Topic: Quality of Brake Rotors question
in Forum: C4 General Discussion
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
Standard Member
Send PM
Huron, OH - USA
Joined: 12/5/2009
Posts: 179
Vette(s): 1989 Red Convertible - 160,000 fun-filled miles -
Getting my winter projects organized and a complete brake job is at the top of the list. Question about the "good" deals on rotors that are advertised - are these rotors any good ? The price range is pretty wide and thought some of you may have learned 1st hand whether or not these rotors are worth it. Here's a link to one supplier on eBay that I am wondering about -> http://www.ebay.com/itm/320985073965?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
2nd question - also contemplating installing stainless brake lines from the calipers to the main tubing.... is this a worthwhile change? I understand the standard tubing expands when under pressure and the stainless doesn't
ps.... this vette has over 150k fun filled miles
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C4VR)
Standard Member
Send PM
San Jose, CA - USA
Joined: 5/10/2012
Posts: 81
Vette(s): 1988 Corvette / Blue Pearl
Redvette , I not too long ( 2 months ) ago bought and installed myself a set of great rotors & Brakes from ebay ...I think I went with a different supplier then you have posted ....but I have got great results and I'm very happy with the product . The zinc coated rotors are even better quality & look cool also , It took me 1 hour to replace both sides ( I replaced a wheel hub on the passenger side also ) >>>>> 1988 C4 , My winter projects will be interior & weather striping . good luck and happy motoring 
Upgraded brake lines are always a plus .......I will do mine maybe soon , you will feel a difference .
C4 CORVETTE 88-95 DRILLED AND SLOTTED BRAKE ROTORS AND CE... (221009649619)
|UPDATED|9/27/2012 5:18:47 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Upgraded brake lines are always a plus .......I will do mine maybe soon , you will feel a difference .
C4 CORVETTE 88-95 DRILLED AND SLOTTED BRAKE ROTORS AND CE... (221009649619)
Sale date: 07/20/12
|UPDATED|9/27/2012 5:18:47 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
If the rotors that are on the car now are OEM originals, and are still serviceable, why would you replace them? There is nothing available that is superior quality to what is on it now. I am not aware of any non OEM brake components that do NOT come from overseas. Overseas material is inferior, and wears rapidly. I've run these 'snake oil' drilled and vented wizz-bang rotors on some of my other cars, and they lasted less than 25K miles, where the OEM rotors went over 200K. They warped, squeaked, and had pedal vibration. I now scrounge pick-a-part for OEM rotors that are still within service life limits for thickness, and use them.
As far as my C4, it has all 4 born-with rotors and pads. I just inspected the pads. At 42K miles, I have 50% remaining on the front, and over 50% remaining on the rears. If the annual mileage averages the same for the next 27 years as it has for the first 27 years, my C4 will still have its original Bowling Green installed pads and rotors long after I'm dead and buried. I'm not going to change something that works just fine, and has for 27 years.
I realize you may not have serviceable OEM brakes, and need replacement components. I'm just pointing out that I feel fortunate I don't have to come up with replacements. Because I don't, I'm no help in sourcing C4 brakes. But my experience with overseas brake components has been dismal. Good Luck
|UPDATED|9/28/2012 12:08:16 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
As far as my C4, it has all 4 born-with rotors and pads. I just inspected the pads. At 42K miles, I have 50% remaining on the front, and over 50% remaining on the rears. If the annual mileage averages the same for the next 27 years as it has for the first 27 years, my C4 will still have its original Bowling Green installed pads and rotors long after I'm dead and buried. I'm not going to change something that works just fine, and has for 27 years.
I realize you may not have serviceable OEM brakes, and need replacement components. I'm just pointing out that I feel fortunate I don't have to come up with replacements. Because I don't, I'm no help in sourcing C4 brakes. But my experience with overseas brake components has been dismal. Good Luck
|UPDATED|9/28/2012 12:08:16 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
I have to agree with Dave. I've been doing my own service on all my vehicles for many years and have tried many different brands of manufacturers of rotors. Haven't found one yet that are of good, long lasting quality. As for pads, I like using "Hawk" or "Satisfied" ceramic. In my opinion, they work and last very well. Good luck with your winter projects. Man, I'll be glad when spring gets here!!!
Standard Member
Send PM
Huron, OH - USA
Joined: 12/5/2009
Posts: 179
Vette(s): 1989 Red Convertible - 160,000 fun-filled miles -
Thanks for the feedback guys.... I hear ya loud and clear about the overseas stuff. I have stuck with OEM on all previous projects on this car and will probably keep going that way
Now a days, even the ol' reliable names (Raybestos, Wagner,Motocraft) are made in part or whole in China. I'd bet that most of the castings are made in China and then some come to the states or Canada to be finished. Even a lot of Brembo disks are first cast in China and then finished elsewhere.
I don't like it myself but that's the whole global economy thing. I still try to buy from a premium name with the hope they watch the quality closer. Honestly, I haven't had much trouble at all with rotors but I'm a stickler when it comes to pads. I've run into a lot of pure junk with low buck pads. Maybe my particular luck but I stay with either Hawk or EBC.

I'm still running my original rotors although having them faced is not like some others since they are harder. They need to be ground, not lath turned (per the manual) and after I took them to a brake shop, they had to go to GM dealer for proper finish.
I run Hawk performance pads (carbon ceramic) which are much cleaner than OEM for brake dust.
I did find a big difference in pedal feel when I replaced the OEM rubber coated flex lines with racing type, braided stainless and speed bleeders. I power flushed the lines at the same time with new fluid that has higher boiling point (dot 4) , so that may have been part of the improvement. I wouldn't hesitate to do pads and lines. Good luck.

I bought a set of slotted zinc plated rotors from www.brakeperformance.com about a year ago. I was and continue to be pleased with the quality and performance. I bought a used '94 that needed a brake job. I looked around a good bit and found brake performance.
Here is a short blog about my experiences.
http://www.wb4eje.com/?page_id=715
Here is a short blog about my experiences.
http://www.wb4eje.com/?page_id=715
Bob - '94 Polo Green Coupe

in Forum: C4 General Discussion
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C4VR)