happy1977

Has anyone replaced their OEM with a quality rotor like this? Anyone have any recommendations for aftermarket quality rotors? I've done some searching and have a few candidates but wanna hear from anyone here first.

Clutchless

I have used them and they do last longer. Slotted does make a bit more noise and some think it shortens pad life. If they have non-slotted cryo treated that would be better for an RX. Advics,and Centric make good rotors. The Raybestos Advanced Technology Rotor is also well made.
Advics is a Toyota OEM supplier. Look at Rock Auto too. Also look in the brake sticky thread at the top.
What pads are you considering?

I was thinking about the Power Stop Z16 pads for my RX. I see Tire Rack does not sell them, only their rotors.

happy1977

I'm just planning on stock pads coz of the free lifetime pads. I had mild warping last year and it was machined so I'm just getting ready to find a better than OEM parts. Might need to do more research.

Clutchless

The OEM rotors are supposed to be very high quality with little warping. How many miles are on your RX? Often what is said to be warping is just pad deposits on the rotor that can be removed by machining, or sanding it yourself or sometimes a few hard stops from high speed followed by some more driving to cool down.

cquence

Clutchless hits the nail on the head about the "warping" or vibration issue during braking. Here is an article on the matter:
http://www.cquence.net/blog/brake-disc-warping/
Hope that shines some light on choosing your next brake pads and just to note, the OEM pads are ceramic.

happy1977

Thanks for the info. I'm at 41K now and I'm a really bad braker, I speed and then I press on it hard, do fast curves with braking to control the turning. I drive it like a coupe. All these in the last 4.5 years. I'm basically an abusive driver, if that's the word to use.

I've mellowed out now though.

happy1977

Thanks for the physics input. Never thought of it that way but it makes sense and I love physics. Not sure if I'll be able to post a feedback on this as I have to take notes on my driving to make an objective report on how the rotors respond to different braking pressure.

I'm always tired after work and I always 'spirited' my way out of there each day. LOL.

happy1977

Haven't replaced them yet, I'm at 41000mi. I'm just doing a research in advance so I know what to buy when that time comes.

fastnoypi

I had cryo-treated rotors on my Subaru before..honestly i'm not sure they were worth the premium.
Since then on my other cars i've used Centric premium rotors. They come with a zinc plating like OEM to prevent rust at the hats. The secret to longevity if the rotor is a good grade of iron is the initial bed-in procedure. Its all about an even transfer of the pad material to your rotor.

I've also had some successes with Napa branded rotors but generic rotors can be somewhat of a gamble for durability as i've seen with folks i've met active in the autocross circuit. However pad selection and hardness also adds to the wear duration.
Note that rotors are cast iron and it depends on the foundary to where they may have been poured, impurity content, etc..