Brake Rotors

Are your brake rotors worn down, or do your brakes need to handle more heat in your project? In this category you will find one-piece and two-piece brake rotors as well as separate rotor rings for both street cars and track cars. The surface can be drilled or slotted, depending on the model.

One-piece, two-piece or just a new ring?

A one-piece brake rotor is cast in a single piece and is typically used as a direct replacement, e.g. Brembo TY3 Sport Disc for the BMW 1 Series, Mini Cooper or Audi A3. A two-piece brake rotor consists of a friction ring and a separate hat, e.g. DBA 5000 Series for the Nissan GT-R and Corvette C6. This construction can reduce unsprung weight and gives the ring room to expand when hot. If you already have two-piece rotors, it may be enough to replace the rotor ring and reuse the hat, provided it is in good condition. The category also includes brands such as EBC, PowerStop and R1 Concepts.

How to choose brake rotors

Start with your car's model, year and existing brake caliper. Some rotors only fit specific calipers, e.g. DBA rotors designed for cars with Brembo brakes. Then consider these points:

• Diameter and thickness: the dimensions, e.g. 300x24 mm, must match the caliper and bracket.
• Surface: slotted or drilled rotors can help direct gas and heat away. Depending on use, they can also cause more pad wear.
• Use: on track, heat tolerance is crucial, because overheating can cause braking performance to drop.
• Pads: choose brake pads designed for the rotor type and your driving.

Installation and maintenance

Always replace rotors in pairs on the same axle, and as a rule replace the pads at the same time. New rotors and pads need to be bedded in before they perform fully. Check the minimum thickness, which is typically marked on the rotor, and keep an eye out for cracks around drilled holes. Whether a rotor is approved for road use depends on the product and the car, so check e.g. R90 for the specific part number.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between drilled and slotted brake rotors?

Slotted rotors have grooves in the surface, while drilled rotors have through-holes. Both can help direct gas, water and heat away. The effect and the pad wear depend on the product and your driving.

Can I just replace the ring on a two-piece brake rotor?

Yes, if the hat and mounting hardware are in good condition and the ring fits your specific hat. Check the part number and dimensions before ordering, as the rings are not universal.

Are the brake rotors approved for road use?

It depends on the product and the car. Check the approval, e.g. R90, for the specific part number. Also be aware that some rotors may be intended for track use.

Why does the pedal go soft after hard driving?

A soft or long pedal is often caused by boiling brake fluid rather than the rotors. Overheated rotors and pads, on the other hand, can cause braking performance to drop. After hard driving you should therefore also check the brake fluid.