I've noticed some steering wobble while braking lately on my 2006 Tacoma 4x4 SR5. So I figured I would get the rotors milled/resurfaced and install some new brake pads. Unfortunately, my Toyota service manual says that the rotors should be resurfaced "on vehicle", and the local dealer wants $150 to resurface the rotors with an on-vehicle lathe.

$150 !!!!

That seems extreme since a new pair of Brembo rotors would be just $160.

So I have two questions:
1. Is it really necessary to have the rotors resurfaced on-vehicle, or can I just take them off and have NAPA mill them?

2. Is there any advantage to having the rotors resurfaced on-vehicle vs just replacing them with pair of good quality aftermarkets (like Brembo)?

 

You can get them turned on any brake lathe, although I don't bother turning rotors anymore, because they warp again soon after getting turned. If they're warped, I replace them.

I upgraded to Tundra Brakes on my 4Runner, so warped rotors should be a thing of the past for me.

 

I agree with GSGALLANT. You can resurface, but the rotors are going to be even thinner and will quickly warp again. Just get the Brembos. This site sells them for less than $80 each. partstrain.com also check frozenrotors.com if you like.

I have never ordered from partstrain however, so I can't speak to their service.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I guess I'll just replace them.

I couldn't find the Brembos for 2006 Tacoma 4x4 on www.partstrain.com. (Plenty of other site have them though.) However partstrain did have some EBC blanks for only about $100 a pair. I know EBC makes good pads but does anyone have any opinions on their rotors?

 

Nevermind about the EBC blanks; I answered my own question. They aren't vented, so that's a no-go.