Buy Buick Rendezvous Disc Brake Rotors

• Role in stopping: When you press the pedal, calipers squeeze pads against the spinning rotor disc, turning vehicle motion into heat and bringing the wheel to a stop. Learn more about disc brake basics.
• Core sizes:
  • FWD Rendezvous - 275 mm (10.83 in) outside diameter; 30.09 mm nominal thickness; 28.4 mm minimum thickness. (eBay)
  • AWD Rendezvous - 300 mm (11.81 in) outside diameter; 30 mm nominal; 28.4 mm minimum thickness; 27 mm discard. (Detroit Axle, JustAnswer)
• Lug‑nut torque: 100 ft‑lbs for all Rendezvous trims. (TireNut)
• Minimum thickness rule: Driving below the stamped minimum sharply raises the risk of rotor cracking or fade. (Newparts.com)

A rotor is a flat metal disc that spins with the hub. Pads clamp the disc, creating friction that slows the wheel. Because rotors are exposed to heat and road splash, they wear thinner over time; once they reach the "discard" thickness, they can no longer absorb heat safely, and stopping distances grow.

• Front rotors only: All Rendezvous models use vented front discs; most trims pair them with rear drum brakes, so always verify rear hardware before ordering parts.
• Hub height & pattern: Approximately 51.8 mm rotor height with a 5‑lug pattern on a 71 mm hub bore keeps wheel offset correct. (eBay)
• FWD vs. AWD tip: Measure the old disc's diameter or check build code "JF2" (FWD) versus "NP5" (AWD) on the service label to avoid mix‑ups. (Detroit Axle)

• Pedal pulsation or steering shake-classic clues of a warped rotor surface. (www.advicsaftermarket.com, RepairPal.com)
• Grinding or "crunch" sounds indicate pads are cutting grooves into the disc and replacement is overdue. (The Sun)
• Bluish spots or heavy rust scale show overheating or corrosion, both of which cut rotor life. (www.advicsaftermarket.com)

• Measure thickness every 10 000 miles with a micrometer 10 mm in from the edge at eight points around the rotor. Replace if any reading is below 28.4 mm (AWD/FWD) or the discard spec stamped on the hat. (Newparts.com)
• Torque wheels properly: Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to 100 ft‑lbs using a torque wrench; over‑tightening can warp the disc. (TireNut)
• Bed‑in new brakes: Make 5-10 moderate stops from 40 mph, then let the brakes cool; this mates pad material to the rotor face and helps avoid uneven deposits. (www.advicsaftermarket.com)

1. Safely lift the vehicle and remove the wheel.
2. Unbolt the caliper and hang it with wire-never let it dangle by the hose.
3. Slide off the old rotor; if stuck, tap the hat gently with a rubber mallet.
4. Clean the hub face; rust here can cause rotor run‑out.
5. Fit the new rotor disc and re‑install the caliper with fresh pads.
6. Torque wheel lug nuts to spec and perform the break‑in routine above. (, TireNut)

If you ever suspect a cracked rotor, file a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration so data can drive future safety actions.

Q: What size front rotor does my front‑wheel‑drive Rendezvous use?
A: It takes a 275 mm vented disc-sometimes listed as 10.83 in. (eBay)

Q: What about the all‑wheel‑drive version?
A: AWD trims use a larger 300 mm (11.81 in) rotor for extra stopping power. (Detroit Axle)

Q: How do I find the minimum rotor thickness?
A: It's cast into the rotor hat and printed in Buick's service data (28.4 mm for service, 27 mm discard on many years). (JustAnswer)

Q: Can I resurface warped rotors instead of replacing them?
A: Yes, if after machining they remain above the minimum thickness and show under 0.025 mm thickness variation. If not, replace them. (www.advicsaftermarket.com)

Q: How often should rotors be replaced?
A: Many last 30 000-70 000 miles depending on driving style; highway mileage is easier on discs than stop‑and‑go traffic. (ABS Unlimited Auto Repair)

Q: My steering wheel shakes when braking-what's likely wrong?
A: Warped front rotors are the top cause on a Rendezvous, followed by worn pads or wheel bearings. (RepairPal.com)

Q: What signs tell me a rotor is warped?
A: Pedal pulsation, wheel shake, or seat vibration under braking are common clues. (www.advicsaftermarket.com)

Q: Is it safe to drive with warped rotors?
A: You may still stop, but pulsation can lengthen stopping distance and stress suspension parts-replace as soon as possible.

Q: Do rear brakes on the Rendezvous use rotors?
A: Most trims use rear drums; a few late‑run special packages have rear discs-inspect your vehicle to confirm. (Detroit Axle)

Q: Should I change pads when I install new rotors?
A: Yes. Fresh pads seat evenly on the fresh rotor face, preventing hot spots and vibration. (www.advicsaftermarket.com)

Q: What torque should I use on wheel nuts?
A: Tighten to 100 ft‑lbs with a torque wrench to avoid warping the disc. (TireNut)

Q: How do I break in new pads and rotors?
A: Make several medium stops from 40 mph with cooling periods; avoid hard stops for the first 200 miles. (www.advicsaftermarket.com)

Q: Can drilled or slotted rotors fit the Rendezvous?
A: Aftermarket performance discs are available, but always match the exact 275 mm or 300 mm size and minimum thickness specs. (eBay)

Q: Where can I learn more about pad wear?
A: This brake‑pad guide explains thickness limits and warning signs in simple terms.

Q: How do I measure rotor thickness correctly?
A: Follow this detailed rotor thickness guide and use a micrometer around the disc's swept area.

By understanding these facts and following the care tips above, you can keep your Buick Rendezvous stopping smoothly, safely, and quietly for miles to come.