Brake Rotors

I have one damaged front rotor on the truck, my fault. I need to replace it today. Can I get away with doing just the one side or should both be changed? Ill add a pic of the rotor later

 

You CAN replace one-have the other turned if needed. Otherwise your braking might be offset. Just a recommendation.

 

That should be alright, but you should also change your pads on the new rotor.

 

OK, Since one is newer and thicker it may grab more than the rotor on the other side?. If it does that will cause pull under braking.

New pads. This job went from simple to more involved and way longer.

 

thickness should not be the problem-it is the WEAR on the rotor and pads.
Thickness is compensated in the hydraulics.

 

Alright, makes sense. Guess I'll see how this goes.

 

Nah, new pads literally take 5 minutes to install and you have to remove the caliper anyway to replace your rotor.

 

It's not so much the pads. It that it started out as pooping off the passenger side wheel so I could access the block drain for the coolant. I guess a couple lug nuts were over tight because some the studs got fucked taking the nuts off. Then work calls and says I need to fly to oklahoma tomorrow. Not that bad, but I have to swing by the office and pick up a few things. Office is 4.5 to 5 hour drive. Now I just want to get this shit done. Inexperience and hurrying caused me to screw up the rotor. So now I have to do the 45 minute trip to the auto store again.

Crap day all around Pouring rain right now just got back with the rotor. eat some lunch and maybe the rain will let up.

 

I'm a bit confused. Is it the studs that are damaged? Not the rotor? How is the rotor damaged? The damaged studs are going to have to be pressed out of the wheel hub. Or, did you damage the rotor removing the studs?

Anyhow, to answer your original question. You can replace only one rotor if you have to. And if the wear on the pads is minimal and you need to get going, I would use the same ones. Braking may feel spongy while the pads adjust the new rotors, but there is no danger in re-using them. The proper thing to do is eventually replace all new brake pads.

 

If you are replacing the rotor due to the Lug Nut Studs, then you are doing it wrong. The Lug Nut Studs are pressed into the hub behind the rotor. They are not part of the rotor at all.