About this user
Motorists, installers and resellers should be aware of a serious potential brake safety concern regarding the replacement and use of certain imported brake rotors that are significantly different from the Original Equipment (OE) rotors they replace.
These replacement rotors deviate widely in thickness, air gaps, vane configurations and overall have a significant reduction in the effective thermal mass or weight. These changes to the rotor makeup and design do not conform to the OE specifications and adversely affect the product performance leading to the possibility of rotor failure and braking system problems. Brake rotors are a safety-related component and should never be compromised from OE design without engineering validation.
As a result of these changes, lightweight rotors run hotter and the brake system cannot absorb and dissipate that heat properly. Therefore, the heat creates thermal stress and strain which induces cracks in the rotor. These cracks lead to, among other things, longer stopping distances and potential wheel lock-up. The heat is also transferred to the brake pads, caliper pistons, and brake fluid and can cause premature wear of these components. Ultimately, left unrepaired, these thermal stresses lead to brake system failures.
Age
41
Country
United States
