Are grooves in brake discs a problem?

[paulguitar]

Hello all,


Can anyone please advise me if what we can see in the photo here is a problem? Thanks in advance.

[HustleRussell]

Not the best photo, very zoomed out, but those discs have had it. New discs and pads needed on that axle.

[sparks_E46]

They need to be replaced.

[ManicMunky]

May be possible to have them skimmed if there's enough meat on them. Depends on costs for new new discs.

[VAGslag]

Run your finger over them (make sure it's not hot!) if there's any ridges or lips then replace them when you next do the pads so long as there's no juddering under breaking or anything.

Skimming is a bit old skool, in my experience there aren't many modern discs with enough tolerance for skimming

[stevieturbo]

They're worn

Is it a problem ? not really, they're just worn.

Whether it is a problem depends on exactly how worn, how thick etc

[E-bmw]

What is your braking performance like?

If it isn't a problem then it isn't a problem.

If it is then change both discs & pads together.

[paulguitar]

E-bmw said:

What is your braking performance like?

If it isn't a problem then it isn't a problem.

If it is then change both discs & pads together.

It’s a car I am considering buying. It’s a long way from where I live so popping there for a test drive is not really an option, so I am trying to do as much due diligence as possible upfront.

[227bhp]

Use it as a bargaining tool then.

[paulguitar]

227bhp said:

Use it as a bargaining tool then.

Yes, precisely my plan.

[silentbrown]

Given you haven't driven it, I'd assume from that photo that discs and pads need replacing, and at some point it's been used with pads down to the metal, which has caused the scoring. Not a sign of a careful loving owner.

Also the rust marks around the locking wheelnut would be worrying me. Local tyre place took a hour or more to remove the OEM locking nuts from my X-type, a few years back.

What year is the car? Make sure you check the MOT history for brake neglect...

[paulguitar]

silentbrown said:

Given you haven't driven it, I'd assume from that photo that discs and pads need replacing, and at some point it's been used with pads down to the metal, which has caused the scoring. Not a sign of a careful loving owner.

Also the rust marks around the locking wheelnut would be worrying me. Local tyre place took a hour or more to remove the OEM locking nuts from my X-type, a few years back.

What year is the car? Make sure you check the MOT history for brake neglect...

The MOT history seems sound, and I went as far as calling the garage who performed the most recent work (service and MOT last week) who said the seller was very conscientious, ‘gets everything done as soon as it needs doing’, and ‘get it bought’.


Lately though, there seems to be a glut of XK’s at the low end of the market, so I think I have a good chance of getting a great bargain, hopefully.


The car is a 2006 XK. Seems it has been sitting on the drive for the last few months, the owners have a dog, and said dog apparently dictates going in their XF rather than their XK…

[stevieturbo]

paulguitar said:

The MOT history seems sound, and I went as far as calling the garage who performed the most recent work (service and MOT last week) who said the seller was very conscientious, ‘gets everything done as soon as it needs doing’, and ‘get it bought’.


Lately though, there seems to be a glut of XK’s at the low end of the market, so I think I have a good chance of getting a great bargain, hopefully.


The car is a 2006 XK. Seems it has been sitting on the drive for the last few months, the owners have a dog, and said dog apparently dictates going in their XF rather than their XK…

Except brake maintenance it seems ? lol

Sounds like the seller and this garage might be rather friendly.

[GreenV8S]

The picture doesn't show a lot of detail. Clearly there's some scoring and they would benefit from a service but to be fair, those discs don't look terrible. I'm interested in the rust coming off the wheel nuts and the amount of tread we can't see.

[paulguitar]

stevieturbo said:

paulguitar said:

The MOT history seems sound, and I went as far as calling the garage who performed the most recent work (service and MOT last week) who said the seller was very conscientious, ‘gets everything done as soon as it needs doing’, and ‘get it bought’.


Lately though, there seems to be a glut of XK’s at the low end of the market, so I think I have a good chance of getting a great bargain, hopefully.


The car is a 2006 XK. Seems it has been sitting on the drive for the last few months, the owners have a dog, and said dog apparently dictates going in their XF rather than their XK…

Except brake maintenance it seems ? lol

Sounds like the seller and this garage might be rather friendly.

Well yes, that was my concern….But the guy I spoke with from the garage on the phone did sound genuine. As was said a bit earlier in the thread, if it turns out that the brakes need to be done, I can use that for haggling a bit harder. What would it cost to do one axle discs and pads on an XK? I’d estimate not more than £350?