Brake rotor thinkness

[bonne]

The repair manual says minimum thickness 4.5 mm

My rear rotor is exactly 4.5 mm how important is it to swap it now (almost new brake pads). I guess that the problem is that the brake pistons can get to far out and leak brake fluid, but I imagine that there is some kind of slack in the specs?

How thick are new rotors?

Regards, Lars.

[The Doctor 46]

I have googled your question and the answer is 4.95 mm to 5 mm new. Minimum is ,as you say, 4.5 and that is usualy marked on the disc.

As for using the disc below the minimum (4.5) I can't say but if you had an accident and the police investigated I guess you could find yourself in deep trouble.


I would guess that the disc would last a little longer than the suggested minimum but I wouldn't do it and it will fail it's TUV test anyway. 

You have a nice bike, it is quite fast so why not splash out on discs. I know they are not cheap but they could save you or someone else's life.

Just my 2p (2 cent's) worth.

These are 5mm

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/354925026664?fits=UKM_CCM%3A1050%7CUKM_StreetName%3AV-Strom%7CUKM_Make%3ASuzuki&hash=item52a32e1d68:g:RfYAAOSw~AFjOqf7&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8AyuoBccuKR0pUrLiz0qGBajV6jc3x0lBAK7qYA6M1s3SWg3W%2Bp223ClKxFNOfW83N0vxDQWG6XLmWQrOUpvN9XM2o2Otk%2BK8Th9TPSxMJzxFJCNeIClKplzAdZa%2BfEkdaMbd43%2BDSY5DvFJ8pWQ9Sv4uiXv9qKsZcJJ745PN4Iqgmz3IbwE62ET7Sfc%2BcdExZTXRc0d9yZ3h%2BUMDLYYpIzvyvCO4%2FYCZBjjGUpYCGmI6WwV%2FmjdwXWWsplyXRPJbx8CWw%2FYk5WFf9H4J71NjQViy2asa0yMTLxutz8TXnIak0GCIDqyQiHJuQbX2cOBnA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBMppjZ1-9i

[purplebikeunicorn]

Might also be to do with disc strength, heat dissipation/warping for instance? If your pads went to minimum thickness and the disc was also minimum thickness, then maybe you could get into a situation where the pistons are "too far out".

On the rear, maybe not quite so bad. But IMO I treat brakes as even more important than the stuff that makes my bike go 

[Hugo Magnus]

Presumably as they get thinner they are more likely to warp as they heat up.

[nigel s]

As your disc is 4.5 not 4.4 you are OK for now.
But I would plan to replace it soon.
Remember the bolts will have red loctite (or Suzuki's equivalent ) on them and will need a little heat to remove them.
Also the new disc will need bedding into the pads so take it easy for a bit.


Oh ..and thinkness........is that a branch of new age philosophy?

Also ,just out of curiosity, how miles on that disc?

Ho Hum

[porter]

They're 5mm new and the minimum is 4.5mm but if it's not warped I'd use away at it. Mine lasted 43k miles, it was on 4.5mm but the warp was getting annoying so I replaced it.
 With new pads your brake piston will not come out to far to leak fuild or fall out. 

[bonne]

I agree. The brakes needs to be in fit shape... which is why I ask in here. It is my 2nd time that I change pads, and I just say... I did not check the thickness before now. And since I have had the pads off a few weeks ago, when I changed it, I wanted to ask in here if OK to leave the rotor there for a while. Of course I do not want to end up not being able to brake.

The bike has 48.000km on it and rear pads has been changed twice (I apparently use the rear more than the front... or maybe because the front has two rotors .

I want to install Brembo, but I cannot find Brembo rotors for the front... only for the rear.  Brembo has rotors for the Vstrom 1000 17-20... Can I use these on the 1050?

[porter]

Yes they are the same.

[bonne]

@The Doctor 46... How is the minimum marked on the disc? I cannot find it in the manual... The manual only describes how to check with a micrometre.

And Nigel... Thanks for the details. Haha, thinkness...

[nigel s]

Some discs have it stamped in the carrier of the disc,some don't.
It will say min 4.5mm,or whatever,not a wear marker,just a reference .
48,000km is about 30,000 miles, so not that unusual.

[The Doctor 46]

Sorry bonny, I have only just seen your question. Thank you nigel for answering for me.   

[The Doctor 46]

A bit off topic but, I got 35,000 miles out of the discs all round on my car. Had new discs and pads and it cost a fortune. Still, I have an MOT next week and know the car will pass....... maybe? 

[bonne]

Apart from red Loctite, do I need more? Can I reuse screws/bolts or is it best practice to get new?

Regards, Lars.

[nigel s]

Reusing the bolts is fine as long as you don't damage the heads taking them out.
Maybe replace them next time round.
Clean the bolts with acetone or white spirits to get the old loctite off before putting a drop more on.
My favourite method of heating the bolts is to get an old allen key the right size,put it in  some vice grips ,then heat it up with a blow torch/gas camp stove.When good and hot put the allen key in the bolt head and let it transfer the heat then repeat.Less chance of damaging the paint on the wheel.
Then use a   GOOD  allen key/impact driver to get it out.Do one at a time just crack it then move on.
A torque wrench is advisable to tighten them to spec but not essential if you have a good feel .Use a cross pattern and do them up a little at a time .

[purplebikeunicorn]

A wire brush is also a favourite of mine for getting old loctite off! Just don't stab your fingers with the bristles, those as splinters hurt.

[bonne]

No WD40 before heating up?

I see a lot of youtube clips where people tap the bolt with a hammer before loosening it.

Do you find it easiest to loosen the bolts with the wheel mounted or dismounted on the bike?

[nigel s]

no wd 40 needed ,it won't get past the loctite.
Tapping the bolt is OK if you don't have an impact driver .
Heat is the key here, without it the loctite will hold the bolt.
Dismount the wheel and sprocket carrier but put a towel/cardboard or similar down under the wheel.
If you find yourself struggling with the job,take a pause.
If you are not confident and it is your daily ride,think about taking it in to the dealer/mate for help.
But there is only one way to learn?

[baz-r]

I have seen a lot of bikes get cracking in the area of the holes in the pad contact area when the discs wear. I know here in the uk come MOT test time if a disc looks worn and when measured is below the min thickness its a fail.

if your on minimum is not blow it don't stress too much its not like the disc will wear at say the same rate at the pads but would be a good idea to look as getting either the parts or the money and bike booked in to renew the discs and pads

[bonne]

Exactly... there is only one way to learn.

It sounds like an easy job when you know the tricks... this is why I ask the experienced persons in here... I have already become more wise... I think, haha