Difference between right & left front rotors?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Difference between right & left front rotors?
I just bought and installed two new front rotors.
Bought from Autozone. Two different part numbers and prices for the left and right rotor.
I opened one box and installed on left side. Opened the other box and installed on the right. I did this without noticing which new rotor was for which side.
So, I have a 50% chance that they are installed on the correct side.
What is the difference in the rotors? The original GM rotors are marked on the front side RF and LF. The Autozone rotors are not marked on the front side.
The new rotors installed without issue, and are working perfectly. But, I worry because they may be installed on wrong sides. Should I be worried?
Bought from Autozone. Two different part numbers and prices for the left and right rotor.
I opened one box and installed on left side. Opened the other box and installed on the right. I did this without noticing which new rotor was for which side.
So, I have a 50% chance that they are installed on the correct side.
What is the difference in the rotors? The original GM rotors are marked on the front side RF and LF. The Autozone rotors are not marked on the front side.
The new rotors installed without issue, and are working perfectly. But, I worry because they may be installed on wrong sides. Should I be worried?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I just bought and installed two new front rotors.
Bought from Autozone. Two different part numbers and prices for the left and right rotor.
I opened one box and installed on left side. Opened the other box and installed on the right. I did this without noticing which new rotor was for which side.
So, I have a 50% chance that they are installed on the correct side.
What is the difference in the rotors? The original GM rotors are marked on the front side RF and LF. The Autozone rotors are not marked on the front side.
The new rotors installed without issue, and are working perfectly. But, I worry because they may be installed on wrong sides. Should I be worried?
Bought from Autozone. Two different part numbers and prices for the left and right rotor.
I opened one box and installed on left side. Opened the other box and installed on the right. I did this without noticing which new rotor was for which side.
So, I have a 50% chance that they are installed on the correct side.
What is the difference in the rotors? The original GM rotors are marked on the front side RF and LF. The Autozone rotors are not marked on the front side.
The new rotors installed without issue, and are working perfectly. But, I worry because they may be installed on wrong sides. Should I be worried?
Don't feel bad,,, I did the same thing and GUESS who noticed it.. MY WIFE!!
And I knew they were directional. That's what you get when you try to hold a conversation with a neighbor and fix brakes..BC
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
LOL! The rotor FINS need to face the correct way to move air thought the rotor for cooling. If you reverse the fins, they will not cool properly.
Don't feel bad,,, I did the same thing and GUESS who noticed it.. MY WIFE!! And I knew they were directional. That's what you get when you try to hold a conversation with a neighbor and fix brakes..
BC
Don't feel bad,,, I did the same thing and GUESS who noticed it.. MY WIFE!!
And I knew they were directional. That's what you get when you try to hold a conversation with a neighbor and fix brakes..BC
Mr Curlee you crack me up...your awesome!
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,904
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver Washington
LOL! The rotor FINS need to face the correct way to move air thought the rotor for cooling. If you reverse the fins, they will not cool properly.
Don't feel bad,,, I did the same thing and GUESS who noticed it.. MY WIFE!! And I knew they were directional. That's what you get when you try to hold a conversation with a neighbor and fix brakes..
BC
Don't feel bad,,, I did the same thing and GUESS who noticed it.. MY WIFE!!
And I knew they were directional. That's what you get when you try to hold a conversation with a neighbor and fix brakes..BC
That sounds like getting distracted and installing some pads backwards. 
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,157
Likes: 4,168
From: Kannapolis NC
If they have the part number on them, look at the invoice or box for the correct part number. The box and invoice should be marked l and r. If not, call autozone. I guess it's possible the rotors were made without a part number, but I wouldn't think so.
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Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Redondo Beach CA
Since you kind of brought it up, I was wondering if directional vanes inside the rotor castings are anything more than a sales tool, some rotors use straight vanes, and how much air do these vanes move? I have read the design is such for heat dissipation and management, and that airflow through the inside is not a factor in actual function. I have also read the vanes are helpful in production, but unsure exactly why.
I guess I could look it up. I know I would be double checking the design before I started to swap them to a more correct orientation, if needed .
I guess I could look it up. I know I would be double checking the design before I started to swap them to a more correct orientation, if needed .
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
