If you're putting on a new rotor or even a used rotor from a different bike, should you change the pads too?

If you use worn (but still good) pads on a brand new rotor, will it ruin the rotor?

What about if you use a new rotor with new pads, then you go put a different used rotor on? Will anything get messed up?

 

I didn't, all works fine

 

I've researched a little more and apparantly you're not supposed to put sintered pads onto a bike that wasn't equipped with OEM sintered pads.

 

If for some reason your pads are grooved they will eventually transfer the grooves to a different rotor at least in theory. I swaped my front wheel with a KDX assembly and hated the brake performance but I didn't see any damage in the short time I tried it.

 

I can't see there being any problem unless there are extreme conditions. Small imperfections here and there shouldn't be a big deal. I've done it a few times in my day and all was fine. Now, if you have big grooves, or bevels. Thats a different story. I would say use your own judgement.

I never use sintered pads if I can help it. I try to get organic or as close to organic as I can as to not wear the rotors. Those things are expensive!
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AMATEUR TEEN

 

+ 1 on organic. Interchange as desired as long as there the pads remain flat ( no grooves etc.)

 

If your pads have lots of life on them and only have some grooves in them just take a sheet of emery cloth put it on a flat surface and give your pads a quick rub down to get rid of the grooves.