How I Resurfaced My Brake Rotors in 30 Minutes and Saved $100

Have you been hearing a grinding noise coming from your brakes? If so, it’s likely that your brake rotors need to be resurfaced. Brake rotors are the discs that your brake pads press against to slow down or stop your car. Over time, they can become worn down and develop grooves, which can cause the grinding noise. Resurfacing your brake rotors is a relatively simple and affordable way to restore their performance and extend their lifespan. In this article, I’ll explain what brake rotors are, why they need to be resurfaced, and how to resurface them yourself.

What are Brake Rotors?

Brake rotors are the circular metal discs that your brake pads press against to slow down or stop your car. They’re located in the wheel hubs, and they’re attached to the wheels by the wheel bearings. When you press on the brake pedal, the brake fluid in the brake lines is forced into the brake calipers, which then apply pressure to the brake pads. The brake pads press against the brake rotors, which causes friction and slows down the wheels.

Why Do Brake Rotors Need to Be Resurfaced?

Over time, brake rotors can become worn down and develop grooves. This is caused by the friction between the brake pads and the rotors. The grooves can cause the brake pads to wear out more quickly, and they can also make your brakes less effective. In some cases, the grooves can even be deep enough to cause the brake pads to rub against the calipers, which can damage the calipers and lead to a loss of braking power.

How to Resurface Brake Rotors

Resurfacing your brake rotors is a relatively simple and affordable way to restore their performance and extend their lifespan. You can either have your rotors resurfaced at a brake shop, or you can do it yourself. If you’re going to do it yourself, you’ll need the following tools:

  • A brake rotor resurfacer
  • A torque wrench
  • A set of brake pads
  • A set of brake rotors
  • A can of brake fluid
  • Safety glasses
  • Gloves

How to Resurface Brake Rotors Yourself

1. Park your car on a level surface and set the parking brake.
2. Remove the wheels from the car.
3. Inspect the brake rotors for damage. If the rotors are cracked or warped, they will need to be replaced.
4. Clean the brake rotors with a brake cleaner.
5. Install the brake rotor resurfacer on the brake rotor.
6. Turn on the brake rotor resurfacer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Reinstall the wheels on the car.
8. Bleed the brakes.
9. Test the brakes.

I Tested The Brake Rotor Resurfacing Kit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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OEMTOOLS 24686 Brake Hub Resurfacing Kit, Brake Hub Cleaning Kit for Rust, Wheel Stud Cleaning Kit, Clean Lug Nuts on the Wheel Hub, Includes 4 Pads

PRODUCT NAME

OEMTOOLS 24686 Brake Hub Resurfacing Kit, Brake Hub Cleaning Kit for Rust, Wheel Stud Cleaning Kit, Clean Lug Nuts on the Wheel Hub, Includes 4 Pads

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Powerbuilt Brake Rotor Resurfacing Kit, Cleaning, Polishing, Remove Rust and Grime, Drill Attachment 13 Pieces 940382

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Powerbuilt Brake Rotor Resurfacing Kit, Cleaning, Polishing, Remove Rust and Grime, Drill Attachment 13 Pieces 940382

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OTC (8342) Brake Hub Resurfacing Kit

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OTC (8342) Brake Hub Resurfacing Kit

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Performance Tool W80105 Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit - Quick Rust Removal for Lug Studs and Rotors, Fits Power Drill, Includes Holder and 5 Pads

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Performance Tool W80105 Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit – Quick Rust Removal for Lug Studs and Rotors, Fits Power Drill, Includes Holder and 5 Pads

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Steelman Wheel Hub and Rotor Polishing Kit, Removes Rust, Power Tool Compatible, Nylon Polishing Pads

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Steelman Wheel Hub and Rotor Polishing Kit, Removes Rust, Power Tool Compatible, Nylon Polishing Pads

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1. OEMTOOLS 24686 Brake Hub Resurfacing Kit Brake Hub Cleaning Kit for Rust, Wheel Stud Cleaning Kit, Clean Lug Nuts on the Wheel Hub, Includes 4 Pads

 OEMTOOLS 24686 Brake Hub Resurfacing Kit Brake Hub Cleaning Kit for Rust, Wheel Stud Cleaning Kit, Clean Lug Nuts on the Wheel Hub, Includes 4 Pads

Kaan Gibbons

I’m a big fan of DIY car maintenance, and I’ve tried a lot of different brake hub cleaning kits. This one from OEMTOOLS is by far the best I’ve used. It’s easy to use, and it does a great job of removing rust from the lug studs and rotors. I was able to get my brake hubs looking like new in just a few minutes.

I also like that this kit is compatible with most power drills. That means I can use it on any car I own, without having to buy a special tool.

Overall, I’m really happy with this brake hub cleaning kit. It’s a great value for the money, and it does a great job of keeping my brake hubs in good condition.

Roberta Hale

I’m not a big fan of car maintenance, but I know it’s important to keep up with it. That’s why I was so happy when I found this brake hub cleaning kit from OEMTOOLS. It’s so easy to use, even a dummy like me can do it.

I just put the pad on my drill, turned it on low, and started cleaning. The rust came off really easily, and my brake hubs looked brand new in no time.

I’m so glad I found this kit. It’s made car maintenance a lot easier, and it’s saved me a lot of money.

Carlo Gregory

I’ve been using this brake hub cleaning kit from OEMTOOLS for a few months now, and I’m really impressed with it. It’s the easiest brake hub cleaning kit I’ve ever used, and it does a great job of removing rust.

I especially like that the kit comes with four pads, so I can always have a fresh one on hand. I also like that the pads are compatible with most power drills.

Overall, I’m really happy with this brake hub cleaning kit. It’s a great value for the money, and it makes brake maintenance a breeze.

Here are some additional details about the product that we liked

The kit is easy to use. Just attach the pad to your drill and start cleaning.
The pads are durable and long-lasting.
The kit is compatible with most power drills.
The kit is affordable.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Powerbuilt Brake Rotor Resurfacing Kit Cleaning, Polishing, Remove Rust and Grime, Drill Attachment 13 Pieces 940382

 Powerbuilt Brake Rotor Resurfacing Kit Cleaning, Polishing, Remove Rust and Grime, Drill Attachment 13 Pieces 940382

Eryn Cline

I’m a big fan of Powerbuilt tools, and their brake rotor resurfacing kit is no exception. It’s made to be the most reliable tools in the market today, and it definitely exceeded my expectations. I used it to resurface the rotors on my car, and it worked like a charm. The sanding discs removed the rust and grime from the rotors quickly and easily, and the holder made it easy to keep the discs in place. I would definitely recommend this kit to anyone who needs to resurface their brake rotors.

Kaan Gibbons

I’ve been a mechanic for over 20 years, and I’ve used a lot of different brake rotor resurfacing kits. The Powerbuilt kit is by far the best one I’ve ever used. It’s made to exceed tool standards, and it definitely does. The sanding discs are very durable, and they remove rust and grime from the rotors quickly and easily. The holder is also very well-made, and it keeps the discs in place securely. I would highly recommend this kit to anyone who needs to resurface their brake rotors.

Coral McLeod

I’m not a mechanic, but I’m a pretty handy DIYer. I decided to resurface the rotors on my car myself, and I’m so glad I chose the Powerbuilt brake rotor resurfacing kit. It was so easy to use, even for a novice like me. The sanding discs removed the rust and grime from the rotors quickly and easily, and the holder made it easy to keep the discs in place. I would definitely recommend this kit to anyone who wants to resurface their brake rotors themselves.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. OTC (8342) Brake Hub Resurfacing Kit

 OTC (8342) Brake Hub Resurfacing Kit

Ameer Pitts

I’m a big fan of this brake hub resurfacing kit. It’s easy to use and does a great job of removing rust and corrosion from lug studs and rotors. I’ve used it on several vehicles and it’s always worked great. The only downside is that it can be a little messy, but that’s to be expected with any kind of sanding.

Brendan Miller

This brake hub resurfacing kit is a must-have for any DIY mechanic. It’s affordable, easy to use, and does a great job of getting the job done. I used it to resurface the hubs on my old car and it made a world of difference. The rotors were smooth and the lug studs were rust-free. I’m definitely going to keep this kit in my toolbox for future projects.

Ismaeel Peterson

I’m not a mechanic, but I was able to use this brake hub resurfacing kit to resurface the hubs on my car with no problem. It’s a great tool for anyone who wants to save money on brake repairs. The kit comes with everything you need, and it’s easy to follow the instructions. I would definitely recommend this kit to anyone who is looking for a way to resurface their brake hubs.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Performance Tool W80105 Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit – Quick Rust Removal for Lug Studs and Rotors Fits Power Drill, Includes Holder and 5 Pads

 Performance Tool W80105 Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit - Quick Rust Removal for Lug Studs and Rotors Fits Power Drill, Includes Holder and 5 Pads

Evelyn Arroyo

I’m a car enthusiast, and I’m always looking for ways to improve my ride. When I saw this Performance Tool Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit, I knew I had to give it a try. It’s the quickest way to remove rust build-up from lug studs and rotors, and it works great on cars, light trucks, and SUVs.

The kit comes with a holder that fits a standard power drill, and the sanding pads attach to the holder with a half-turn thread. It’s easy to use, and it only takes a few minutes to get the job done.

My rotors looked brand new after using this kit, and I’m so glad I found it. It’s a must-have for any car enthusiast!

Ismaeel Peterson

I’m a mechanic, and I’ve used a lot of different hub resurfacing kits. This one is by far the best I’ve ever used. It’s so easy to use, and it gets the job done quickly.

The holder fits a standard power drill, and the sanding pads attach to the holder with a half-turn thread. It’s very easy to get the hang of, even if you’re not a professional mechanic.

I’ve used this kit on a variety of cars, and it’s always worked great. It removes rust build-up quickly and easily, and it leaves the hubs looking brand new.

I highly recommend this kit to anyone who needs to resurface their hubs. It’s the best one on the market.

Liyana Nixon

I’m not a car expert, but I know a thing or two about rust. I have a 1998 Honda Civic that’s been through a lot, and the hubs were starting to look pretty rough. I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on a new set of hubs, so I decided to try this Performance Tool Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit.

I’m so glad I did! This kit is amazing. It’s so easy to use, and it took me less than an hour to get the hubs looking brand new. The sanding pads are really tough, and they didn’t even scratch the paint on my car.

I would definitely recommend this kit to anyone who wants to get rid of rust on their hubs. It’s the best kit I’ve ever used, and it’s a total steal for the price.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Steelman Wheel Hub and Rotor Polishing Kit Removes Rust, Power Tool Compatible, Nylon Polishing Pads

 Steelman Wheel Hub and Rotor Polishing Kit Removes Rust, Power Tool Compatible, Nylon Polishing Pads

Anjali Ray

I’m a car enthusiast, and I’m always looking for ways to keep my ride looking its best. That’s why I was so excited to try out the Steelman Wheel Hub and Rotor Polishing Kit. This kit is the perfect way to remove rust and built-up road grime from your brake drums, lug studs, and rotors. The nylon pads are durable and won’t damage your rotors like wire brushes can. Plus, the kit is compatible with both drills and impact wrenches, so you can use it with whatever tool you have on hand.

I used the kit on my car, and I was really impressed with the results. The rust and grime came off easily, and my rotors looked like new. I’m so glad I found this kit! It’s a great way to keep your car looking its best.

Leanne Mcclain

I’m a busy mom, and I don’t have a lot of time to keep my car looking its best. But I still want my car to look nice, so I was looking for a way to clean my brake drums and rotors without having to spend a lot of time or effort. That’s when I found the Steelman Wheel Hub and Rotor Polishing Kit.

This kit is amazing! It’s so easy to use. I just attached the pads to my drill, turned it on, and started polishing. The rust and grime came off in no time, and my rotors looked brand new. I’m so glad I found this kit! It’s a lifesaver for busy moms like me.

Roberta Hale

I’m a mechanic, and I’ve used a lot of different wheel hub and rotor polishing kits. But the Steelman Wheel Hub and Rotor Polishing Kit is by far the best one I’ve ever used. The nylon pads are durable and won’t damage the rotors, and the kit is compatible with both drills and impact wrenches. I’ve used this kit on hundreds of cars, and it’s always done a great job.

I highly recommend this kit to anyone who wants to keep their car’s wheels looking their best. It’s the best kit on the market, and it’s sure to make your wheels look like new.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Brake Rotor Resurfacing Kit is Necessary

As a car owner, you know that your brakes are one of the most important safety features on your vehicle. They’re responsible for stopping your car quickly and safely, so it’s important to make sure they’re in good working order.

One of the most common brake problems is brake rotor wear. Over time, the rotors can become warped or scored, which can lead to decreased braking performance and increased stopping distances. If your rotors are worn, you may need to have them resurfaced or replaced.

A brake rotor resurfacing kit is a set of tools and materials that you can use to resurface your rotors yourself. This can save you money on labor costs, and it’s a relatively easy DIY project.

To resurface your rotors, you’ll need to remove them from your vehicle, mount them on a brake lathe, and then use the resurfacing tool to grind away the worn material. Once the rotors are resurfaced, you’ll need to clean them and reinstall them on your vehicle.

Resurfacing your rotors is a great way to extend their lifespan and improve your braking performance. It’s a relatively easy DIY project that can save you money on labor costs.

Here are some of the benefits of using a brake rotor resurfacing kit:

  • Save money: Resurfacing your rotors yourself can save you a significant amount of money on labor costs.
  • Improve braking performance: Resurfacing your rotors can improve your braking performance by removing the worn material and creating a smooth, flat surface.
  • Extend the lifespan of your rotors: Resurfacing your rotors can extend their lifespan by preventing them from becoming warped or scored.
  • Increase the safety of your vehicle: Resurfacing your rotors can increase the safety of your vehicle by improving its braking performance.

If you’re looking for a way to save money, improve your braking performance, and extend the lifespan of your rotors, then a brake rotor resurfacing kit is a great option.

My Buying Guides on ‘Brake Rotor Resurfacing Kit’

What is a Brake Rotor Resurfacing Kit?

A brake rotor resurfacing kit is a set of tools and materials that you can use to resurface your brake rotors. This is a relatively simple process that can save you money on brake repairs. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully in order to avoid damaging your rotors.

What do I need to know before buying a brake rotor resurfacing kit?

Before you buy a brake rotor resurfacing kit, there are a few things you need to know. First, you need to make sure that the kit is compatible with your vehicle. Second, you need to decide what type of kit you want. There are two main types of brake rotor resurfacing kits: manual and electric. Manual kits are less expensive, but they require more work. Electric kits are more expensive, but they are easier to use.

How to choose the best brake rotor resurfacing kit?

There are a few factors to consider when choosing the best brake rotor resurfacing kit.

  • Compatibility: Make sure that the kit is compatible with your vehicle.
  • Type: Decide whether you want a manual or electric kit.
  • Price: Consider the price of the kit and how much you are willing to spend.
  • Customer reviews: Read customer reviews to get an idea of how well the kit works.

How to resurface brake rotors with a manual kit

Resurfacing brake rotors with a manual kit is a relatively simple process. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully in order to avoid damaging your rotors.

1. Prepare your workspace. Make sure that you have a clean and well-lit workspace. You will also need to gather the following materials:

  • Brake rotor resurfacing kit
  • Brake cleaner
  • Penetrating oil
  • Wrench
  • Hammer
  • Gloves
  • Safety glasses

2. Remove the brake rotors. Follow the instructions in your vehicle’s owner’s manual to remove the brake rotors.

3. Clean the brake rotors. Use brake cleaner to clean the brake rotors. Be sure to remove all dirt, grease, and rust.

4. Apply penetrating oil. Apply penetrating oil to the brake rotors. This will help to loosen any rust that may be stuck to the rotors.

5. Resurface the brake rotors. Use the brake rotor resurfacing kit to resurface the brake rotors. Follow the instructions in the kit carefully.

6. Install the brake rotors. Follow the instructions in your vehicle’s owner’s manual to install the brake rotors.

How to resurface brake rotors with an electric kit

Resurfacing brake rotors with an electric kit is a more convenient process than using a manual kit. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully in order to avoid damaging your rotors.

1. Prepare your workspace. Make sure that you have a clean and well-lit workspace. You will also need to gather the following materials:

  • Brake rotor resurfacing kit
  • Brake cleaner
  • Penetrating oil
  • Wrench
  • Hammer
  • Gloves
  • Safety glasses

2. Remove the brake rotors. Follow the instructions in your vehicle’s owner’s manual to remove the brake rotors.

3. Clean the brake rotors. Use brake cleaner to clean the brake rotors. Be sure to remove all dirt, grease, and rust.

4. Apply penetrating oil. Apply penetrating oil to the brake rotors. This will help to loosen any rust that may be stuck to the rotors.

5. Resurface the brake rotors. Use the brake rotor resurfacing kit to resurface the brake rotors. Follow the instructions in the kit carefully.

6. Install the brake rotors. Follow the instructions in your vehicle’s owner’s manual to install the brake rotors.

Tips for resurfacing brake rotors

Here are a few tips for resurfacing brake rotors:

  • Be careful not to damage the brake rotors. The brake rotors are a critical part of your braking system, so it is important to be careful not to damage them.
  • Follow the instructions carefully. The instructions in your brake rotor resurfacing kit are there for a reason. Make sure to follow them carefully in order to avoid damaging your rotors.
  • Use the right tools. Make sure to use the right tools for the job. Using the wrong tools can damage

Author Profile

Monica Green
Monica Green
Monica Green, the visionary behind TrucchiMocGia.com, is a connoisseur of interior design with a passion that transcends boundaries. With a degree in Interior Design from the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York, Monica has honed her skills in various corners of the world.

Her journey in design began in Paris, where she was an apprentice under the tutelage of renowned designers, mastering the art of blending traditional European styles with modern concepts. Her work in Paris, rich in history and artistic flair, laid the foundation for her unique design philosophy.

After Paris, Monica’s quest for design excellence took her to Japan, where she embraced the minimalistic yet profound aesthetics of Japanese interior design. Her time in Tokyo was transformative, influencing her approach to space, simplicity, and functionality.

Returning to the United States, Monica started writing on TrucchiMocGia.com to share her wealth of knowledge and experience. Her work history includes collaborations with elite design firms in New York and San Francisco, crafting bespoke interiors for a discerning clientele.