Need to get new pads, just curious what the consensus is on rotor replacement at the same time. My local shop swaps them out every time I take it there for a brake job, so I started doing my own pads lately instead. Figured if there was no scoring on the rotor face why change it?
For me ... depends on my current financial situation, the goals for the vehicle, condition of rotors, front or rear, other factors. My 2003 BEATER I might have just slapped some new pads on if rotors not too bad. My 2014EL I want the vehicle in as close to like new condition as possible when I do something like brakes since I drive this on long trips and maintain it to high standards.
On an older Expy, the rear rotors can build up a corrosion ridge inside the rear due the parking "brake in hat" crappy design making it difficult to remove rotors if you wait a long time to do it. I've had to use a sledgehammer to get old rotors off. So I'd just as soon replace rotors with pads and start fresh.
Even front rotors can be difficult to remove if on there too many years. Doable though.
Generally I find it better to take things apart and clean up rust when servicing.
Over the years I've had no issue with just doing pads. Never had a problem.
They seat right in to the mountains and valleys in the old rotor.
Situational. Rotors seem cheap though if doing the work yourself.
But if I have to choose between a couple cases of BEER and new rotors?