pablito1702]

I got 46,000 miles out of my front pads before the dealer replaced them and front sensor under warranty. At that time the front rotors were still within minimum spec (24.7 mm actual versus 24.4 min) so they would not replace under warranty.

That was 10,000 miles ago, so the "new" pads are presumably less than 20% worn. Now intending to replace front rotors with stock BMW or drilled BMW performance rotors (almost same price). Can I re-use the existing pads? What about sensor. Thanks in advance.

[RimasRS]

I wouln't use same pads

[jordantii]

Yes you can use them. Just make sure you bed them in just like a new pad. You may have reduced braking for a short time (I doubt it though), but other than that go ahead and use them.

[MLSavage]

Originally Posted by jordantii

Yes you can use them. Just make sure you bed them in just like a new pad. You may have reduced braking for a short time (I doubt it though), but other than that go ahead and use them.

This sums it perfectly.

A brandishing (bed-in) of the rotor with the current pads will suffice, no need to spend more for new pads at this point.

[jordantii]

And you can use the sensor as well.

[blutattoo]

Originally Posted by jordantii

Yes you can use them. Just make sure you bed them in just like a new pad. You may have reduced braking for a short time (I doubt it though), but other than that go ahead and use them.

+1 a lot of us switch pads back and forth from track pads to street pads. Just do a proper bedding procedure and you'll be fine.

A little side note some shops will not do it for you for liability purposes so you may have to DIY it or find a different shop. Ask before hand so they don't try and hard sell you on new pads.

[Ehwnnc]

new pads, i never put new stuff with old stuff. I always replace rotors when i do pads as well

[jordantii]

Originally Posted by Ehwnnc

new pads, i never put new stuff with old stuff. I always replace rotors when i do pads as well

You can do that but if you are on a budget and the pads have 80% left go ahead and use them. Like one of the posters said, many track guys switch back an forth on a regular basis.

There is absolutely no reason to not us the pads if they have a lot of life left in them. No one can give a reason based on physics or mechanical engineering that only new pads should be used when replacing rotors.

And if the rotors have life in them why replace them if only pads are needed? Just piece of mind? That's cool if it is.

I know it's normal to do both at the same time but...

[NorthernDancer]

Yes, re-use the pads. Maybe rough them up slightly with sandpaper.

[JTB]

I have done this more times than I can count without issue. Do a couple solid stops to seat them; this, however, is almost unnecessary as there is no epoxy to burn off.

BTW - skip the drilled rotors.

[JTB]

I should mention that I mark the pads - left or right wheel and inside / outside. When I put them back in, I put them in the same place they were previously.