Rotors OEM or another brand?
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Quantum501 (05-19-23)
05-18-23 | 06:34 PM
#62
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Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 630
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From: PA
I have changed and done plenty of brakes on various different vehicles. I changed our old 2004 RX330 rotors and pads to the R1 Concepts cross drilled/slotted pads and rotors on the fronts, partly for looks and also loved them on my former 09 XB. That thing stopped on a dime. For our 18 RX350L, I’m needing to change the front brakes. I ordered stoptech pads from tire rack, but I inspected the front rotors and they probably could use being replaced, I don’t know if they’ve been replaced, we bought the car used and it now has nearly 70k miles on it. Searching back on tire rack the only rotors they list are the centric plain. But I noticed if you search same year highlander they have some more options. After extensive research, no the Highlander rotors won’t fit. Surprisingly, the rotors from an Avalon, and Camry 2018-2020ish are the same as the RX350L. Considering the weight of the RX should be more than either of those, I’m a bit amazed. But now if you search tire rack or other sites and want aftermarket rotors you can find them in the 2018 and up Avalon/Camry search and maybe find something other than OEM, and still
have great quality rotors for less.
have great quality rotors for less.
05-18-23 | 07:12 PM
#63
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From: PA
Call me stupid, but is there such a thing as stainless steel rotors? Somebody out there should know. I am not a mechanical engineer but maybe it would be cost prohibitive. Help me out here.
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Buck6197 (07-04-23)
05-19-23 | 05:43 AM
#64
Racer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,801
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From: New York
I've never heard of SS rotors and I'm no engineer either, but I would guess that metal might not conduct heat as much?
05-19-23 | 06:59 AM
#65
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From: WV
Car brake rotors are not typically made from stainless steel for several reasons:
Cost: Stainless steel is more expensive than the materials commonly used for brake rotors, such as cast iron or composite materials. Car manufacturers aim to strike a balance between performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness, and stainless steel rotors would significantly increase the manufacturing cost of vehicles.
Thermal Conductivity: Stainless steel has lower thermal conductivity compared to cast iron, which is a popular material for brake rotors. During braking, the friction between the brake pads and rotors generates heat. Cast iron's higher thermal conductivity allows it to dissipate heat more efficiently, preventing brake fade and ensuring consistent braking performance.
Wear Resistance: Brake rotors must withstand intense friction and wear. Cast iron offers excellent wear resistance properties, making it suitable for prolonged use in braking systems. Stainless steel, while corrosion-resistant, may not provide the same level of wear resistance as cast iron, leading to accelerated rotor wear and reduced longevity.
Performance Considerations: Brake rotors need to meet specific performance requirements, such as weight, heat dissipation, and thermal expansion. Different rotor materials offer varying performance characteristics. Cast iron, for example, can handle high temperatures without significant deformation, making it suitable for heavy-duty braking applications.
Brake Noise: Brake rotors can generate noise during operation due to factors like vibration and uneven contact with the brake pads. Cast iron rotors have been extensively studied and optimized for noise reduction, whereas the acoustic properties of stainless steel may not be as well-suited for brake applications.
While stainless steel is used in some specialized applications, such as performance or racing vehicles, where specific performance criteria and cost considerations may differ, the majority of passenger cars and commercial vehicles utilize cast iron or other materials for brake rotors due to their favorable combination of performance, durability, and cost.
Bing and Bard came up with similar responses.
05-19-23 | 08:04 PM
#66
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From: PA
It sounds like Bamalam knows all about rotors and that is a good thing. So, cast iron is the way to go but is there a difference between brands? We want to know if spending top dollar for rotors gets us better quality. I don't mind putting out the cash if I know it is a top of the line product. How much difference can there be between this piece of cast iron and that piece of cast iron? Maybe the way it is smelted?
07-03-23 | 09:41 PM
#68
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
From: AB
My 2016 has 60K on the clock and when I brake I'm feeling vibration.
Changed my brakes at 50K miles and rotors were ok. So now I need to decide to resurface rotors or buy new ones.
For those who replaced rotors - did you go with OEM or another brand? If other brand - who did you go with?
Thanks
Changed my brakes at 50K miles and rotors were ok. So now I need to decide to resurface rotors or buy new ones.
For those who replaced rotors - did you go with OEM or another brand? If other brand - who did you go with?
Thanks
I was looking to replace all rotors and pads with EBC but also heard brake dust could be a major issue with them.
07-04-23 | 03:58 AM
#69
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From: PA
All 4 rotors on my car went back and had to be machined when the car is only 2 years old at 8000 miles. Brakes felt weak even since dealership machined them, worse in winter almost feels like the each wheel has different braking powers causing unnecessary abs engagement driving on snow.
I was looking to replace all rotors and pads with EBC but also heard brake dust could be a major issue with them.
I was looking to replace all rotors and pads with EBC but also heard brake dust could be a major issue with them.
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ravenuer (07-04-23)
05-08-24 | 11:03 AM
#70
10th Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 11
Likes: 2
From: Maryland
Rotor Recommendation for 4th. Gen RX
Hello,
2017 RX350, 110K miles, AWD
Would you kindly recommend a brand of inexpensive front rotors for my RX?.
I do not drive hard and at the moment, am a bit strapped.
I've got read mixed reviews regarding brands from Amazon or Advance Auto.
The brands I've tried warped within a year.
Thank you.
2017 RX350, 110K miles, AWD
Would you kindly recommend a brand of inexpensive front rotors for my RX?.
I do not drive hard and at the moment, am a bit strapped.
I've got read mixed reviews regarding brands from Amazon or Advance Auto.
The brands I've tried warped within a year.
Thank you.
05-08-24 | 11:29 AM
#71
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Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 653
Likes: 480
From: CT
Hello,
2017 RX350, 110K miles, AWD
Would you kindly recommend a brand of inexpensive front rotors for my RX?.
I do not drive hard and at the moment, am a bit strapped.
I've got read mixed reviews regarding brands from Amazon or Advance Auto.
The brands I've tried warped within a year.
Thank you.
2017 RX350, 110K miles, AWD
Would you kindly recommend a brand of inexpensive front rotors for my RX?.
I do not drive hard and at the moment, am a bit strapped.
I've got read mixed reviews regarding brands from Amazon or Advance Auto.
The brands I've tried warped within a year.
Thank you.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/lexus
05-09-24 | 06:40 PM
#73
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 6
Likes: 2
From: Wisconsin
Hello,
2017 RX350, 110K miles, AWD
Would you kindly recommend a brand of inexpensive front rotors for my RX?.
I do not drive hard and at the moment, am a bit strapped.
I've got read mixed reviews regarding brands from Amazon or Advance Auto.
The brands I've tried warped within a year.
Thank you.
2017 RX350, 110K miles, AWD
Would you kindly recommend a brand of inexpensive front rotors for my RX?.
I do not drive hard and at the moment, am a bit strapped.
I've got read mixed reviews regarding brands from Amazon or Advance Auto.
The brands I've tried warped within a year.
Thank you.
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