Choosing the proper brake rotor is determined by the vehicle you drive and how you drive it. The majority of vehicles produced will have solid vented rotors. However, some high-performance vehicles like BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi are built with slotted or cross-drilled rotors, which are also vented.
If you were happy with your stock rotor's performance and stopping power, then direct O.E. replacements such as Centric Plain 120 Series Rotors , Centric High Carbon Plain 125 Series Rotors or Brembo Replacement Rotors would be a good choice.
Vehicles built from the factory with solid vented rotors may cause you to be unhappy with the stopping power, in that case, you may benefit from an upgraded rotor. Additionally, if you would classify yourself as a more spirited or aggressive driver I would recommend upgrading your rotors. The most common upgrade is replacing your solid rotors with either slotted or drilled rotors.
Under high heat and heavy stopping conditions, the rotor actually gets so hot that when the brake pads and rotors make initial contact, the pads release exhaust gases from road grime, water and overheating. The small air bubbles that form between the pad and rotor contribute to a spongy pedal feel. The slotting or drilling of brake rotors gives those gases a quiet way to escape; thus allowing the pad to make quicker contact with the rotor and provide you a stiffer and more precise pedal feel. Upgrades would include Brembo rotors such as the Sport Drilled and Sport Slotted, StopTech's SportStop Drilled Rotor, DBA's 4000 Series T3 Rotor and 5000 Series T3 2-Piece Rotor and Power Slot's Power Slot Rotor.
Whether you're looking for Brembo brake rotors or another brand, you can shop by vehicle to find the replacement option that's right for your application.
Brembo Big Brake Kits upgrade the look and performance of your vehicle's braking system. The brake systems combine fixed 4-piston aluminum calipers and high performance brake pads, with 1- and 2- piece vented discs and Goodridge® steel braided brake lines. These race inspired Brembo Big Brake kits are designed to offer superior stopping power for drivers that are serious about getting their sports cars, sedans, sporty coupes, light trucks and SUVs to slow down in a hurry.
In most cases,the Brembo Big Brake Kit's massive aluminum calipers and large diameter brake discs require an aftermarket wheel with the necessary brake clearance. Take a look at the chart below to see the full line of Brembo Grand Turismo Big Brake kits.
Contact one of our
sales specialists to ensure product compatibility as they have developed a list of appropriate wheel options per vehicle based on exact brake kit options.
| Brembo Gran Turismo Brake Systems |
Caliper
Styles | Style 1 | Style 2 | Style 3 | Style 4 |
4-Piston
Black | 4-Piston
Black | 4-Piston
Red | 4-Piston
Red |
|
Rotor
Styles | Style A | Style B | Style C | Style D |
1-Piece
Drilled
Vented | 2-Piece
Drilled
Vented | 2-Piece
Drilled
Vented | 2-Piece
Slotted
Vented |
|
Style 1A | 
Style 2B | 
Style 3C | 
Style 4D |
Shop by vehicle to see which braking options work best for your vehicle.
Additional Information:
Many Porsche owners are looking for better lap times at the track and more aggressive brake performance on the street from their 911.
If you have already tried changing your brake pads and still lack the performance you are looking for, it may be time to upgrade to a
larger caliper and rotor.
Brembo has built a reputation of producing quality products for drivers looking for the ultimate in braking performance. The
Brembo Gran Turismo Systems provide excellent stopping power in everyday traffic, as well as high performance during street and track driving.
For more information, contact one of Tire Rack's
sales specialists.
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.
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 RotorsThis, 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.
Are you having issues with your brakes squeaking? Is it time for a replacement or are they fairly new?
Let's start with the possibility that they need to be replaced. Often the manufacturer of your brake pad will add metal clips that cause squealing or squeaking to occur when the pads are worn. If this seems to be the case, time for new brakes. Here is a quick part list of what you will need:
PADS. You need to select a pad that works well for how you drive.
Semi Metallic: more aggressive and more stopping power, but more noise and dust.
Examples:
Hawk HPS Street Sport,
ATE Original Premium One,
Satisfied GranSport GS6Ceramic: less dust and noise, but not as aggressive bite and stopping power.
Examples:
Akebono Pro ACT,
ATE Premium One,
Hawk Performance CeramicROTORS. More than likely you will need rotors. It is recommended that you do not turn your rotors, but replace with new ones. A rotor's effectiveness is based on dispersing heat, and taking any metal away will diminish its ability to do such.
Solid: Normal driving to autocross racing (parking lot with cones/markers)
Centric,
Cryo-Stop,
BremboSlotted: Extremely aggressive driving to road racing. (large, repeated speed changes)
ATE,
Power Slot,
Power Slot Cryo,
Brembo,
DBA
FLUID. If it has been 50+ thousand miles or you drive your vehicle hard, you may consider flushing your fluid. If you fluid looks like coffee or tea at the caliper end, time to flush.
So if you are the type of person that decides to change the brakes on your BMW 335i and are looking for an added edge, this is a project you can do! Remember when you upgraded to the
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tire? Choosing the right brakes will make the same difference for stopping as the difference the right tire makes for cornering!
I don't know about everyone else, but in my opinion there is nothing worse than not being able to stop. So let's take a minute to talk about brakes. Stopping power is derived from the friction material. Friction material is more commonly known as a brake pad. Pads create friction against the rotor which allows the vehicle to stop. This whole process creates a lot of heat and the heat can be the problem.
Rotors are available from a lot of different sources and and from multiple manufacturers. Some are a basic metallurgy and normally are not very resistant to the effects of heat. Products sold at Tire Rack manufactured by
DBA,
Centric,
Power Slot,
Brembo, and
ATE are premium products with metal alloys which have less impurities and will be less likely to have failure due to over heating.
Cryogenic treating is a process that hardens the steel of a rotor and results in a molecular restructuring that makes the surface harder and more durable. Power Slot offers a cryo rotor, and these are strongly recommended for those who spend time on the track or put their vehicle through some extreme conditions.
When it comes to pads, I recommend the
Hawk Performance products. Hawk has some of the most consistent products on the market, and offer a wide range of pads starting with a quiet and comfortable ceramic pad, up through pads that are designed to be used on the race track only. The best part of the HAWK line...they have everything in between too!
When it comes to replacing the wheels and tires on an SUV and plus sizing is the direction that you have chosen to go, remember that with bigger wheels comes higher weights. The rotational mass that comes along with the larger wheels will put more stress on the braking system and this should be considered. The last thing that you want to do is park your newly upgraded truck in the trunk of someone's civic.
When selecting brake pads and rotors, it is important to remember that you need to consider your driving style, your expectations, and the vehicle's dynamics.
There is something out there for everyone....so stop...and smell the brake dust!
They're some of the most popular replacement brake rotors on the market, and there's a reason for it.
Brembo brake rotors are produced on the most sophisticated equipment available, all under the philosophy that "testing and re-testing to improve and perfect" is the only way to go. Here's an in-depth look at the company's practices:
First up, a prototype that undergoes intense testing to bring out any potential weaknesses. Testing is done on a test bench and a brake dynamometer, after which it's put on a vehicle so that trained drivers can "feel" any imperfections. When all of this is done, Brembo engineers review the results and make any necessary modifications to the prototype.
When the team is pleased, the prototype travels to the foundry where production takes place. It's a detailed process, but the Brembo team takes great care to make sure that every step is environmentally friendly. Raw materials are chosen and the product begins to form.
The machining phase is carried out according to the exact criteria outlined by the engineers, and with only a .0025-inch runout (which is exactly half of the industry standard). All products are electronically balanced, and quality control is ever present.
In the end, men and machine work together to create a finished product that satisfies drivers like you on the streets or on the tracks. You can rest assured that all finished products are examined to make sure the results are in line with Brembo's "improve and perfect" philosophy.
At
Tire Rack, we have a complete selection of Brembo brake systems and rotors for a variety of different vehicles.
Shop according to your vehicle to see which
Brembo products suit your needs.
If your OEM rotors have seen better days, then it's high-time you
purchase replacement brake rotors. Not exactly sure what "better days" means? Technically speaking, every brake rotor has a "Worn Rotor Minimum Thickness" limit. You can find this information engraved on the edge of the brake disc, and you'll have to measure accordingly. But if you're using your vehicle on the track, it's a completely different story as brake components on a race car undergo extreme heat and pressure. They'll wear faster and should be replaced well before their wear limits (
read more).
And since brake rotors are a major component of your brake system, you'll want to make sure that only a trained mechanic does the swap out. Incorrectly installing any new brake component can seriously curb your safety.
Read more about brake rotors, then
search Tire Rack's inventory. We'll give you a list of appropriate rotors that might include ATE, Power Slot and Brembo rotors.
Brembo is one of the most well-respected names in the aftermarket brake industry. An Italian company, Brembo takes every measure possible to help drivers rest assured that they've upgraded their braking power and level of performance.
From Brembo brake pads to high performance rotors, no product slips through the strictest of quality standards. And lucky for you,
Tire Rack has those same standards—and we feature a number of Brembo brake components, including:
•
Gran Turismo Brake Systems•
Replacement RotorsSearch all of our brake components to find these Brembo products and more for your vehicle.
Are you looking for some serious stopping power for your late model sports car? Do your rotors and calipers show through your wheels and you need a much bigger and better look?
Brembo Big Brake KITS are for you!
Magazine cover looks with road racing stopping power. What could be better?
Gran Turismo Kits are the complete caliper, line and rotor kit for your vehicle.
The
Turismo Brake Systems are big brakes on a budget, utilizing your calipers in the assembly. This kit matched with some
caliper paint could be the perfect "budget big brake kit" solution.
Brakes can only withstand so much slamming. As with all good things, they must come to an end. But what many drivers don't realize: As brake pads wear out, the brake rotors do, too.
Brembo is known throughout the industry for their racing and race-inspired high performance braking systems. Over 26 million Brembo brake rotors are manufactured every year. While some of those brake rotors become Original Equipment, many of them are purchased as replacement options on vehicles just like yours.
Brembo OE Replacement Brake Rotors are designed to meet or exceed any standards previously set by your vehicle's O.E. rotors.
In addition, Brembo features a number of brake rotors that upgrade performance levels, too. Choose from one- or two-piece cast rotors that are machined to exact tolerances, electronically balanced, and highly inspected to meet strict Brembo (and industry) standards.
A simple search produces a compatible list.
In a track setting, high speeds produce even higher temperatures that push brake components to the limit. If you have High Performance Sport Drilled or Slotted
Brembo rotors then you should probably exit to pit row. For good. Although they considerably enhance your vehicle's appearance and performance, these Brembo rotors won't withstand those higher temperatures. However, if you DO use them on the track (though we don't recommend it), it is extremely important that they are carefully inspected. Any sign of deterioration would make them unsafe to drive on. (And, unfortunately, using them on the track depletes your warranty.)
If you're in need of some track-worthy Brembo rotors, we recommend the
Brembo Gran Turismo Brake System. It's an Ultra High Performance package that offers race-inspired braking components (including rotors) that improve performance both on and off the track.
To see if this product is right for your vehicle,
search our inventory of brake components.
If you drive an SUV, odds are you have bigger than average wheels and tires. But, have you considered that a bigger vehicle with bigger wheels needs enhanced braking power to bring it to a complete stop? SUV brakes and rotors designed for durability are the answer. Increase overall braking performance with larger rotors and SUV or truck brake pads.
Sound complicated? It's really not. Start your upgrade by selecting a pad that was designed for a truck or SUV, like
Hawk LTS brake pads. Then, you'll want to take a look at
PowerSlot's Cryo rotors or
Brembo's Turismo brake kit which take durability to an entirely different level and contribute to a more aggressive appearance.
Brembo Turismo Kit
When it comes to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) rotors, you're either ready to simply replace what's currently on your vehicle or are interested in a performance upgrade.
Brake rotors momentarily absorb heat produced during rapid or repeated stops. This means, of course, that they'll eventually wear out. (
Read more.) And on the other hand, many wheels feature an open design that exposes brake components. As a contributing factor to your vehicle's overall performance and appearance, many OEM brakes just don't cut it.
And that's where we come in.
Tire Rack has a full range of
brake rotors for you to choose from. We've got OEM replacement rotors and upgrade options in slotted, dimpled and drilled designs from premium brands like
Akebono,
ATE,
Brembo,
Hawk and
more.
Shop by vehicle and we'll make a few recommendations—we'll even help you
find an installer.
We hear you. And if we were driving next to you—we could probably say that literally. Stop the squeal and get new brake pads. With a quick
search by vehicle,
Tire Rack will guide you to new brake pads. We do, after all, have quite the collection.
Check out what some consumers are saying about their new brake pads:
"The pads are very responsive, they have terrific stopping power, and they have better fade resistance than even the ceramic pads I have tried. I am very satisfied with these pads and would definitely buy them again." Brembo Sport Brake Pads 
"After 600 miles of city/highway and a drive through the mountains, I must say that I am very impressed! The bite on them is absolutely phenomenal with very little if any brake fade under hard braking conditions." Hawk HP Plus Race Brake Pads
"They stop every bit as well as a factory pad, they are very easy on the rotors and wear even. The best part is, zero brake dust." Satisfied Pro Ceramic VS Pads
Many BMW owners find their wheels covered in brake dust after only a couple hundred miles of driving. Waxing your wheels can help, but a better solution to consider is installing a set of
replacement ceramic brake pads, like the
Hawk Performance Ceramic pads.
While they do not have quite the level of initial 'bite' as the OE pads, they produce noticeably less dust and a lighter colored dust. I use these pads on my 1995 BMW M3 along with Brembo rotors and I love them.
Key Features & Benefits of Hawk Performance Ceramic Brake Pads
- Ultra-low dust
- Improved braking over O.E.
- Stable friction output
- Extremely quiet
- Extended pad life
- Increased rotor life
