[mgroeger]

My rear rotors are warped. They have already been cut once. Problem is I just put new pads on about 12k miles ago. The pads are in good shape. Is it ok to use the pads with new rotors?

 

[ricco750]

I would not. Those pads have a lot of miles mated with the old rotors. Oh, sure, they would work...but they would have to have some aberrations due to being partners with warped rotors. I'm sure some will disagree, but I would get new pads, preferably ceramics.

 

[LeftyLucy]

Maybe I’m just frugal but if the newer brake pads that you recently installed have plenty (60 - 70%) of the friction material left and each pair has worn fairly equally, I would just reuse them. I would, however, lightly sand the friction pad side with a coarse grade of sandpaper to remove any glaze that may be present and also verify that the pad sets can move somewhat within their clips in the caliper bracket when reassembled. I’m a big fan of the EBC semi-metallic brake pads (green colored ones) on my Highlander and motorcycle verses the ceramic brands.

 

[tedmich]

you may be interested that many people who should know maintain that there is no such thing as "warped rotors". The braking system is quite tolerant of rotor run out, and often no warpage can be detected on cars experiencing the typical shudder/pulsing described as a "warped rotor".

The new idea is un-ever pad deposition

see descriptions here:
http://www.stoptech.com/technical-support/technical-white-papers/-warped-brake-disc-and-other-myths
http://www.mossmotors.com/SiteGraphics/Pages/brake_discs.html

And the only way to remedy it is cleaning up the rotor surface, sometimes resurfacing, or using new rotors (and bedding high quality pads carefully).

I really like Centric Standard rotors with Akebono Pro-ACT Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pads and use them on all my Toyotas.

 

[AC2009]

I have reused pads on multiple cars. Never had a problem. that said the rear pads on a HL are about a cheap as they come.

 

[speedkar9]

I say reuse them. Just make sure you give your brakes a good servicing by sanding all the glaze off of the pads and rotating them, as well as lubricating the sliders and the points of contact of the pad to the caliper bracket.