Brake Rotors

Now is a good time to have your pads and rotors inspected. Tire Rack carries a large assortment of pads and rotors for almost every vehicle on the market. 

If you are looking for Original Equipment brake products consider:






If you want to improve your braking performance beyond original stock levels take a look at:








View our website for the brake equipment that best fits your vehicle.

Hawk Performance brake pads are excellent replacement pads for light duty trucks and SUVs. Hawk Performance LTS Brake Pads have a Ferro-Carbon Compound that was developed utilizing polymer research and carbon fiber processing. Take a look at some of the key features and benefits of the Hawk Performance LTS Brake Pad.

• Smooth engagement
• Extremely fade resistant
• Low noise
• Low dust
• Extended pad life
• Increased rotor life   

When it's time to replace your brake pads, Hawk Performance is the best option.

Always try the easiest thing first!

You are going to need a few tools:

• Torque Wrench
• Floor Jack
• Jack Stands

A wire brush and cordless drill help, along with some anti-seize lube.

1. Jack up the car and put jack stands under frame or proper location.
2. Clean the back of your wheel pad where it contacts the hub (wire attachment for cordless drill easiest!).
3. Clean the hub/rotor surface (cordless drill works here, too!).
4. Put a small dab of lube on the face of the wheel pad.
5. Torque the lugs with the car in the air (not on the ground).  Torque in a star pattern and try a 3-step process for best ride.

Many customers have complained of pedal pulse on brakes. Complaints of a slight shimmy in the steering wheel come up occasionally. Stories of a slight vibration in the car are not uncommon. All of these things can be caused by improperly torqued lugs on your vehicle! Don't be too fast to blame the Centric brake rotors, the Kumho tires or the Road Force balancer used at the shop. It could have easily been a careless shop tech or even yourself that improperly put the wheels back on the vehicle.

Meet your stopping needs with brakes and brake rotors available for your Acura. Don't worry about picking the wrong products. We check every order before we ship it out and offer lots of user reviews on the brake system products we sell. And our search results by vehicle will only generate a list of products that are specifically a fit for your vehicle.

Use our brake performance rating system too, to help you pick brakes that meet your needs. Ratings are provided in three categories: stopping power, low dust and noise. The more red dots you see the better stopping power, lower noise level and lower dust. Original Equipment (O.E.) replacement brake pads all the way up to all-out track pads are available.

Some of the most popular Acura brake pads available are:

• Akebono ProACT Ceramic Pads: Better stopping power with much lower noise and much lower dust ratings than O.E. brake pads. Suggesedt for street use.
• Hawk HPS Street Brake Pads: Much better Stopping power with lower noise and more dust. Suggested for performance street use.
• Hawk Performance Ceramic Brake Pads: Better stopping power with lower noise and lower dust ratings. Suggested for street use.

Look through the maintenance schedule in the average owner’s manual and you probably won’t find a specific change interval for brake fluid. But, just because no specific time or mileage recommendations for ­replacing brake fluid exist, doesn’t mean you should ignore it, especially if you are using your car for competition purposes.

 

As a rule of thumb, the minimum preventative maintenance interval for brake fluid should be at least every two years, more frequently, if the vehicle is used in a high performance, or heavy duty use environment. Brake fluid should always be changed when the brakes pads or shoes are replaced or when replacing a caliper, wheel cylinder, brake line, hose or master cylinder. Bleeding and flushing brake fluid is the best way to minimize the danger of fluid boil and internal corrosion in the brake system.

DOT3 and DOT4 brake fluid contains glycol, as well as various corrosion inhibitors and seal conditioners. When brake fluid is manufactured, it contains no moisture. But the properties of brake fluid make it hygroscopic in nature, meaning it attracts water.

Moisture contamination causes several things to happen. When the fluid absorbs water, it lowers the fluid’s boiling temperature. DOT3 brake fluid, which is most commonly used in domestic cars and light trucks, has a minimum dry boiling point of 401ºF. A 3% level of water contamination will lower the boiling point 25% or 100ºF!

 

After just one year of service, DOT3 fluid may contain as much as 2% water. After 18 months, the level of contamination can be as high as 3%. And after several years of service, it’s not unusual to find brake fluid that has soaked up as much as 7-8% water. The problem is even more acute in older vehicles due to internal seal wear and porosity in the brake hoses. Replacing your hoses with a Goodridge G-Stop Brakeline Kit with stainless steel brake lines goes a long way toward reducing this possibility.

Under normal driving conditions, neglected brake fluid may not pose a serious safety concern. The calipers on most cars and trucks won’t get hot enough in everyday driving to make the fluid boil. But under severe conditions, such as: driving down a mountain, towing a heavy trailer or the occasional track day, the brakes may get hot enough to make the fluid boil. Braking generates a lot of heat. A quick stop from 40 or 50 mph can raise the temperature of the front rotors a couple hundred degrees. Several hard, quick stops in rapid succession or riding the brakes while driving, can increase rotor temperatures to 600°F or higher. Since vapor is compressable but liquid is not, once brake fluid turns to vapor, the bubbles cause an increase in the distance the pedal must travel to apply the brakes. This is called “pedal fade” and it may result in brake failure.

You really can’t tell how contaminated brake fluid is just by looking at it. New fluid may be clear to amber-colored. The fluid will typically become darker as it ages, but this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s contaminated. If you see rust or sediment in the fluid, the fluid is long overdue for a change. High brake temperatures accelerate the rate at which the corrosion inhibitors in brake fluid break down. As the fluid ages, oxidation eats away at metal surfaces, creating dissolved acids and sludge that are carried with the fluid. These contaminants increase seal, piston and bore wear in the calipers, wheel cylinders and master cylinder. They can also damage ABS solenoid valves and cause them to jam and stick.

ATE Type 200 Amber Brake Fluid

ATE Super Blue Racing Brake Flui

For performance or heavy duty applications I would recommend ATE Type 200 Amber Brake Fluid or ATE Super Blue Racing Brake Fluid. Both are designed to excel within the extreme demands made on a heavy duty or race vehicle and exceed all DOT4 standards. They are compatible with and will mix well with most DOT3, DOT4 or DOT5.1 fluids. Their formulations offer higher boiling points (wet or dry) and minimal drop in boiling point with age, resulting in a longer lasting fluid. By alternating the use of blue and amber colored fluids, evidence of a more complete system flush can be accomplished. When adding fluid to the system, use the type of brake fluid specified by the vehicle manufacturer (DOT3 or DOT4). Brake fluid specifications can be found in the vehicle's owner’s manual, maintenance guide, or on the master cylinder reservoir or filler cap.

 

 

 

What makes the DBA (Disc Brakes Australia) rotors special?

Hard braking that is done during repeated stopping on the street or the track builds a lot of heat into the rotor. This can cause brake fade and the rotors to eventually warp. Heat is the number one enemy of rotors and brakes. DBA brake rotors combat heat with a unique design called the Kangaroo Paw.

The ''Kangaroo Paw'' design features a series of 144 diamond- and tear drop-shaped pillars and columns individually spaced between the rotor faces. This unique system is able to dissipate heat much quicker than a standard rotor giving you the confidence you need during high-speed braking.

I have used the DBA 4000 Series rotor on my car and can highly recommend them for yours as well.

It's not a law, but if you ask me it should be, and for good reason. Unevenly torqued wheels can cause uneven brake pad deposits, irregular brake and rotor wear and eventually can contribute to the dreaded virbation during braking. If the wheel isnt secured properly it can immediatly cause a vibration during normal driving conditions that can be misdiagnosed as a tire issue.

If you've ever had to strenuously push a car down a street then you can appreciate the forces involved when your car can accelerate to 60 mph in a few seconds. Think of all the shearing forces involed on the wheels when the motor is basically trying to twist them off the car. It's thanks to your lug bolts, or studs/nuts that they don't twist off, and the force is transfered to your tires and eventually the ground as you rocket off the line. The same, if not more, can be said for braking and the massive forces put on the lugs.

We need to make sure the lugs are in the best condition to secure the wheels to the vehicle. First things first, make sure you have the correct lugs for the wheel and vehicle. When securing the lugs to the vehicle, make sure the studs are not loose and the threads are burr-free. If necessary, run a die or a brush along them to clean the threads up. Most wheel torque values are specified dry, so keep that anti-seize off the theads.

If you don't have one, an Adjustable Torque Wrench (shown at left) is an important tool for any car nut. Make sure you have the proper torque value for the vehicle that is specified in the manual.

But even if everything was properly done up to this point, it could be all for naught. The lugs must be torqued evenly. Torque in a star pattern so no adjacent lugs are tighened sequentually. Some people may snug all the lugs in any pattern and then torque in the star pattern. This may still yield a good torquing but consistency reinforces behavior -- always snug in the star pattern as well.



Paying attention to your wheel mounting surfaces, hardware, and then tightenting the lugs in the star patterns shown above means each lug will get about the same number of rotations ensuring the best chance for a properly mounted wheel.

Like many other drivers, are you looking for long lasting, warp-resistant brake rotors? Look no further than Power Alloy Cryo-Treated Rotors by Power Slot!

Whether you drive a BMW, Audi, Porsche or even a sport truck or performance SUV, you can experience the benefits of cryo-treated rotors. 

What is cryogenic treatment? 

Deep cryogenic treatment is a process that permanently improves the performance and service life of metals from brake rotors. Power Slot uses a proprietary computer-controlled process where the metal is cooled gradually to -300°F and then slowly returned to room temperature and heat-cycled as the final step.

What are the advantages of cryogenic treatment?

Even though you cannot see the difference, rotors treated cryogenically show large improvements in longevity. Cryogenic processing makes rotors more wear-resistant and durable while increasing protection against warping.

• Rotors resist cracking, warping and fading.
• Rotors last 2-3 times longer. Fewer pads and rotors are needed.
• Rotors stop consistently and predictably.

Are they available for your application? Find out!

With many track and street enthusiasts focused on getting more horsepower to the wheels, braking systems often get forgotten.

On the track, upgrading your car's brakes can shave valuable seconds from lap times and increase braking consistency.

On the street, a Brembo brake kit will improve the appearance of your vehicle while also improving performance and safety.

Brembo GT caliper/rotor kits are available for many vehicles and in several colors. Common vehicle fitments include Corvette, Mustang, Porsche, BMW, Audi, Escalade, 350Z and Mercedes-Benz.

Think your current ride is looking a little bland?

Need a little extra kick to make yourself stand out?

Or maybe you just want to keep your wheels cleaner?

There are many solutions to what ails your vehicle. And some of these solutions are simple fixes that will not only improve the looks, but also its performance.

Looking bland?

Start simple with some products from Griot's Garage. A simple wash can make a car look temporarily clean, but try using Griot's Paint Cleaning Clay along with their Speed Shine products to pull out the contaminants and impurities in your paint. You will be amazed at the great results you see! The paint will look and feel much smoother It will also be itching for a new coat of wax. Griot's has a great selection of different wax applications to choose from and also offers a Random Orbital Polisher to help you get professional results without damaging your paint surface.

Need a kick?

Check out our Upgrade Garage to look for great deals on Tire & Wheel Packages. Going with a new set of wheels in a stock size is a nice way to add some flair to your car without changing the ride. Adding new tires completes the process and with Tire Rack, you can be confident that it will be a perfect fit!

Already have a new set of wheels? Try lowing the car with a set of Eibach lowering springs. The lowered stance will give the car an aggressive look and help fill in that space gap between the tire and the car.

Going for a cleaner look?

Besides using the Griot's products, you can go for a brake package upgrade. Installing new, rust-resistant rotors can give the car a fresh, clean look that you will admire every time you look at your car. Add a set of new, low-dust brake pads and use some G2 Caliper Paint to finish off the process. Now your vehicle stops better than before, and you have a fresh look!

Try one of these solutions and enjoy the new sensation of falling in love with your ride all over again!

The process of cryogenically treating brake rotors can drastically improve the way a brake system performs. Cryogenically treated metal is cooled well below a zero-degree temperature, slowly returned to room temperature, and treated with heat to complete the process. Although you can't see the results, the metal is significantly altered and is able to stand up to abrasive wear. It's also much more durable. That means cryogenically treated brake rotors are denser and extremely smooth, both of which reduce wear and tear. And we all know how much our brake systems have to deal with.

At Tire Rack, the cryogenically treated rotors in our inventory come from Cryo-Stop. In addition to the cryogenic treatment, the Cryo-Stop rotors feature the company's Electrocoating finish to further protect the rotors against rust and corrosion.

"I bought a four-pack of Cryo-Stop rotors and high-grade ceramic pads. My OEM brakes were shuddering and squealing under moderate and light braking, respectively. The shudder went away when I swapped the fronts, and the squeal disappeared after changing the rear. Since then, it's been a smooth, silent and safe ride. Looks great, too. The black paint on the Cryo-Stop rotors is a nice touch, and I haven't seen any rust anywhere yet." — Tire Rack Consumer Review, Honda Accord, IL

Shop by vehicle to see if Cryo-Stop rotors are right for you.

All aftermarket brake products are not suitable for the high speeds associated with track use. For example, stay clear of drilled or dimpled rotors. They may look high-performance and they can resist some of the gasses that tend to build up between the brake pad and the rotor, but they can't handle the temperatures that result from track speeds and repetitive stops. If you do choose to use these types of rotors on your race vehicle, which we do not recommend, we suggest you carefully inspect your brake components before each and every use—and definitely stop driving on them if you see any sign of deterioration.

It is probably best to just stay away from racing with drilled and dimpled brake rotors since improper use will negate their warranty. And you never know if or when you'll need to call upon that warranty for help. Instead, consider the following:



Centric Premium Rotors







Brembo Sport Slotted Rotors








DBA 4000 Series Rotors







DBA 5000 Series Rotors




This, of course, is not the complete list of race capable rotors. Click here for a complete list of rotors and then filter your search to view track-appropriate options.

When considering a Big Brake Kit from Brembo or any another brand, it is important to be aware of all potential fitment issues.

Other than bolting on to the car properly, be sure that your wheels will provide enough clearance for both the larger rotor and caliper (see illustration below right). 

Wheel fitment is critical and often forgotten when upgrading brakes. Considerations for proper fit include: wheel diameter, offset or backspacing, and spoke design.

When shopping for brakes by vehicle, you can be sure to get the proper fit if you are using O.E. (factory) wheels. If you are using custom wheels, be sure to contact one of our sales specialists for fitment recommendations.

If you are looking to upgrade your Original Equipment semi-metallic or organic brake pads with a pad that offers smooth, quiet, braking with lower dust output, ceramic pads may just be the answer! Unless your vehicle was equipped with ceramic pads from the factory, you likely notice your wheels are covered with dust within a day or two after washing them - a complaint I hear all too often!

Ceramic pads are designed to deliver the same stopping power and pedal feel as Original Equipment pads, with less dust, lower noise, less vibration and less rotor wear. In addition, ceramic pads dissipate heat better for less brake fade and faster recovery during heavy braking. 

Tire Rack  offers ceramic pads from the following manufacturers:
 

Well, the correct torque anyway. Most people are unaware that when putting on your wheels, you need to make sure you are torquing them down to the correct foot pounds of torque. This is true if the wheels are your original equipment wheels or a brand new set of aftermarket wheels and tires you just purchased from Tire Rack. This can be done inexpensively with a torque wrench from the Tire Rack.

Why do you need to torque your wheels correctly? This needs to be done for three simple reasons.

1) Not enough torque can cause a wheel to loosen up and fall off.

2) Too much torque can strip or damage a lug stud causing the loss of a lug. This can cause vibration or the loss of a wheel over time.

3) Uneven torque can cause vibrations or warp your brake rotors, causing poor brake performance and brake vibration.

Torque specs vary by car and manufacturer. To find out your vehicle's specific torque spec, simply check your owner's manual

Our Adjustable Torque Wrench sells for $39.95 (plus freight) and is adjustable up to 150 ft./lbs. This is plenty of foot pounds for most automotive applications.

Last weekend’s project was to replace the brakes on my Pontiac. The O.E. brake rotors and pads had served us well but it was time for something a little better. Over the winters, the rotors had rusted and didn't look as good with the new Elbrus wheels on the car.

The nice thing about brake systems (brake pad and brake rotor combination) at Tire Rack is that there is usually more than one option for your vehicle. For example, for my 2000 Pontiac there are nine different choices of front and rear brakes and seven different brake rotors available. That may seem overwhelming, but actually it is pretty easy to make a selection. Decide ahead of time what is important to you: low noise, stopping power, or low dust. Then select a performance category and use the red bubble brake pad grading scale nnext to the brake pads to pick the best pad. Whether they end up being ceramic disc brake pads or composite disc brake pads, pick the custom brake set-up that works best for your needs and driving style.

My goal for the brake system on the Pontiac was to achieve good, predictable stopping power with minimal noise and lower levels of dust. I selected the ATE PremiumOne Rotors with Hawk Performance Ceramic Pads front and rear. They look and stop much better with the new wheels!

If you recently purchased a new set of brake pads, you'll want to make sure you observe the bed-in procedures specifically outlined by each manufacturer (click for details). But before you get to that point, you'll need to make sure those brake pads are installed correctly. We can recommend an installer, or you can do it yourself if you're experienced—either way, make sure the pads are installed on new or resurfaced rotors that are clean and without excessive run-out. In fact, if the run-out is more than .004" then you'll want to replace it.

Once installed, you'll want to observe those manufacturer bed-in guidelines very carefully. That means there will be a specific amount of mileage where you'll need to drive somewhat moderately so that the brake pad compounds can successfully develop the necessary film on the rotors. Failing to observe those mileages can lead to excessive heat buildup, which can negatively affect your new braking system.

Click here to read "Brake Pad and Rotor Bed-In Procedures" in our library of Brake Tech articles. And as always, you can shop by vehicle for brake system upgrades.

The DBA 4x4 Survival Series front and rear rotors feature an innovative ventilation system known as the Kangaroo Paw—very appropriate coming from DBA (Disc Brakes Australia). And as you can see, the system itself does have a paw-like appearance.

The pillars and columns of the grooved surface improve braking performance, even under extreme conditions. Rotors stay much cooler, thanks to aerodynamic turbulence throughout. Meaning, hot air is pushed out of the rotor's insides quickly and efficiently. This characteristic is especially important because large vehicles carrying even larger loads tend to burn through brakes quickly. Plus, the pillars and columns are all expertly spaced out to make this one stable rotor.

Read more about these rotors from DBA, then search by vehicle to find out if it fits yours. In addition, you can click here for a list of all the braking systems available at Tire Rack.

I recently replaced the brake rotors and pads on my everyday driver. The car has 100,000 miles on it so I was looking for a good value. After doing my research on Tire Rack website, I decided on the Centric Premium rotors.

I am very glad I made the choice. It is a definite upgrade from the previous brake package. And with the addition of Hawk brake pads, the braking transition is very smooth and quiet. It gives me confidence in all driving conditions