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I have a Honda Odyssey which needs the rear brake pads replaced.

Is it necessary to have the disks machined at the same time?

Vivienne

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 18 March 2011

If the brake pads are worn to a point where the brake material has all but disappeared and its basically metal against metal when the brakes are applied then yes, the discs may well need to be machined.

If it’s a simple pad replacement however I would question why the discs would need to be skimmed.

The front discs are different as often you will feel a shudder through the steering under braking if the discs are out of true. Garages will recommend a brake skim when the front pads are being replaced to ensure the brakes bed-in nicely and to avoid the possibility of future brake shudders.

The rear brakes are not so sensitive. If you want to keep costs down then you would need to ask the repairer to justify any recommendation to machine the rear discs.

Thanks, really useful information.