Brake Discs / Rotors

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Brake Discs: Explained

A brake disc or rotor is typically a cylindrical disc made of iron or carbon composite that is attached to the wheel hub of your car. The disc is gripped by the brake pads held by brake caliper. Since the first use of a brake disc in the 1951, it has become a common feature on modern cars. When pressing a brake pedal, hydraulic pressure is applied to the brake caliper which pinches the brake pads around a brake disc. The high friction between the pads and the brake disc works to bring the car to a smooth stop. Brake discs are designed to dissipate heat quicker than traditional brake drums. For high performance applications such as track days, performance discs and pads are essential upgrades over OEM brakes.

What are the different types of brake rotors?

Different disc brakes come with different designs, diameters, thicknesses, and materials. Brake discs come in a variety of different surfaces from plain, vented, drilled, grooved, slotted, or dimpled. Plain brake discs are the most common type, consisting of only a solid block of steel. They are heavy and thicker and not generally recommended for performance orientated vehicles. Vented discs come in two layers, with vent spaces built between them. These vanes connect the discs’ two contact surfaces creating space between the brake contact surfaces increasing airflow and surface area, allowing more heat dissipation. Drilled discs enable better surface-water circulation, better heat dissipation, noise, and mass reduction. The holes on the brake surface offer higher initial response, and reduce overall weight. Grooved discs have diagonal lines cut onto them to allow venting of brake pad gases. The lines also prevent glazing of the pad. Dimpled discs are known for their ‘debris clearing’ functionality. The dimples also help to reduce weight.

How brake discs improve your car

Every time you hit the brakes, you send high amounts of energy into your brake pads. The efficiency of your brakes depends on the efficiency of brake discs and pads. If your braking is smooth and your brake discs and pads are high quality, you have will have a better performing braking system

How do I choose the best brake disc for my car?

There is a significant difference in braking performance from cheap aftermarket disc brakes to high performance branded ones such as Brembo or AP Racing. There is a wide selection of brake discs available on our site. To choose the best one for your car, you should consider things like intended use. EBC, for example, offer different brake pads for intended use from street, occasional track day, to full-on track pads.

Frequently Asked Questions about Brake Discs / Rotors

Are performance brakes worth the cost?

Performance Brakes: Worth the Cost? Whether performance brakes are worth the cost depends on your driving needs and habits. Here are some key points to consider:

  • Enhanced Safety: Performance brakes provide better stopping power, which is crucial for high-speed driving and emergency situations.
  • Improved Heat Dissipation: They are designed to dissipate heat more effectively, reducing brake fade during prolonged use, such as on track days or aggressive driving.
  • Increased Durability: Often made from higher quality materials, performance brakes tend to last longer than standard brakes, providing better long-term value.
  • Better Pedal Feel: Offers a more responsive and consistent pedal feel, improving overall driving experience and control.
  • Resale Value: Vehicles equipped with performance brakes may have a higher resale value due to the premium equipment.
Considerations:
  • The initial cost of performance brakes is typically higher than standard brakes.
  • They may be noisier due to the use of more aggressive pad materials.
  • Installation might require professional expertise, adding to the overall cost.
  • Ensure compatibility with your vehicle and driving conditions.

What does a bigger brake master cylinder do?

A bigger brake master cylinder increases the volume of brake fluid that can be pushed through the braking system. This can lead to several benefits:

  • Improved Brake Response: A larger cylinder can provide a quicker response when the brake pedal is pressed.
  • Increased Brake Force: It can generate more hydraulic pressure, enhancing the overall braking force applied to the wheels.
  • Better Performance with Larger Brakes: If larger brake calipers or rotors are installed, a bigger master cylinder can help maintain optimal performance.
  • Reduced Pedal Travel: It can decrease the distance the brake pedal needs to be pressed to achieve effective braking.

What does a brake master cylinder do?

The brake master cylinder is a crucial component of a vehicle's braking system. Its primary functions include:

  • Fluid Pressure Generation: It converts the force applied to the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure.
  • Brake Fluid Distribution: It distributes brake fluid to the brake calipers or wheel cylinders at each wheel.
  • System Monitoring: It often includes a reservoir to maintain the brake fluid level and may have a warning system for low fluid levels.
  • Dual Circuit Design: Many master cylinders have a dual circuit design for safety, ensuring that if one circuit fails, the other can still function.

What is the best material for brake lines?

The best materials for brake lines are:

  • Stainless Steel: Highly resistant to corrosion and offers excellent durability. Ideal for high-performance vehicles.
  • Copper-Nickel Alloy: Combines the benefits of copper and nickel, providing good corrosion resistance and flexibility.
  • Rubber: Commonly used for flexible brake lines, it offers good flexibility but may degrade over time due to heat and exposure to brake fluid.
  • PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene): Known for its chemical resistance and low friction, often used in high-performance applications.

How often should I change brake fluid?

It is generally recommended to change brake fluid every 2 years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, this can vary based on the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines and driving conditions.

  • Check the owner's manual for specific recommendations.
  • Inspect brake fluid regularly for contamination or moisture.
  • Consider changing brake fluid more frequently if driving in harsh conditions.

What is a brake duct?

A brake duct is a component used in vehicles to enhance the cooling of the brake system. It directs airflow towards the brake components, helping to dissipate heat generated during braking. Key functions of brake ducts include:

  • Improving brake performance by maintaining optimal temperatures.
  • Reducing the risk of brake fade, which can occur when brakes overheat.
  • Extending the lifespan of brake components by preventing excessive heat buildup.
Brake ducts are commonly found in high-performance and racing vehicles, but they can also be beneficial in regular road cars, especially in demanding driving conditions.

Does anti-roll bar affect steering?

Yes, an anti-roll bar can affect steering. It plays a crucial role in maintaining vehicle stability during cornering, which indirectly influences steering response. Effects of an anti-roll bar on steering include:

  • Improved Handling: By reducing body roll, the anti-roll bar helps keep the tyres in better contact with the road, enhancing grip and steering precision.
  • Steering Feedback: A stiffer anti-roll bar can provide more direct feedback to the driver, making the steering feel more responsive.
  • Understeer/Oversteer Balance: The design and stiffness of the anti-roll bar can influence the balance of the vehicle, potentially leading to understeer or oversteer, which affects steering behaviour.

Is an anti-roll bar necessary?

An anti-roll bar, also known as a sway bar, is not strictly necessary for a vehicle to operate, but it plays a significant role in enhancing handling and stability. Benefits of an anti-roll bar include:

  • Improved Handling: It reduces body roll during cornering, allowing for better control.
  • Increased Stability: It helps maintain a level stance, improving traction and grip.
  • Enhanced Safety: By minimising roll, it can prevent loss of control in sharp turns.
While some vehicles may perform adequately without one, especially in everyday driving conditions, an anti-roll bar is particularly beneficial for performance-oriented cars or those frequently driven in challenging conditions.

How do anti-roll bars affect handling?

Anti-roll bars, also known as sway bars, play a crucial role in a vehicle's handling by reducing body roll during cornering. They connect the left and right sides of the suspension, helping to distribute weight more evenly across the vehicle. Effects on Handling:

  • Improved Stability: Anti-roll bars enhance stability by limiting the amount of body lean, allowing for better control during turns.
  • Increased Grip: By reducing body roll, they help maintain tyre contact with the road, improving grip and traction.
  • Enhanced Cornering Performance: They allow for sharper and more responsive cornering, making the vehicle feel more agile.
  • Reduced Understeer/Oversteer: Adjusting the stiffness of anti-roll bars can help balance the handling characteristics, reducing tendencies towards understeer or oversteer.

Is an anti-roll bar necessary?

An anti-roll bar, also known as a sway bar, is not strictly necessary for a vehicle to function, but it plays a significant role in enhancing handling and stability. Benefits of an anti-roll bar include:

  • Improved Handling: It reduces body roll during cornering, allowing for better control.
  • Increased Stability: It helps maintain a level stance, improving traction and grip.
  • Enhanced Safety: By minimising roll, it can prevent loss of control in sharp turns.
While some vehicles may perform adequately without one, especially in everyday driving conditions, performance-oriented cars typically benefit from having an anti-roll bar for optimal handling characteristics.

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