Smok

It's been about two years since I had my Brembo Big Brake Kit installed. During this time I had a chance to visit a track about ten times. I would say not too much but I had lot's of other problems with my Z. As far as the brakes are concerned I was expecting that my pads would be finished first but I was surprised today by the view of the front rotors. Here is how they look like:



As you can see, there are scratches on the outside and inside of rotors, only on fronts. Rears are OK.

I'm kindly asking for advice. Is it risky to use them as they are? Is it normal? Should I work more on cooling the rotors?
I'm using racing pads.

toxin440

as I understand it - they are "okay" as long as the cracks don't web out and start connecting between the drilled holes. OR as long as the cracks don't catch your fingernail.

ive only done a few trackdays, my limited experience tells me that you will be lucky to get one more track day out of them, i'd start shopping for new rotors now if i were you.

0Anthony @ LGMotorsports

Typical track use you are going to see surface cracks, especially around the holes.

When the cracks reach the outside edge of the rotor they need to come off ASAP and be replaced. It is then when you can see a failure of the rotor itself.

You will want to keep an eye on the cracks that are there, and check to see if they are spreading. Some rare cases the cracks will grow wider and wider, and at that point they should be changed before the crack grows to the edge of the rotor.

Of course if it is worn past minimum thickness, it should be replaced as well.

95jersey

I run mine well past that

Painrace

Have you ever had a rotor explode at speed? I would suggest you replace them and see if you can get slots or solid rotors. Just my 2 cents.

Jim

427Z0SX

Were these holes cast or drilled?

Smok

Is there any chance to avoid that in the future?

gonzalezfj

Yes. Get slotted or smooth rotors, or in the case of the Brembos pictured, get new rings. Stay away from "drilled" rotors because the holes are stress concentration points that promote cracking.

Frank Gonzalez

1stZ

There's no way to avoid cracks on the rotor. Especially if you track your car. FYI, if you're on a race pads, you should not drive those on the street often. It's worth getting an street pad & change them between rr/street use. I went through 1 race pads, 1 intermediate. Pads & half street pads before changing my first brembo rings. Using your race pads often on the street where you're not able to bring the pads up to temps are really hard/bad on your rotors.

0Anthony @ LGMotorsports

I do agree with you on going to the solid or slotted rotors. The drilled are nice for lighter weight, and looks but they do not have the life span of a solid or slotted on the track.

foremaw

I have some similar surface cracks. In your close up there is no cracking in the holes under the crack line so they appear to be just on the face. I'm no brake expert but it seems to me that if the crack lines are only on the veneer of the face and not into the rotor at all its not a big deal. I'm interested in hearing educated opinions on that.

JDIllon

Get in touch with Bob at Performance AFX. His rotors will fit if you have 14" brembos. You can buy his complete setup, front and rear for less than you will spend on Brembo rings!!!!!!! Lots of guys are using them with great success. JD