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Front brake rotors life expectancy?

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Old 05-18-2017, 01:35 PM
  #21  
hisvett
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Originally Posted by SoCalC7
Can anyone tell me what the outer edge of a new rotor would feel like? Would it be Level from edge to edge including the edges themselves?

i just dragged my finger across the rotor surface toward the outer edge, and there is a pronounced lip/ridge that sticks up on the outer edge. Does that mean the face of the rotor has really worn down that much?

I've never replaced a rotor on any previous car due to thinning... so this is new territory for me.

I guess I'm most astonished that a brake rotor could wear out after only ONE set of pads?!?
OEM pads are not kind to rotors! The do an awesome job of dropping anchor when needed but as you can tell, they take a toll on the rotors.

Turning slotted and or drilled rotors; check around with local auto shops. I have one close to me (privet shop, not a big chain) that has turned C6 GS rotors for me.

Your other option will be to change to Carbotech 1521 Ceramic pads. I have been running 1521's on my C7 for 48K miles and the rotors look better than yours. They aren't cheap to buy but will save you money in the long run (cost of rotors).

Good luck
Old 05-18-2017, 01:51 PM
  #22  
SoCalC7
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Originally Posted by hisvett
I have been running 1521's on my C7 for 48K miles and the rotors look better than yours. They aren't cheap to buy but will save you money in the long run (cost of rotors).
Thanks for this. Where do you buy your 1521s?

Generally speaking, will I only be able to get the new 1 piece rotors from a Chevy dealer if I want to install them myself?
Old 05-18-2017, 02:06 PM
  #23  
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Originally Posted by SoCalC7
Thanks for this. Where do you buy your 1521s?

Generally speaking, will I only be able to get the new 1 piece rotors from a Chevy dealer if I want to install them myself?
Two opinions: Your rotors look worn, but not to the point of replacement. I think the Z51 pads are pretty aggressive and could be contributing to the wear.

#2: If you're thinking about replacement rotors, head over to the Autox/Track forum; you'll learn a TON about what kind of rotors to get for your particulars.

HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
Old 05-18-2017, 02:47 PM
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Originally Posted by SoCalC7
Thanks for this. Where do you buy your 1521s?

Generally speaking, will I only be able to get the new 1 piece rotors from a Chevy dealer if I want to install them myself?
You can buy the 1521 from me by calling me at 216-780-8825 or order direct 24/7 @ http://ampdautosport.com/brake-pads/corvette/ promo code z28 @ check out for forum discount.

Part numbers are Front CT1001 Rear CT1718.
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Old 05-18-2017, 04:08 PM
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Brilliant. Thanks.

Looks like pads & rotors all around then, thanks. I'll dig in and check out my options.

Interestingly, I remembered that a coworker recently bought a brand new Z51, so I dragged my finger across his rotor and it was flat from edge to edge 😳
Old 05-18-2017, 04:41 PM
  #26  
Walt White Coupe
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From the 2015 Service Manual:

Front Rotor:

Z51 = 13.5 in dia rotor - new thickness = 1.18 in Discard = 1.06 in
Base = 12.6 inch dia rotor - new thickness = 1.18 in Discard = 1.10 in

Rear Rotor:

Base & Z51 are the same

13.3 in dia rotor - new thickness = 1.02 in Discard = 0.94 in

Maximum Allowable Scoring = 0.059 in = About the thickness of a penny.

All Rotors are marked with a min thickness.

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Old 05-18-2017, 04:46 PM
  #27  
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Originally Posted by Adam@Amp'dAutosport.com
Part numbers are Front CT1001 Rear CT1718.
Maybe silly question... but not obvious to a first timer. Do I get only 1 or both sides when I purchase those 1521 brake pads?

Not sure if I need qty 1 or 2.
Old 05-18-2017, 05:04 PM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by SoCalC7
Just back from an oil change on my '14 Z51 that has been flawless since day 1 (bought new). Dealer recommended that I replace front brake pads and rotors ($758). Car has 37K miles on it.

Rotors have never been turned nor pads replaced since I owned the car.

Wondering:

1. How many of you out there have replaced front brake rotors? What was your mileage at the time?
2. Is 37K miles a reasonable lifespan? I'm a "spirited" driver
3. How common is it to use up a rotor after 1 set of OEM pads?
4. What is the best place to search for OEM rotors & pads so I can get a sense for the parts cost?

It looks like there is a ridge near the outside of the rotor. That ridge shows the amount of wear on the rotor. There is also a ridge on the inside face of the rotor. To be sure you are in need of new rotors you should check the rotor thickness to see how close it is to minimum. You are definitely close to the minimum with the ridge thickness that is shown. They probably are currently above minimum but most shops will warn you when you are getting close. How many more miles you can get depends on your driving style.

The question you have to ask yourself is whether you want to pay dealer prices for the rotors or replace them yourself. Brake jobs are fairly easy if you have a few select tools. Too replace the rotors you need to remove the calipers and hang them on a wire or plastic wire tie so their weight isn't being held by the brake hose. Once the calipers are off you just pull the rotors off and put the new ones on.

You can order the rotors and pads from one of the On Line GM Parts Suppliers but it seems all of their search engines take you to Accessories Vs Parts. Something must be screwed up in the GM Parts software so you would have to call them to get prices. Usually their prices are in the range of 40 to 50% less than the dealer price.

Bill
Old 05-18-2017, 05:07 PM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by Walt White Coupe
From the 2015 Service Manual:

Front Rotor:

Z51 = 13.5 in dia rotor - new thickness = 1.18 in Discard = 1.06 in
Base = 12.6 inch dia rotor - new thickness = 1.18 in Discard = 1.10 in

Rear Rotor:

Base & Z51 are the same

13.3 in dia rotor - new thickness = 1.02 in Discard = 0.94 in

Maximum Allowable Scoring = 0.059 in = About the thickness of a penny.

All Rotors are marked with a min thickness.

Problem with that caliper is it will not work with a worn rotor since it can't measure in the center of the wear path. You need a rotor measurement caliper like this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006Y1OWKS/ref=s9_acsd_top_hd_bw_b13uYT_c_x_1_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-3&pf_rd_r=SHTKBB3ZEE6F3BECBWNH&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=da7f0e6f-9970-5640-a409-43faf9e75517&pf_rd_i=15708721 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006Y1OWKS/ref=s9_acsd_top_hd_bw_b13uYT_c_x_1_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-3&pf_rd_r=SHTKBB3ZEE6F3BECBWNH&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=da7f0e6f-9970-5640-a409-43faf9e75517&pf_rd_i=15708721

or like this one:
https://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-l...per-60248.html

Bill

Last edited by Bill Dearborn; 05-18-2017 at 05:10 PM.
Old 05-18-2017, 05:15 PM
  #30  
SoCalC7
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Thanks Bill!

Yep I plan to replace them myself. I was looking on that site yesterday and was confused why it only showed accessories. Good to hear I'm not crazy.

I will call. Thanks again!
Old 05-18-2017, 05:21 PM
  #31  
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Originally Posted by SoCalC7
Maybe silly question... but not obvious to a first timer. Do I get only 1 or both sides when I purchase those 1521 brake pads?

Not sure if I need qty 1 or 2.
CT1001 is a full front set and CT1718 is a rear full set you only need 1 of each.
Old 05-18-2017, 07:11 PM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by SoCalC7
They gave me a document that says acceptable "lining" should be 7mm or greater, 4mm-6mm is getting close to replacement, and 3mm or less needs to be replaced.

They say mine are 2mm, but I'm assuming that's the pads.

They didn't provide any kind of measurement for the rotors themselves. I don't see that on the document anywhere... but they recommended that the rotors be replaced along with the pads.
I thought the 2014's had brake pad wear sensors. You should get an alert on the dash when the rotors touch the sensor.





Last edited by TEXHAWK0; 05-18-2017 at 07:18 PM.
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Old 05-18-2017, 10:59 PM
  #33  
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i have a Corvette with a little over 30k miles that is on its 5th set of rotors. I have another vehicle that was over 200,000 miles on the original set of rotors.

If if it bothers you to replace parts, don't drive so hard.
Old 05-19-2017, 12:38 AM
  #34  
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Originally Posted by TEXHAWK0
I thought the 2014's had brake pad wear sensors. You should get an alert on the dash when the rotors touch the sensor.




Those pads are from a Z07 carbon rotors all other C7s dont have them.

Last edited by Joy c7; 05-19-2017 at 12:39 AM.
Old 05-19-2017, 12:41 AM
  #35  
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Originally Posted by stevebz06
i have a Corvette with a little over 30k miles that is on its 5th set of rotors. I have another vehicle that was over 200,000 miles on the original set of rotors.

If if it bothers you to replace parts, don't drive so hard.
lol. That's not gonna happen.

Doesnt bother me. Just curious to know whether it's normal.
Old 06-11-2017, 05:07 PM
  #36  
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Originally Posted by Adam@Amp'dAutosport.com
You can buy the 1521 from me by calling me at 216-780-8825 or order direct 24/7 @ http://ampdautosport.com/brake-pads/corvette/ promo code z28 @ check out for forum discount.
Holy Hell, man. $35 for ground shipping.. for brake pads?!!? Are you based in Budapest or something? lol

Last edited by SoCalC7; 06-11-2017 at 05:19 PM.



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