Rotors have ridges
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Southern New Jersey
Rotors have ridges
Is it normal for the Z51 factory rotors to develop ridges horizontally around the surface? I don't feel any vibrations, but get the usual Z51 squeel from the rears. I replaced the front pads with ceramics and they are quiet, but never had these rotors cut. Can they be cut or must they be replaced? Does it pay to get the GM rotors zinc plated, or buy aftermarket ones? Street driven ONLY. No tracking done.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Powell TN
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Is it normal for the Z51 factory rotors to develop ridges horizontally around the surface? I don't feel any vibrations, but get the usual Z51 squeel from the rears. I replaced the front pads with ceramics and they are quiet, but never had these rotors cut. Can they be cut or must they be replaced? Does it pay to get the GM rotors zinc plated, or buy aftermarket ones? Street driven ONLY. No tracking done.
I bought my wifes Z51 with ~18,000 miles on it and the rotors had that ridge on it. It now has ~22,000 and the ridge feels the same. A friend of mines' Z51 has the ridge at ~30,000 miles. If it isn't normal, it is at least common.
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From: Southern New Jersey
It has 17k miles. Those ridges are really uneven and almost grooves, except they're rather wide. I've never had this on any other car's rotors that I've owned, even older Corvettes.
Safety Car
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From: Los Alamitos California
St. Jude Donor '09
I've had rotors and pads that were better and worse in intensifying this, but it is common. Debris can magnify this, as can braking habits. I wouldn't lose a lot of sleep over it.
San
Melting Slicks
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From: Avon Park FLORIDA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
My 07 does, I have a spare set of turned rotors and powder coated calipers that I will replace when I get done with my other car projects. I was always told to turn the rotors before installing new brake pads, but now I hear of Car manufacturers that do not, I will continue to turn the rotors to remove the glazing and true them up.Old School!!
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Question: were the pads flat when you installed them?
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Melting Slicks
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From: Powell TN
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I may be talking about something different than the OP. The ridge that I was referring to is on the outside edge of the rotor. It is not on the main surface of the rotor where the pad makes contact. The pad contact area on mine is completely smooth.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Avon Park FLORIDA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
replacement rotors are more expensive than machining, if yours are wore out then you have no choices, but to replace.
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From: Southern New Jersey
Anyone have experience with aftermarket rotors (non GM)? I see a couple on *bay for around $300 a set. This one company offers cad plating with COLORS. I've never seen a red rotor! Only silver or gold cad plating.
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From: Philadelphia PA
It all depends on were you live and what the labor rates are. Hence why i suggest calling to get pricing first before just dropping them off.
Pro
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From: North Las Vegas Nevada
Rotors
I noticed the ridges when I changed to ceramic pads from Gene. The ridges seemed to be located behind the cross drilled holes. I replaced the rotors with GM replacement Z51 rotors from Gene and painted the hub/hat area with high temp silver paint
. Found out later that they can be turned; therefore, I will have them turned and keep them as a spare set.
. Found out later that they can be turned; therefore, I will have them turned and keep them as a spare set.
