Re: Rofren Pads???

[Don Hoefer <hoefer@cary.eng.pko.dec.com>]

Jim writes;

>Also, I have another question to add to this (while we are talking brakes):
A service manager at a tire center told me that Audi rotors can't be turned;
that they HAVE to be replaced. Anyone else hear of this? (I have a '92 100S).<

I think that it depends on the particular rotor and the use that it has
had.  My 1982 Coupe has solid rotors and the brakes work _very_ well.  They
are prone to warping.  A car with heftier rotors may not have that problem.
This may be why the Coupes were soon upgraded to vented rotors.  If the
rotor has warped, no amount of turning may fix it.  It has not just lost it's
trueness, it is randomly surface hardened.  When it is turned it will be smooth
as silk for about a week before the soft spots are worn out by the pads and
the rotor is not true again.  I would guess that if the brakes do not get heavy
use and if the rotors are not warped (brakes and steering are smooth when the 
brakes
are applied) then it would be ok to turn the rotors if there is enough metal 
left.
That shop has probably been burned by returned work.  My dealer said that they 
never
turn the rotors for these reasons.  I am lucky, my rotors are only $18.  Not 
worth
the effort to turn.

Don Hoefer
'82 Coupe