Replace front pads without machining rotors on a Pathfinder 2001 LE

[Magicrat]

My front pads are down to 2mm, which is not bad with over 50,000 miles of mixed driving.

I talked to the dealer about replacing the pads, and they do not want to replace the pads without first machining the rotors. They told me that the pads would wear prematurely. Replacing the pads and maching the rotors costs 80% as much as replacing both the pads and rotors so I can't understand why I would go this route.

I did a visual inspection of the rotors, and they seem fine.

Does it make sense to just replace the pads without machining the rotors, or should I continue driving until the pads are completely gone and replace the pads and rotors at the same time?

Thanks

[NISTECH]

Machining the rotors is a very good practice as it prevents brake squeek from a glazed condition. Also if you have any pedal pulsation or steering wheel shimmy when braking machining will eliminate it at least temporarily[ it really depends on how hot you get your brakes weather glazing will reoccur. You can just throw pads on it. If not machining the pads causes premature brake pad wear it wont be accelrated enough to notice a real difference in time of pad wear. I say if you dont mind a little brake squeek and your pedal is not pulsing just throw a set of pads on it.