Rotor tolerances
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,408
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
When the rotor is too thin, you got to throw it away IMO.
Many years ago, I was installing new pads on a new caliper. My then wife fronted up on the scene and started giving me some static about something I've long since forgot about. I actually put one of the pads in backwards. The metal surface was facing the rotor, and the composite material was facing the caliper pistons. I drove the car for quite a while. There was a brake squeal problem when I used the brakes. I just ignored it thinking it was just one of those disk brake things. For street and freeway driving I never had a brake concern, other than the squeal. I eventually checked out the rotor. I was amazed at the significant groves that the had been cut into the rotor. Of course the rotor was history, but the braking performance of that wheel was always 100% - of course I'm talking street performance.
I think the conclusion here is that groves in the rotor and also corresponding surfaces on the brake pad material can still result in a functional caliper/rotor brake system for street use. Obviously, as soon as you realize the groves are there you've got to get rid of the rotor and brake pads.
Many years ago, I was installing new pads on a new caliper. My then wife fronted up on the scene and started giving me some static about something I've long since forgot about. I actually put one of the pads in backwards. The metal surface was facing the rotor, and the composite material was facing the caliper pistons. I drove the car for quite a while. There was a brake squeal problem when I used the brakes. I just ignored it thinking it was just one of those disk brake things. For street and freeway driving I never had a brake concern, other than the squeal. I eventually checked out the rotor. I was amazed at the significant groves that the had been cut into the rotor. Of course the rotor was history, but the braking performance of that wheel was always 100% - of course I'm talking street performance.
I think the conclusion here is that groves in the rotor and also corresponding surfaces on the brake pad material can still result in a functional caliper/rotor brake system for street use. Obviously, as soon as you realize the groves are there you've got to get rid of the rotor and brake pads.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,233
Likes: 657
From: Thunder Bay
Yeah, I've heard that too, but the General still says .001" runout on Corvette rotors. Something about the 4 piston caliper no doubt. I can also report from experience that much more than this and you end up with air in the system.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
