Abnormal rear brake wear 2013 w/ 31,700 miles

[Gen3MR2]

2013 Scion FRS
31,700 miles

Failed to mention
During the 400 miles I was running 225\45\17 Z2 tires on stock wheels and the TPMS sensors in those wheels were not connected to the ECU, so my TPMS light was on.


So about 400 miles ago, approximately 2 weeks, my LR rotor (pictured) was not like this. I still have pad left on the brake pad. This is just happening on the outside of the rotor. It is also starting to happen on the RR rotor which also has pad left on the brake pad.

Calling the dealer this morning, but I doubt anything will be done.

[vroom4]

Pull the pad....err yea, take it in for warranty and have them replace for free.

[Tcoat]

Be interesting to see what the pad looks like as well.

[zc06_kisstherain]

too much dirt cause?

good excuse to buy slotted rotors and better pads now

[strat61caster]

Maybe I'm slow, what's the problem here? The discs are getting a bit grooved?

Mine started to look like that at around 30k miles I think, I tossed some new brake pads in for the track (carbotech xp10) and was a bit worried that the rotors were wearing unevenly. After I was done with the track day the rotors were mirror smooth again and have been pretty good since, I swap brake pads to the carbotechs for a weekend (sometimes stretches to a week) and back to the stockers for DD about once a month. Maybe the constant swapping of pads is preventing grooves from forming.

I bet the dealership will happily charge you for a brake job, idk if they'll sell you new rotors or not though (they certainly won't give them away, they're a wear item). IMO if you're mechanically inclined, pull the pads out and give the calipers and pads a dusting with some compressed air, lubricate the friction points and go for a spirited drive and get the brakes nice and toasty (not fading toasty), I bet that would get a nice shiny finish on the rotors.

According to the manual the front discs are nominally 24mm (0.94in) thick and should be replaced when the reach 22mm (0.87in) thick, ventilated rears are 18mm (0.71in)/16mm (0.63in) (I think std. for U.S. models). Solid rears are 10mm (0.39in) standard and 8.5mm (0.34in) wear limit.

I've heard of guys autoXing the oem rotors for 2+ years and >60k miles without replacement, I also believe CSG replaces theirs after ~4 track days.



It's a situation with a lot of different approaches, do whatever makes you most comfortable.

[tennisfreak]

Ummmmmm I don't think you should ever have grooved rotors if your brakes are working properly and you don't let the pads wear out completely.

If pads are wearing unevenly then you likely have a problem with your caliper.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by tennisfreak

Ummmmmm I don't think you should ever have grooved rotors if your brakes are working properly and you don't let the pads wear out completely.

If pads are wearing unevenly then you likely have a problem with your caliper.

Sort of why I said earlier that I would be interested in seeing the pads. Like Strat said grooving is pretty standard but from what I can see in the pic that is a bit extreme (unless of course there is more info we don't know).
Also both fronts and both rears should be at least close for wear, not one front and one rear.

[Gen3MR2]

Yes, I am mechanicaly inclined. And I wont pay them to do it. It will be done under warranty if anything is done by them. I know there is multiple things that could have caused this, but if it was caused by something that could allow me to use the warranty I don't want to pass up free new brakes. I'll keep you guys informed tomorrow when I find out.

[Gen3MR2]

They say it's normal wear and nothing wrong . .. wow. I figured I would get the run around. They didn't even take it apart. I have new pads and rotors coming in today and will be replacing them tomorrow morning. Ill post pictures of the caliper, pads, and rotors when I get them off.

[strat61caster]

Seriously, measure the rotors before you chuck them, they're probably fine, save the $$ and send the new ones back.

Here's how mine looked in January, could feel the grooves by fingernail:


And here is how they looked five minutes ago, smooth to the fingernail after 2x more track days and 2x autocrosses:

[Tt3Sheppard]

Probably still fine if your fingernail does not catch on any grooves. Try bedding in new pads and see if it smooths out the rotor. If not I would just replace with some OEM rotors you can find very cheap on these forums.

[Gen3MR2]

The new rotors cost me $33 each and a resurfacing of the old ones cost $25 each.

I had less scoring on my MR2 rotors last year and attempted to autox on them and couldn't pass tech because of it.

strat61caster your first picture still looks smooth, just some discoloration. Mine have grooves I can catch my nail on, but the master techs cant.


Quote from invoice "inspect brakes and rotors some scoring of brake rotors is typical pads are not worn out, check for bulletins none pertaining to this issue."

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Gen3MR2

strat61caster your first picture still looks smooth, just some discoloration. Mine have grooves I can catch my nail on, but the master techs cant.

Confirmed that my fingernails caught on those grooves, it's been ~4 months since that picture.

Awesome to know that rotors are cheap for this car, and sucks that they wouldn't tech you for something so trivial, it's an MR2 not some 1,000 horsepower monster... Appreciate the info!

[mweidner311]

Its totaled...


Sorry had to let us know what the dealer says if you take it in for warranty work.