Brake Rotors, Pads & Kits

Having cross-drilled rotors helps remove hot gases, brake dust, and water from between the brake pads and rotors. This decreases brake fading and increases grip when compared to solid rotors. Slotted rotors help to remove glazing on the surface of brake pads, which is caused by high temperature conditions. This also results in better brake performance.

When combined with custom wheels that have large slots or openings exposing the brakes, cross-drilled and slotted rotors greatly improve the looks of your vehicle, providing a high-performance appearance. Many performance rotors are also plated, to reduce the presence of rust or corrosion and to lengthen rotor life.

Brake rotors are disc-shaped components that are located between the wheels and the hubs / spindles on cars, trucks, SUVs, and racing vehicles. Rotors have a smooth surface on both sides that is designed to help brake pads grip onto when the driver applies pressure to the brake pedal, aided by hydraulic brake calipers. As more pressure is applied from the brake caliper pistons to the brake pads, the spinning rotors slow down and then stop completely until the brake pedal is released.

Cross-drilled and slotted rotors (often called "racing brake rotors") provide improved benefits over solid rotors when used in performance applications. Cross-drilled rotors provide an escape path for brake pad dust and hot gases, which helps the brake rotor surface cool and stay clear of brake dust that can get between the brake pads and surface causing reduced grip. Drilled rotors also help water escape in wet conditions. These added features decrease the effects of brake fade from high temperature and heavy-duty use. Performance brake rotors that are slotted help to keep brake pad glazing minimized by providing small machined grooves, which remove the glazed surface from pads, improving performance.

The vehicle application affects the cost of replacement brake rotors and pads, with performance vehicle brake and rotor kits costing considerably more than daily-driver vehicles. The cost of a brake and rotor kit can range anywhere from over $50 to over $1,000. The labor cost can vary depending on your location and options, with the install price anywhere from $80-$120 per hour. Typically, it takes up to 3 hours per axle to install a brake pads and rotors kit.

In general, brake rotors can last up to 75,000 miles when the brake system is properly maintained. If brake pads are worn beyond the material, the backing plates will damage the rotor surface as they clamp it, quickly reducing rotor life. If a brake caliper piston becomes stuck and jams the brake pads into the rotor, a lot of heat can build up, causing damage, along with heavy contact between the brake pads and rotor. Properly maintaining the brakes will result in long-lasting rotors.

Depending on the year, make, and model of the vehicle, the steps to change rotors and brake pads will change. However, for many applications, the first step in brake pads and rotors replacement is raising the wheels off the ground to gain access to the brakes. Next, remove the wheel. Then locate the brake caliper to bracket mounting bolts and remove them. This will allow the caliper to be pulled from the off the rotor. Be careful not to damage the rubber brake caliper hose and suspend the caliper nearby with a caliper hanger or bungee cord. The brake pads can then be removed. If the brake caliper bracket is in the way of rotor removal, take it off at this time. In most applications, the rotors will then slide off of the spindle. On later model vehicles, rotor retaining screws are installed to keep the rotors in place on the hub at the factory, requiring an impact driver for removal and installation. Once the rotor has been removed, clean the hub, caliper, and related components with brake cleaner. Assembly can then begin in the reverse order with replacement brake rotors and pads, requiring proper tightening with the use of a torque wrench on all brake component bolts. The last step is to properly break / run-in the brake pads for proper bedding to the rotors. The bedding steps vary from manufacturer and instructions are included with the brake pads.

The first indicator that brake rotors need replaced is when a vibration is felt while braking. If the vibration is felt in the steering wheel, the front rotors are suspect; if shaking is felt in the seat while braking, the rear rotors should be checked. A visual inspection will make it easy to tell if you need new brake rotors as well. If grooves are present that can be felt with the fingers, the rotors need to be resurfaced (if they meet minimum thickness requirements) or replaced. If any other damage is noticed from brake pads worn past the minimum thickness or heat damage, replacement will be necessary.

If rust is present on brake rotors, the first option is to drive the vehicle (if it hasn't been operated in a while). Applying the brakes while driving will remove the rust from the rotors as the brake pads make contact with the surface. To chemically clean the brakes, use brake cleaner, as it dries fast and doesn't leave an oily residue that can greatly reduce brake performance. Further cleaning can be done with steel wool or sandpaper but great care must be taken not to damage or wear the rotor surface, which can cause vibration while braking.

Upgrading your brakes with a performance brake pad and rotor kit will increase brake performance for your car, truck, SUV, or race vehicle. Performance cross-drilled brake rotor kits are designed to improve cooling and help water and brake dust to leave the brake rotor contact surface. Slotted brake rotor kits help keep the brake pad surface clear of glazing, which can hinder brake performance. Help your custom wheels pop on the street and at car shows with cross-drilled, slotted, and zinc-plated rotors.