Brakes: rotor change necessary?
 

Ok I got 75000 km on my 2002 ES and hear squeaking with the ! light going on. I suppose I need to change my brakes. Can't I just change the pads? Why do I have to change the rotors too?

Is is worth it to put stock rotors with high performance pads?

I heard ceramic pads are no good for daily commuter use.

First off, top off your brake fluid. Usually when the light comes on it's a wear indicator that your pads are ready to go. If you top off the fluid, your light should go off. Temporarily. But if the pads are squeaking you need to change them asap.
As for the pads, if you are not auto-x-ing or driving particularly hard, the OEM pads are pretty good, IMO. Depends on what you want and how you drive your car, but for standard daily commuting I think the OEM setup is OK.

Or just a mild upgrade to Hawk/Green. Good stopping/less dust.

Rotors need to be inspected and 'turned' if out of round or gouged. Do the brakes 'pulse' or the front end 'shudder' when you come to a stop? If not - you may just need new pads.

I dont think they shudder, but since its relatively cheap I think I'll change the rotors:

At the dealer its:
Its 412 for rotor + pad + labour (2 hours labour at $75)

But I think I'll bring a set of ceramic pads just for lower noise.

dont ever go to the dealer for something as simple as brakes.

the reason you "turn" the rotors is so that you have a flat true surface for the new flat true pads to seat evenly to. This should ALWAYS be done regardless of if you feel any vibration.

A decent shop here in the states would only charge about $129 for front brake service including parts and labor.

its cheaper to get new rotors and pads and install, than going to a shop...a brake job requires very few tools on a protege....jack,lug wrench,socket wrench,and a C clamp..even the the most novice of tuners can do it

...and a *&%$ Torx! ;)

Remember to use jack stands too.

i carry new rotors, stock or otherwise, if interested

Its cheaper to check the pads, fluid & re-bleed the brakes if the pads are okay. Also you have less miles then my 99 lx, your rotors just prob needs returned & new pads. Wait for new when they are old & get a upgrade in the process. If you have a manual you can compare the width of the rotor even without using a ruler by just looking at them. You'll know if they are real worned or not. Bec the measurements are pretty self explainitory.