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What brand brake rotors are best?

y5mgisi

y5mgisi

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I figure at least about 75% of parts stores use the same rotors in their own boxes. But probably, there is a rotor out there that is better than the rest. Anyone have any idea on what brand may actually be a good brand? Im due for a set on the burb and would like to get ones that dont warp as quickly...
 
Also, What about braided lines? I hear that makes a big difference in peddle feel. If i wanted those, Any recommendations?
 
Adjust your rear brakes more often and the fronts won't warp as fast. Make those 13"ers do some work. Otherwise I would suggest some skirted or crossdrilled rotors. You can find them pretty cheap on amazon

I notice the better brake feel with the stainless lines. I will see if I can find the link. There is a company that sells all 3 lineage for $99 in any color.
 
if mud or rusty area's and street driving skip the cross drilled. and get slotted only. cross drilled crack faster or fill up with mud or rust.

and ord has nice braided lines. :thumb:
 
I think it is a crap shoot,buying new rotors,like front end parts--no matter who's name is on the box,its a good bet they are from Mexico,China,or some other country,not USA made..I've got some good rotors cheap new from a truck supply place locally that sells Canadian ones that have Raybestos stickers on the boxes for half what most parts stores get for that brand or Wagners,etc................................................................................................................................................................................................some of the really cheap ones like "Auto-Star" and other generic brands can be very poor quality,they are often warped right out of the box,or have lousy metal,I have seen more than one with lumps in the brake surface that looked like half melted ball bearings sticking out of them when I worked in parts stores...we'd have to turn them on the brake lathe before selling any to garage customers half the time!!.................................................................................................I put an "Earls" rear brake hose on my '82 GMC K2500 not long ago--a friend bought a bumch of new parts at an auction and I saw a new braided hose in the box ,for a 68-72 Nova,Chevelle and other GM cars that was identical to my trucks old cracked rubber hose,so I grabbed it and put it on,for 5 bucks!..I dont really notice any pedal feel difference,and I put new rubber hoses up front too,but at least I know that rear hose will likely outlive ME!..
 
I think i've used raybestos pro's most recently.

But truthfully, this is a good example of "you get what you pay for". I often buy close to the most expensive ones if buying from a parts store.
 
A cheap china rotor is about $25 bucks round here. A good rotor like a Raybestos or Centric is like $65+ bucks. I spend the money for the better rotors. But, if they're all made in china now I'l look to buy USA made rotors elsewhere, even if it costs twice what I already pay. F china and their junk. I refused to use china steel DOM tubing in my K5, I also refuse to use china steel in my brake rotors. I'm going to check the boxes of my rotors and see if it says made in USA. I bought these years ago when they should have still been made in America.
 
rdn2blazer said:
A cheap china rotor is about $25 bucks round here. A good rotor like a Raybestos or Centric is like $65+ bucks. I spend the money for the better rotors. But, if they're all made in china now I'l look to buy USA made rotors elsewhere, even if it costs twice what I already pay. F china and their junk. I refused to use china steel DOM tubing in my K5, I also refuse to use china steel in my brake rotors. I'm going to check the boxes of my rotors and see if it says made in USA. I bought these years ago when they should have still been made in America.
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Careful with ones that have been sitting around. Sounds impossible, but improper storage tends to throw them out of true over time.
 
I looked up your truck on Rockauto just out of curiosity. They don't tell where they are made, but the Centric ones sure talk a good game.

Click on some of the info on theirs. Whether its true or not, don't know.
 
I get a REALLY good deal on centric rotors. I'm not sure if its worth the drive though. less than $30 a Rotor I'm sure. My Dana 60 rotors where $25. I can get you a price tomorrow
 
That would make it worth my drive for sure. See what the price is. I'm not quite ready to do them just yet. Just pre planning.
 
Napa rotors are superior to the unbranded/generic box store brands. I specifically dont use Advance Auto brake anything if I can help it. Its ridiculous the amount of oil/glue **** they put on their brake parts when the package them and they smell and smoke for a long time, even when you clean them up.
 
genuine GM rotors will be the best for sure. IF I can't afford those then I get the premium lines of rotors lake raybestos or bendix or something else. Those are usually still china but they warp less from my experience and many times are plated or coated so they don't rust anywhere they aren't cleaned by the pad. I hate the cheap rotors, they warp every time it seems.

Also, I wouldn't bother with drilled or slotted. With modern pad materials the outgassing is not necessary and drilled or slotted will just shorten brake life or crack sooner. The only advantages are cosmetic or weight. Now, if they happen to be a better quality steel, that's a plus, but I wouldn't count on it.
 
y5mgisi said:
What about those ebc brakes? Any one try their rotors?
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I put EBC cross drilled and slotted rotors on the front of wifes car and EBC yellow stuff brake pads all around. They do stop very well, takes a little to get them broke in but she really likes them. When the jimmy needs new brakes I plan on using them on it also. They are pricy though but I was sick of buying new rotors for her car and constantly having them turned.



Careful with ones that have been sitting around. Sounds impossible, but improper storage tends to throw them out of true over time.

I turn brand new rotors that are not cross drilled or slotted after my mechanic said they do it and probably 8 out of 10 need to be trued up.
 
Thanks Jamin. That's likely the direction I will go. I'm pretty sure one side is original and past the point of being able to be turned and the other side is a cheap replacement from like 2000.

70, glad to hear the ebc brakes are good! I really want those but I don't think they are really within budget just yet.
 
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