Is it really necessary to replace rear rotos/brakes?

[joeya103]

Just like the subject says...

I know that the front brakes are more important, but does this mean it's okay to neglect changing the rears? I'm thinking of changing my front brake pads cuz the Mintex reds are squeaking too much. I was wondering while I'm changing the front pads (again) whether I should bother to get rear pads too...

[kjgarreau]

Just pull the rear wheels off and look at the pads/rotors. If they look bad, change them. If not, leave em.

[EVIL-AUDI]

I will be changing all 4 rotors and all pads this afternoon.

[SilverA4Fun]

Definitely a difficult thing to diagnois without actually seeing the pads and rotors. If the backing plate looks close to the rotor than the pads shoudl be repalced. Also if you have a lip/score mark at the edge of the rotor those will need to be replaced as well.

[joeya103]

yea, i should look before asking this kind of question eh?

i only ask cuz everyone seems to focus on their fronts, and even brembo/stoptech kits are usually only for the front. kind of gave me the impression that the rears hardly matter, or that they wear down much more slowly than the front.

[SEXICÄN]

I would say just change them, it will only run you like $75 for everything(pads, and rotors).

The front are more cared about becuase, like you said, the fronts do most of your stopping, while the back are also there to take some of the slack off the fronts.

[SilverA4Fun]

Good quality pads and rotors front and/or rear can make a difference even in stock sizes. Yes large diameter fronts do increase stopping ability. Several manufactures do offer larger rear kits, but typically people only spend the money on these if they are tracking/racing their car. I'd suggest staying away from drilled rotors. While they look nice they eat pads and don't necessarily work as well as plain or slotted rotors which give you the gas escape/pad scraping benefit liek drilled, but are more durable

[RedRocket]

Originally posted by joeya103
yea, i should look before asking this kind of question eh?

i only ask cuz everyone seems to focus on their fronts, and even brembo/stoptech kits are usually only for the front. kind of gave me the impression that the rears hardly matter, or that they wear down much more slowly than the front.

Hey that's two non Canadian posts that have the word "eh" in them. Are you guys being influenced by us?

[BQAD]

There's some posts over on AW about upgrading the rears using factory parts. If you have to replace the rotors/pads anyway it's worth a look.

[EVIL-AUDI]

I just finished changing mine last night. Not that hard of a job at all.

[Brrman]

The rears help you brake in a straight line. Without them your ass would swing around more easily.