replace brake disc or not?

[mhibbins]

I've had a mishap while sorting out the suspension on my mondeo (I know it's not an S but someone will know the answer I'm sure). During dismantling part of the suspension with a lump hammer I chipped my front brake disc. I've taken a triangular chip about 3-4mm each side (of the chip) and 1.5mm deep out of the outer edge of the disc. The discs are about 3000 miles old and there is no disernable wear. The discs are those double walled types (ventilated is it?) and the surfaces are abolutely flat.

My questions are...

1) Does this chip matter, can I leave the disc (i'm a bit concerned with overheating around the chip and subsequent warpage)?

2) Can I replace just the one disc?

2a) If i replace the one disc should I put new pads on both sides to bed both sides in evenly (no ridges on the pads/discs)?

3) Should I just bite the bullet and replace both discs?

3a) Can I keep my old pads which are virtually new and have no ridges?

Thanks very much for any advice... I know I'm being cheap but would rather save the 100 quid for discs and pads if at all possible.

Cheers,

Mark

[GreenV8S]

quote:I've had a mishap while sorting out the suspension on my mondeo (I know it's not an S but someone will know the answer I'm sure). During dismantling part of the suspension with a lump hammer I chipped my front brake disc. I've taken a triangular chip about 3-4mm each side (of the chip) and 1.5mm deep out of the outer edge of the disc. The discs are about 3000 miles old and there is no disernable wear. The discs are those double walled types (ventilated is it?) and the surfaces are abolutely flat.

My questions are...

1) Does this chip matter, can I leave the disc (i'm a bit concerned with overheating around the chip and subsequent warpage)?

2) Can I replace just the one disc?

2a) If i replace the one disc should I put new pads on both sides to bed both sides in evenly (no ridges on the pads/discs)?

3) Should I just bite the bullet and replace both discs?

3a) Can I keep my old pads which are virtually new and have no ridges?

Thanks very much for any advice... I know I'm being cheap but would rather save the 100 quid for discs and pads if at all possible.

Cheers,

Mark

Does not sound like enough damage to affect the pad contact, mechanical strength, balance or heat distribution. I would ignore it. (Consider that they drill huge great holes all over the place for cooling, and the disc will lose lots of material due to wear and corrosion during its life.)

I would be more worried about whether you buckled or warped the disc when you (presumably) bonked it. If it all looks flat and you don't get brake judder I would assume it is all OK.

Cheers,
Peter Humphries (and a green V8S)

[mhibbins]

Thanks, I'll bung it back on and see how we get on. The only problem is that I am trying to correct a vibration and a general wandering at speeds of 70mph + and I'm replacing the suspension bushes as it seems like the most likely candidate (can't feel any play when they are on the car but definitely feel more maliable off the car). If I replace the bush generated vibes with brake vibes I'll be cursing