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Does anyone have experience with Vermont state inspections regarding disk brakes.
When I had it inspected at a dealer last year they told me that Vermont is very strict about rust on the rotors.
This year another dealer told me that it could fail but it would be up to their inspector.
The car has 32,000 miles. I don't have any disk problems.
I think they are looking for a reason to sell new brakes.
I'm going to a good repair shop that I think I can trust.
The rusty color in the center where the pads touch is like that because it just rained and it was sitting a while.
The part they are talking about is the areas above or below the pad contact.
I think they are concerned about if the part that is not contacting the pads gets too large.
They look fine to me. Yeah, they're probably trying to upsell/extort you. Unfortunately, that's a common practice in states with mandatory inspections and poor policing of the inspection program. A sleazy shop will tell you that you'll fail and have to pay to get it inspected again if you have someone else repair it, but they can fix it on the spot and finish the inspection. They will also claim the car isn't safe to drive and imply that they can't let you drive it home.
I had a shop try to charge me $150 to replace a headlight and taillight bulb during an inspection that were not replaced, and realigning the headlights. They also claimed the tires and brakes needed replaced, even though I replaced them 6-months earlier. They backed off when I told them I watched the entire inspection and they never turned the headlights on or even put it on a lift to check the brake. After multiple complaints (including mine), the cops did an undercover sting and had an elderly woman bring in a vehicle that had already been inspected. The place got their license revoked and fined $25k when they tried to charge her $1500 for work not needed or done.
The center will "clean" itself every time you drive. As for the edges, well if a shop "fails" you because of the edges, I would look for another shop. But if its common practice, then you may need to just hit the edges with some sand paper before getting it inspected. They should only be able to fail a rotor if it does not meant minimum thickness, which may vary from state to state. Rotors are an easy install as well, on the front. With the electric parking brake, they can be a little difficult for the rears. Question, are they failing all four rotors or just the front set to make a quick buck? Good luck.
Does anyone have experience with Vermont state inspections regarding disk brakes. When I had it inspected at a dealer last year they told me that Vermont is very strict about rust on the rotors. This year another dealer told me that it could fail but it would be up to their inspector. The car has 32,000 miles. I don't have any disk problems. I think they are looking for a reason to sell new brakes.
The car passed at the dealer last year but I was told that Verrmont requires no more than 1/2" of rust from the top and bottom edge.
This year another dealer didn't really look at it but also told me that the "inspector" would have to decide.
I cancelled with the dealer and I got someone I know to recommend a reliable shop that she trusts.
I have a 600 mile round trip before the inspection appointment so that should clean up the rotors.
Reject vehicle if: 1. Brake rotor thickness is less than the manufacturer’s minimum specification. 2. The drum inside diameter exceeds the manufacturer’s maximum specification. 3. Brake rotor cooling vanes on vented rotors are corroded or rusted to the point where the rotor collapses when pressure is applied by the brake caliper. 4. If more than 1/2 inch of rust (cumulative per braking surface) exists on any contact surface of the rotor/drum. Note: Rust is defined as a condition of any swelling, delamination, or pitting.
Notice that #4 says contact surface. The dealers told me it was the rust at the top and bottom edge
This is the link to the Vermont Inspection Manual.
Reject vehicle if: 1. Brake rotor thickness is less than the manufacturer’s minimum specification. 2. The drum inside diameter exceeds the manufacturer’s maximum specification. 3. Brake rotor cooling vanes on vented rotors are corroded or rusted to the point where the rotor collapses when pressure is applied by the brake caliper. 4. If more than 1/2 inch of rust (cumulative per braking surface) exists on any contact surface of the rotor/drum. Note: Rust is defined as a condition of any swelling, delamination, or pitting.
Notice that #4 says contact surface. The dealers told me it was the rust at the top and bottom edge
This is the link to the Vermont Inspection Manual.
Interesting read, I believe the key words here are (more than 1/2" cumulative rust on any single surface). From your picture, I would say you are ok for now but like I said, you may need to hit those surfaces with sandpaper in the future. The sandpaper should not cause any issues with the rotor's smooth surface (where the brake pad hits). It just going to be a pain to do it. Good Luck.
Disk Brake state inspection issues Vermont
