Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I choose the right rotors?
Choosing the right rotors depends on your specific needs and preferences. Smooth rotors offer quiet operation, low dust, and long pad life. Drilled rotors provide slightly more bite and friction. Slotted and drilled rotors offer a compromise between the benefits of slotted and drilled rotors. Consider your driving style and the desired performance characteristics when selecting rotors.
2. What are the 2 different types of rotors?
There are four main types of rotors: blank & smooth, drilled, slotted, and drilled & slotted. Blank & smooth rotors are commonly used in passenger vehicles. Drilled rotors have holes drilled in spiraling patterns. Slotted rotors have slots cut across the surface. Drilled & slotted rotors combine both features. Each type offers different benefits and performance characteristics.
3. Does it matter what rotors you buy?
The choice of rotors depends on your specific needs and preferences. For street applications, rotors that are both drilled and slotted are recommended for a balance of brake life and stopping performance. These rotors dissipate heat effectively. Consider your driving conditions and desired performance when choosing rotors.
4. What are signs of a bad rotor?
Signs of a bad rotor include vibration or pulsation in the steering wheel, high-pitched squealing noise when braking, shaking steering wheel, brake pedal pulsing, longer stopping time, loud bangs while braking, large edges on the rotor, and scratch marks on the rotor. If you notice any of these symptoms, it may indicate that your rotor needs attention or replacement.
5. How do I choose rotor size?
The choice of rotor size depends on the compatibility of the rotor size with the disc caliper. For road bikes, common rotor sizes are 160mm and 140mm. Larger rotors like 180mm, 203mm, and 220mm are used for MTB. Consider the disc caliper compatibility and your riding needs when selecting the rotor size.
6. Which rotor type is better and why?
Vented rotors offer several benefits. They dissipate heat faster than solid rotors, resulting in better heat management. Vented rotors also tend to last longer and are less prone to cracking caused by heat buildup. The choice between vented and solid rotors depends on your specific needs and the intended use of the vehicle.
7. Are rotors better with holes or no holes?
Drill holes in rotors provide better braking power for normal city/highway driving compared to slots. High-end vehicles often use drilled rotors for this reason. However, for track racing with high-speed stops, slotted rotors are preferred. The choice between holes and slots depends on your driving needs and preferences.
8. Why are 2 piece rotors better?
Two-piece rotors are considered better because they are free-floating. The aluminum bell remains cool while the cast iron disc can expand radially (outward) when heated. This design reduces the likelihood of warping or cracking caused by excessive heat. Two-piece rotors are beneficial for high-performance applications and demanding driving conditions.
9. What happens when your rotor goes bad?
When rotors go bad, they can cause irregular vibrations, leading to a shaking brake pedal, steering wheel, or seats. Warped rotors may result in a wobbly or pulsating brake pedal. These issues occur when the brake pads don't make proper contact with the rotor surfaces. If you experience these symptoms, it may be necessary to inspect or replace the rotors.
