Hi, I took my 2024 Toyota to the dealer to check on a rough squeaking sound coming from the brakes. They found some rust or material on the brake rotors and suggested resurfacing them, with the cost on me. I have a few questions:
Is it normal for a car with only 12,000 miles to need rotor resurfacing?
Should I consider replacing them instead?
Since the car is fairly new, should the dealer cover the cost?
Not really. Rust can happen if a car sits for a while in damp conditions, but usually, just driving and braking cleans it off. Has your car been parked for long periods?
It’s normal for rust to build up if it’s been sitting, but that usually wears off with regular driving and braking.
Oran said:
It’s normal for rust to build up if it’s been sitting, but that usually wears off with regular driving and braking.
Honestly, with only 12k miles, I don’t think resurfacing is necessary. Unless you’ve got heavy grooving, just driving should clear it up.
Sounds like they’re just trying to get extra money from you. Hybrid brakes often last up to 100k miles without needing resurfacing.
Isle said:
Sounds like they’re just trying to get extra money from you. Hybrid brakes often last up to 100k miles without needing resurfacing.
That’s usually true, but hybrids can get rusted faster if they don’t use the brakes much, which can lead to this kind of issue.
@Cam
Some cars now use software to occasionally engage the brakes instead of regen braking to clean rust off the rotors.
Fitz said:
@Cam
Some cars now use software to occasionally engage the brakes instead of regen braking to clean rust off the rotors.
Interesting! Volkswagen even went with drum brakes in the rear for this reason.
There’s a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) for brake issues on some Toyotas. You could ask about TSB -0043-24, but it might only apply to Tundras and Sequoias.
Had a similar issue on a 2021 Yaris with 21k miles. The dealer told me the grooves and rust were normal, especially for hybrids. It still makes a bit of noise, but I was reassured it’s okay.
If you’re not feeling any pulsation or vibration in the brake pedal, it’s probably fine. Rust usually wears off with regular use.
I used to work at a dealership, and we’d sometimes have to clean up rotors if a car sat for too long. I’d suggest driving more to see if it clears up. Sometimes debris can cause noise without needing resurfacing.
Brakes aren’t typically covered under warranty. If they don’t think it’s a defect, you’d likely have to pay.
If it’s a hybrid, an easy fix is to drive in a safe area, put it in neutral, and brake to a stop a few times. That uses the brakes directly and should clear rust.
Resurfacing makes the rotor surface even, but it’s usually done when there’s more wear than 12k miles would cause. A little rust can be cleared just by braking normally.
If you feel any pulsation in the brake pedal, it could be a sign they need work. Otherwise, resurfacing might be unnecessary.
Not typical for rotors this young. Often, brake cleaner is enough.
Resurfacing is cheaper than replacement, but I’d ask why cleaning isn’t an option.
Check if the issue is due to materials or workmanship since it’s under warranty. If it’s rust from being parked, it may not be covered.
Doesn’t sound normal. I’d get a second opinion.
I once was quoted a resurfacing cost that was higher than just buying new rotors.