Hi all

I've got to replace the rotors on my wife's (actually mine now) 1997 Saturn SL-1. They have become warped. I would like to replace them with aftermarket high-performance rotors that dissipate heat better, because I am tired of cheap OEM rotors that warp after 10,000 miles. Can anyone point me to a good source? Thanks.

Cheers,
Andy

Read a couple of discussions awhile back on the net about the Ford Focus having some serious squeeling problems on cheap rotors. Seemed to be agreement over a brand of rotor that worked well on smaller cars. Sorry, I just can't remember the brand but if no other help shows up here, you might try to see if that information is out there.

Main thing to remember, Andy...don't buy cheap "Chinese" rotors. There's a big difference in rotor quality. You DO get what you pay for.
I use nothing but Raybestos. I even use their "Brutestop" Severe Duty pads, shoes and rotors on the '70. I like decent brakes at 130 mph+. ;)

Main thing to remember, Andy...don't buy cheap "Chinese" rotors. There's a big difference in rotor quality. You DO get what you pay for.
I use nothing but Raybestos. I even use their "Brutestop" Severe Duty pads, shoes and rotors on the '70. I like decent brakes at 130 mph+. ;)

How many miles do you get out of a set? I've used Raybestos pads but never the rotors.

I tried everything from the cheap Chinese to dealer replacements with pretty much the same results. What urked me was none of the new rotors I've looked at have enough meat for even one resurfacing - even checking the thicknesses of the high dollar "premium" replacements they are right on the minimum spec. I'm sure that contributes to their warping as the thinner metal builds up heat faster. That's why I was checking into something thicker and maybe cross drilled or slotted (although I'm not entirely convinced slotting or drilling has more of an effect than just getting rotors made of decent quality material and thickness). The rotors on the Saturn are I think the originals at 60K and 10 years but I think they have been warped for a while (I just started driving it last fall). Perhaps it's my driving habits but I don't think I'm all that hard on brakes - I'm not one of those slam on the brakes at the last second people. One would think they would design rotors to stand up to your average eating breakfast drinking coffee putting on make-up talking on the cell phone not paying attention gotta get to the light first drivers we have nowadays.

Cheers,
Andy

...stand up to your average eating breakfast drinking coffee putting on make-up talking on the cell phone not paying attention gotta get to the light first drivers we have nowadays.

I see you've met my wife! :D

Some reading material...
http://www.raybestos.com/usa/rotors.htm#

I see you've met my wife! :D

Some reading material...
http://www.raybestos.com/usa/rotors.htm#

Ha! I thought I had, but then I realized it was my wife :D

I'll run over to NAPA (?) when I get a chance and check them out. Thanks Bill

Cheers,
Andy

Remembered finally, Brembo. Also found an interesting article on knock-offs.
http://my.is/forums/showthread.php?t=269050

Remembered finally, Brembo. Also found an interesting article on knock-offs.
http://my.is/forums/showthread.php?t=269050

thanks john

a

When I replaced the rears on the Explorer the local chain auto parts guy told me that all of their rotors are made in China now. The only choice in quality is on pads. I got them because I was in a hurry, but thought I'd try Napa next time.

Our experiences were the same as Andy69. The cheap rotors have actually outlasted the expensive dealer stuff. In the salt the rotors actually rot. Layers will peel off the surface, and this is with a vehicle that is driven pretty well every day. Our old '87 S10 truck has its original rotors and is hardly ever driven. Definitely made of better material. I'm amazed that such garbage is allowed to be made for a system as important as your brakes. In 330K of running it was a given that you were going to change the pads and rotors about every two years.

Our experiences were the same as Andy69. The cheap rotors have actually outlasted the expensive dealer stuff. In the salt the rotors actually rot. Layers will peel off the surface, and this is with a vehicle that is driven pretty well every day. Our old '87 S10 truck has its original rotors and is hardly ever driven. Definitely made of better material. I'm amazed that such garbage is allowed to be made for a system as important as your brakes. In 330K of running it was a given that you were going to change the pads and rotors about every two years.

Well I'm glad I'm not crazy :). I had to change the ones in my Ford about that often. On the other hand, the ones in my convertible (installed in 1998) are still like new. I seem to remember not having this problem with my Cavalier, which I put new brakes on shortly after I bought it in 1988 and never messed with them again in 75,000 miles.

Stupid flanders....

Andy

I use Napa rotors and their premium pads on everything We own. Get the good stuff, they have some lesser quality parts there too. Use only Napa United brake pads and rotors.