brake Discs... adding material?

[Sparkeee24]

Howdy Howdy! I was curious how plausable it would be to add weld material to disc brake discs to a Dana 44 set of discs for an older Scout II. Is this something doable? How safe might it be? Warping issues? Would I be able to find a shop to grind em smooth once they had been built up enough? Thanks for the helpfull ideas folks!! Brian Lee Sparkeee27

[RadMan]

Howdy Howdy! I was curious how plausable it would be to add weld material to disc brake discs to a Dana 44 set of discs for an older Scout II. Is this something doable? How safe might it be? Warping issues? Would I be able to find a shop to grind em smooth once they had been built up enough? Thanks for the helpfull ideas folks!! Brian Lee Sparkeee27

Brian, the rotors are undersize?, too thin?

[BillC]

Brian,

Really bad idea as they are cast iron. Why would you want to spend an hour welding to build up the rotor surface and then pay someone to true them when you can buy a new set set so cheap?

Regards,

[LBHgti]

I work for a brake company and I've got the rotors you're looking for I think....'74 and up Scout II. I've got the economy (chinese) rotors for $25 each, and I've got Premium US made rotors for $60 each. Thats my cost, let me know if you need a set. Welding them up is a bad idea......rotors have enough problems when they are cast in one piece, I can't imagine the events that would take place if one were welded up and remachined.

[tigman]

Imagine the cost of rods to do this job if it were doable, you would go broke.

[TJJ]

Besides being a bad, bad idea, it wouldn't be cost effective. More importantly, the friction coeficent would not be the same as the original disk. Then you have the issue of heat checking and cracking of the base metal. This is afterall a very key safety item on the vehicle....not something cosmetic. Then too, the liability issue if there was a bad accident and it's found that you have modified disc rotors.

I'd jump on those imported rotors. Too cheap to worry about repairing. My first new vehicle out of school was a "75 Scout II. I kept it 16 years and really loved it. A new rotor back in the '80's cost me $90.00 so at less cost today it's a real bargain. Do the right thing and you and everyone around you will be safer for it.

[Sparkeee24]

Howdy Howdy! Ok folks, it was just a thought. I thought they were cast steel. Yes, my rotors are too thin. 1978 Scout II. Prices I have been quoted are 140$ a piece, so "cheep" was not in my vocabulary for these things. I have 3 Scouts, all in various states of re-repair dis repair, and no pair. I was just a thought. I would Love to have some at a good deal like that I will keep your name on file for a few weeks, as I am currently in between companies. It's like a feast or famen thing for me, cause I keep my bills so low, but then when some slow time comes around, I'm used to having all this play money. At least I don't get in the hole fast between big jobs or companies. Brian Lee Sparkeee27 Thanks folks

[Sberry]

Like the man said new chinese, done deal, I never turn rotors. I wouldnt make it without a good parts store.

[toolaholic]

when my rotors have DEEP groves,i don't take chances

i mix up some drywall mud and float em smooth

[Sberry]

JB weld works well too.

[SurffKatt]

i've had backing plates and rivets groove rotors quite a few times(i procrastinate a bit) just slap new pads on and they smooth the surface right up with ridges to match the grooves i dont turn rotors either

[IRON TO ART]

I seem to have replaced a pile of rotors lately. Seems they warp much easier now then they use to. In the past the only time I'd replace them was if the pads wore down to far. Now guys are having me do brakes because the rotors are warped but the pads aren't totally shot yet. Did rear brakes on an 2004 Impala The rotors didn't have the cooling fins in them and I'm guessing thats why they failed early. Front brakes were still ok.

[enlpck]

I seem to have replaced a pile of rotors lately. Seems they warp much easier now then they use to. In the past the only time I'd replace them was if the pads wore down to far. Now guys are having me do brakes because the rotors are warped but the pads aren't totally shot yet. Did rear brakes on an 2004 Impala The rotors didn't have the cooling fins in them and I'm guessing thats why they failed early. Front brakes were still ok.

Might it have anything to do with the type of metalic pads used with antilock brakes? I seem to wear the rotors out before the pads.

[cope]

Back when Western Auto was still in business, you could catch most rotors on sale for $15 or so. In Houston it is harder and harder to find a parts house that turns rotors. I have a machine shop thats been around for 40 years or so thatI have used for the past 35 years, that only charges $9 to turn one.

[Blacksmith]

My approach - ASAP after the little wear feelers on the OEM pads start squealing, replace the disc pads with the premium stuff from Bendix or Raybestos, about $30 a set for my F150. ASAP after the replacement pads start squealing, buy anothe rset of premium pads and a set of rotors. If it looks like one or both calipers are leaking or binding, add a set of rebuilt calipers. Brake parts today are too light and replacement to cheap to screw around with yours and everyone else's safety. At least doing it myself, I can probably do all the above for the price of a couple of the loss-leader come-on prices from the garages that always go up once your vehicle is on the lift.