brake job and rotor resurfacing

I have a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder and recently I had the brake pads replaced. The technician at MIDAS called me to say I need to get the rotors resurfaced by the machine. He talked me into getting it done. Is that absolutely necessary to get the rotor resurfaced after installing new brake pads. The total cost was 230$... 100 for the brakes and 130 for resurfacing. Did I get ripped on this..

thanks Hugo

Probably money well spent. No sense in putting new pads on warped or grooved rotors.

you didn't mention the type of Pathfinder you have. sounds like a 4x4 if the resurfacing cost $130, which I'd say is a fair price for dismantling the hub, removing the lock rings and bearings, etc.

now if you're talking about a 4x2, then you got taken.

Why does it matter if the truck is a 4x4 or 4x2?

Hubs still need to be taken apart, 4x2's are a bit easier I'll give you that .

The bearings still need to be cleaned and repacked.

Your mistake was taking your truck to a muffler shop (or any chain repair shop) for brake work..

If you didn't have a problem with the brakes before having new pads installed, then I think you got ripped off.

I don't know about Nissan, but both Ford and GM have publically stated that routine rotor resurfacing is not necessary. I have a good friend who runs an independent shop, and he will not do a brake job unless he turns the rotors. We have gone around and around on this subject. His worry is the "come back" if he doesn't turn the rotors. Except for me, none of his Customers complain about the charge for turning rotors, so he sees no reason not to do it. One Customer complaining about noise or a pulsing pedal can wipe out his profit on that job. Because of his policy, I change my own pads and leave the rotors alone. I've never had a problem.

See:

I just had a brake job on my Murano at 103K... (it's first brake job) and the Nissan dealer did NOT turn the rotors.

The brakes do not pulse, and obviously were not pulsing prior to the new pads.

Getting the rotors turned, imho, is all about whether or not the rotors were smooth prior to the brake job. If they were, barring unusual circumstances, I can think of little reason to turn them upon installation of new pads.

Willy

Agreed Steve,

I'm surprised that they didn't try to hose him for new calipers, rotors , and flex hoses.

Hear, hear. I;m on my third PF. 130K, 130K, 105K miles. Two sets of front pads in the first two, one set so far in the current '01. Never turned the rotors. Never had to change the rear shoes or pads.

And if I ever meet the Nissan engineer who did the front brakes on the last two, he/she gets at least a cold one. It's a very slick design for swapping the pads.

Nissan dealer did NOT turn the rotors.

smooth prior to the brake job. If they were, barring

installation of new pads.