Cheap Slotted Rotors - Just fitted

Norton · 11-03-2007, 04:33 PM

Hi All,

I have just fitted some slotted rotors to my car. Found them on e-bay and since I was down to my last machine (Almost below the legal thickness) on the original discs I thought it would be worth giving these ones a try: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/502-SLOTTED-R...QQcmdZViewItem

When I was picking up the rotors, the guy said they sell their own make of pads, apparently they are made by the same company that supplies BMW, for $55 I thought I would give them a try. (The owner told me in his words "They are better then the original pads by: 90% when cold, 20% at normal temp and 90% when very hot")

I have started to bed the pads in and I must say, I am already impressed with the improvement, although it is not a massive improvement it is already noticable and the bedding in process has only just started.

I will let everyone know how they go over the next couple of weeks.

Norton

au2sw · 11-03-2007, 05:06 PM

will you be painting the rotors up to make them look pretty at all norton? i mean the hub section, not the actual disc surface.....just incase someone thought otherwise.

JC · 11-03-2007, 05:42 PM

If they're like RDAs, you should paint the hub, unless you like the whole rusty hub look. Better to do it now, so they don't need as much cleaning (when they rust, it's a pin to clean it up).

Good price though - DBAs are more than that EACH!

Norton · 11-03-2007, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC

If they're like RDAs, you should paint the hub, unless you like the whole rusty hub look. Better to do it now, so they don't need as much cleaning (when they rust, it's a pin to clean it up).

Good price though - DBAs are more than that EACH!

They are electroplated in the non contact areas, no rust!!

"These are our own brand manufactured to our specifications from the same factory as another big name brand. These are high quality performance and long life rotors slotted in house then electroplated gold to stop rust on the non contact areas"

Yeah, was rapt with the price, quality looks great.

Hibbz · 11-03-2007, 07:22 PM

Very Nice might have to look into this

peterban · 11-03-2007, 09:50 PM

Has anyone else used these???

scottc · 12-03-2007, 10:35 AM

I am also interested in these...............

The Dok · 12-03-2007, 11:24 AM

Lets see how they are after @5-10000 ks, the saying "you get what you pay for" springs to mind when they are that cheap, since there is no apparent country of manufacture mentioned (unless I missed it) I'd be wary, particularly when it comes to such an important component. As JC said, "at @ half the price of DBA's", they are cheap but.......
I hope they go ok for you Norton, keep us posted.

_2:

Norton · 12-03-2007, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Dok

Lets see how they are after @5-10000 ks, the saying "you get what you pay for" springs to mind when they are that cheap, since there is no apparent country of manufacture mentioned (unless I missed it) I'd be wary, particularly when it comes to such an important component. As JC said, "at @ half the price of DBA's", they are cheap but.......
I hope they go ok for you Norton, keep us posted.

_2:

No question they are cheap Dok, and I am a firm believer that you get what you pay for but there is sometimes exceptions to that rule.

Quality looks really good, I will need to see how they last before I can say how good they are, I don't use my car that much these days (Ride a motorbike into work) so it will be a while before I clock up 5-10,000k's.

Don't know about the country of manufacture, they are slotted and electroplated in AUS but as for the base disc I'm not sure.

All I can tell anyone considering is, they look and feel as good if not better then the original discs, the weight of materials is the same and the service & knowledge of the suppliers is first rate. In my opinion give them a try.

Norton

ronwest · 12-03-2007, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Dok

since there is no apparent country of manufacture mentioned

No doubt at all they will be made in China.

That's not a real problem as you can bet that most of the afteremarket bits and pieces will be made in China.

I'm sorry I didn't see these before I bought my RDA's (not from ebay, either) as I would be happy to install them.... particularly at that price.

Norton · 12-03-2007, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronwest

No doubt at all they will be made in China.

That's not a real problem as you can bet that most of the afteremarket bits and pieces will be made in China.

I'm sorry I didn't see these before I bought my RDA's (not from ebay, either) as I would be happy to install them.... particularly at that price.

I don't doubt they are chinese manufacture. Quality from China has increased ten fold recently. As good as other brands? Maybe, maybe not. Cheap, Very. Value for money? Only time will tell.

ronwest · 12-03-2007, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norton

As good as other brands? Maybe, maybe not.

The truth is that they are probably the same as other brands.

It would be difficult to tell what *actually* comes from China and what doesn't and with so many joint ventures and other manufacturing partnerships over there, it really doesn't matter.

beaky41 · 12-03-2007, 09:54 PM

I've had them on (fronts only) for about 5000k now they very good. pads did fade a bit in hilly country

OldManGhia · 13-03-2007, 03:31 PM

Just a bit of a query...I put a set of slotted rotors on my AU about 4 months ago also from Ebay. The slots on the ones I have go right to the edge of the disc. What happens on yours once the slots fill with brake dust and it cant get out. Also, what direction should the slots slope towards once installed? Front or rear? Mine weren't marked so I had a quick look on Ford Forums and most guys seem to fit them so that the slot slopes toward the rear...Does that make a difference. The brakes on mine were hopeless before the new rotors but now the improvement is really noticeable.

GK · 13-03-2007, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AU98C-Wagon

Just a bit of a query...I put a set of slotted rotors on my AU about 4 months ago also from Ebay. The slots on the ones I have go right to the edge of the disc. What happens on yours once the slots fill with brake dust and it cant get out. Also, what direction should the slots slope towards once installed? Front or rear? Mine weren't marked so I had a quick look on Ford Forums and most guys seem to fit them so that the slot slopes toward the rear...Does that make a difference. The brakes on mine were hopeless before the new rotors but now the improvement is really noticeable.

The slots slope towards the rear. I only know this as this is the case on both my AUs and the rotors were marked "L" and "R" with a sticker on each, when I did them.

They shouldn't really fill with dust though. They always appear clean on my cars.

GK

Norton · 13-03-2007, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AU98C-Wagon

Just a bit of a query...I put a set of slotted rotors on my AU about 4 months ago also from Ebay. The slots on the ones I have go right to the edge of the disc. What happens on yours once the slots fill with brake dust and it cant get out. Also, what direction should the slots slope towards once installed? Front or rear? Mine weren't marked so I had a quick look on Ford Forums and most guys seem to fit them so that the slot slopes toward the rear...Does that make a difference. The brakes on mine were hopeless before the new rotors but now the improvement is really noticeable.

I'll keep an eye out for dust in the slots, there is a little gathering but I would expect this during the bedding in.

As in the pics, mine slope downwards towards the rear (They were marked L & R).

Bushbasher · 15-03-2007, 04:01 AM

Make sure it's rear sloping at the top and not bottom of the disc because when you think about the rotation of the disc, if it's the bottom a rear facing slot would sweep the dust and water towards the centre of the disc where it is less able to escape the disc and, with water especially, it would build up and drop back onto the disc again where as a forward facing slot would sweep all the debris and water to the outside of the disc and away thus keeping the disc clear. The one pictured in Nortons post is the left front disc in this case going by the direction of the slots.......... which then looks like he's fitted it to the right side of the car in the pics

:. Hey Norton, you may want to check the fitment of those discs mate, they look like they're on backwards to me.

Bushbasher

JC · 15-03-2007, 11:13 AM

Good pick up bushbasher. They certainly do appear to be fitted to the wrong side. here's my left front, which clearly shows slots at the bottom pointing forward, slots at the top pointing to the rear:

Norton · 15-03-2007, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bushbasher

Make sure it's rear sloping at the top and not bottom of the disc because when you think about the rotation of the disc, if it's the bottom a rear facing slot would sweep the dust and water towards the centre of the disc where it is less able to escape the disc and, with water especially, it would build up and drop back onto the disc again where as a forward facing slot would sweep all the debris and water to the outside of the disc and away thus keeping the disc clear. The one pictured in Nortons post is the left front disc in this case going by the direction of the slots.......... which then looks like he's fitted it to the right side of the car in the pics

:. Hey Norton, you may want to check the fitment of those discs mate, they look like they're on backwards to me.

Bushbasher

Thanks for the advise guy's.....I don't mind swapping them if they are the wrong way around, not a big job but as you can see in the pics the disc shown has "R" marked on it and I fitted it on the right side of the car.

Correct me if I'm wrong but orientation (Left or Right) should be taken from sitting inside the car, this is how I fitted them. I will call the supplier tomorrow, If they are wrong (which I think they are) I will swap them over.

:

Bushbasher · 16-03-2007, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norton

Thanks for the advise guy's.....I don't mind swapping them if they are the wrong way around, not a big job but as you can see in the pics the disc shown has "R" marked on it and I fitted it on the right side of the car.

Correct me if I'm wrong but orientation (Left or Right) should be taken from sitting inside the car, this is how I fitted them. I will call the supplier tomorrow, If they are wrong (which I think they are) I will swap them over.

:

Norton I think you'll find that some bozo has marked the discs with a texta while standing in front of the car and whoever did it needs slapping because you're right in that they should be marked from facing forward in the car (left/passenger side - Right/drivers side) and your discs are definitely on back to front mate.

The same theory is true of directional tyres as well in that if you look at them from the front the tread pattern will tend to follow a V pattern of some kind not an inverted one. This is to sweep water to the outside of the tyre as the first part of the "V" that hits the road is the centre of the V and as the tyre rotates the water is squeezed away from the centre along the grooves in the tread. The groove on your disc should be doing the same thing only it's only half a V so the first part to hit the disc is closest to the centre then as the groove passes over the pad any water and debris is forced outwards away from the centre along the angle of the groove. Or try this, imagine the groove is a scraper blade, as it hits the disc pad it "scrapes" any dust/water/gasses to the outer edge of the disc and away.
Bushbasher

Norton · 16-03-2007, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bushbasher

Norton I think you'll find that some bozo has marked the discs with a texta while standing in front of the car and whoever did it needs slapping because you're right in that they should be marked from facing forward in the car (left/passenger side - Right/drivers side) and your discs are definitely on back to front mate.

The same theory is true of directional tyres as well in that if you look at them from the front the tread pattern will tend to follow a V pattern of some kind not an inverted one. This is to sweep water to the outside of the tyre as the first part of the "V" that hits the road is the centre of the V and as the tyre rotates the water is squeezed away from the centre along the grooves in the tread. The groove on your disc should be doing the same thing only it's only half a V so the first part to hit the disc is closest to the centre then as the groove passes over the pad any water and debris is forced outwards away from the centre along the angle of the groove. Or try this, imagine the groove is a scraper blade, as it hits the disc pad it "scrapes" any dust/water/gasses to the outer edge of the disc and away.
Bushbasher

Thanks Bushbasher, thought I was doing it right as per the markings on the discs (L&R).

I have an RDO today so it gives me somthing to do!! Back out to the shed for me.

By the way, the discs feel great, maybe having them on the right way will make them feel even better!

peterban · 08-04-2007, 04:49 PM

Hi Norton.
I have a few questions regarding your rotors!!!
How are the brakes going?
Did you ring up about Left and Right and which way they should be?
Did you swap them over and did it make any difference?
Are the pads creating much dust?

Regards
Peter

Norton · 08-04-2007, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterban

Hi Norton.
I have a few questions regarding your rotors!!!
How are the brakes going?
Did you ring up about Left and Right and which way they should be?
Did you swap them over and did it make any difference?
Are the pads creating much dust?

Regards
Peter

Hi Peter,

Never rang up regarding the incorrect markings on the rotors, just swapped them over.

They work well but have developed a bit of a shudder at 80km's plus (under light braking).

I will check out where this shudder has come from.......Not happy about it though.

I don't do many k's any more, I would say there is lucky to be 300k's done since the rotors were fitted.

Not alot of dust, none more then regular. If I can't see anything obvious regarding the shudder I will contact the supplier.

Let you know how I go.

JC · 08-04-2007, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norton

Hi Peter,

Never rang up regarding the incorrect markings on the rotors, just swapped them over.

They work well but have developed a bit of a shudder at 80km's plus (under light braking).

I will check out where this shudder has come from.......Not happy about it though.

I don't do many k's any more, I would say there is lucky to be 300k's done since the rotors were fitted.

Not alot of dust, none more then regular. If I can't see anything obvious regarding the shudder I will contact the supplier.

Let you know how I go.

Two things could be producing the shudder - old worn pads with new discs, or the discs themselves. Assuming you fitted new pads with the discs, I'd imagine that the shudder is a result of the high quality raw materials used to make these very well priced discs.

Your best bet would be to remove them (and put the old ones back on) and take them to a brake place for machining - cost should be around $60 to $70. If that doesn't fix them, throw them out (doubt you'd get a refund) and buy some decent ones - RDA (mid price), or DBA top of range in terms of price. I was thinking these were too good to be true!

Norton · 08-04-2007, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC

Two things could be producing the shudder - old worn pads with new discs, or the discs themselves. Assuming you fitted new pads with the discs, I'd imagine that the shudder is a result of the high quality raw materials used to make these very well priced discs.

Your best bet would be to remove them (and put the old ones back on) and take them to a brake place for machining - cost should be around $60 to $70. If that doesn't fix them, throw them out (doubt you'd get a refund) and buy some decent ones - RDA (mid price), or DBA top of range in terms of price. I was thinking these were too good to be true!

Worth a try JC!!

If these turn out to be crap I am more then willing to be the test case for other members.......

Not a large outlay wasted....

I will not go to the effort of machining the rotors, if they are rubbish I won't waste more money.

I have a Supercharger to pay for! Can't waste more money on being able to stop better!! lol

Careful everyone, there may be a set of high quality, slightly used slotted rotors for sale on e-bay soon!!! :evilsasmo :Up_to_som :Up_to_som :Up_to_som

peterban · 08-04-2007, 08:43 PM

Thanks for the info Norton.
A bit disappointing to hear about the shudder.
I am about to change my rotors as I get a bit of shudder slowing from 100 to 80 kph, so maybe give these a miss and go for the RDA slotted and dimpled.

I liked the idea of them being electroplated so they don't go rusty.

I would complain to the vendor as he states he has sold hundreds without a problem.

Norton · 08-04-2007, 08:53 PM

I would complain to the vendor as he states he has sold hundreds without a problem.[/QUOTE]

Don't worry, it will be followed up....

I am sure I will get another set, don't know about a refund though.

I will let you know how I go.

If I was you I would go the RDA's or DBA's.

TwistedEL · 08-04-2007, 10:17 PM

Glad you mentioned this because after you posted this thread originally I was going to get a set, I was just waiting for some $$

GK · 09-04-2007, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC

Two things could be producing the shudder - old worn pads with new discs, or the discs themselves. Assuming you fitted new pads with the discs, I'd imagine that the shudder is a result of the high quality raw materials used to make these very well priced discs.

Your best bet would be to remove them (and put the old ones back on) and take them to a brake place for machining - cost should be around $60 to $70. If that doesn't fix them, throw them out (doubt you'd get a refund) and buy some decent ones - RDA (mid price), or DBA top of range in terms of price. I was thinking these were too good to be true!

I put dba's and new Advance pads on the front of my wagon this time last year. They have been machined once (August) and are shuddering again. I think I'll be going rda's next time. The brake shop guy said that dba's are prone to warping.

Has anyone else had this experience? I have been pretty disappointed I must say. I will get new pads (not Bendix this time) when I replace the discs.

I could get them machined again, but every 8 months or so with not clocking up many kays it a bit rich IMO!

GK

NeishaXR8_347 · 09-04-2007, 10:02 AM

I have read somewhere that Brake shudder can be caused of incorrect tightening of the wheelnuts, when they are new they are, well should be perfect. If you tighten up one nut say 10nm more then another it can cause the disc to slightly go out of shape.
Even if its only out of shape 0.010" (strand of hair is 0.004") over time this will get worse and cause a shudder.

Same theory goes to people who tighten a flex plate with a rattle gun, it distorts the back flange on the crank and the rear main will leak almost certainly.

Shaun.