Rotors

[DezertPhox]

Does anyone know how long break rotors normally last? I have a 2003 ZO6 and have 13,700 miles on it. I just went to have an oil change and they noticed that it's has "spidery" cracks on both front and rear break rotors?

Most of the time, I drive it regularly. There were only a couple of times that I slammed it just to see how fast it can stop. Are my rotors defective?

...appreciate it if somone can give me some insights. Thanks.

 

[jcs712]

Does anyone know how long break rotors normally last? I have a 2003 ZO6 and have 13,700 miles on it. I just went to have an oil change and they noticed that it's has "spidery" cracks on both front and rear break rotors?

Most of the time, I drive it regularly. There were only a couple of times that I slammed it just to see how fast it can stop. Are my rotors defective?

...appreciate it if somone can give me some insights. Thanks.

I all depends on how you drive. That said, typical rotors should last much longer than 13.7K mi. Unless you have abused them with AutoX or track time, most rotors are going to last at least 50K or more. If you see spider cracks in the surface, you need to replace them. I doubt turning the rotors down will fix the issue but you might check with someone.

Good time to upgrade. I have a set of the Sportbrake crossdrilled and slotted on mine. No issues. I also hear NAPA has a nice set of rotors for the C5 that are much less expensive than GM replacements. A lot of the track guys swear by them since they are always changing rotors and pads. Good luck with it.

 

[DezertPhox]

I all depends on how you drive. That said, typical rotors should last much longer than 13.7K mi. Unless you have abused them with AutoX or track time, most rotors are going to last at least 50K or more. If you see spider cracks in the surface, you need to replace them. I doubt turning the rotors down will fix the issue but you might check with someone.

Good time to upgrade. I have a set of the Sportbrake crossdrilled and slotted on mine. No issues. I also hear NAPA has a nice set of rotors for the C5 that are much less expensive than GM replacements. A lot of the track guys swear by them since they are always changing rotors and pads. Good luck with it.

I have never done AutoX on my Z. Do you think this might be a factory part defect?

 

[gmjunkie]

I have never done AutoX on my Z. Do you think this might be a factory part defect?

My Z-51 has 40,000 on it and I just checked the brakes,it still has over 1/2 the pads left and the rotors are smooth!! Steve Martins 03 Convertible is here with 46,000 miles and he has plenty of brake left and the rotors are smooth too!!! If yours have spider cracks they have been Very,Very Hot!!! And need to be replaced, You'll never safely get them out!!!!!!!

 

[Victory Red C6]

I have 106,500 miles on my 2000 Monte Carlo SS, still has the factory original rotors and brake pads on all 4 wheels. I know it is not a Vette. It all depends on driving habits and style.

Only have 9,000 miles on the C6 so I should be good for a long time with the original brakes.

 

[Hib Halverson]

Little tiny, "spidery" surface cracks on the rotors are not a problem.

 

[DezertPhox]

So...do I keep on driving it or should I replace them? I don't mind replacing them at all. It's just that if the break rotors are still ok and can last thousands of miles...then who in their right mind would spend money for new ones.

The auto mechanics at the Chevy Dealership adviced me to replace them because of the "spidery" cracks.

I'm currently researching of where to buy the rotors and pads. I'm thinking of crossdrilled rotors and ceramic pads. Any suggestions?

Sorry for the many queries I have. ALOHA!

 

[VETTEX2]

crossdrilled crack under hard use

 

[jcs712]

I have never done AutoX on my Z. Do you think this might be a factory part defect?

Note sure about part defect. If you still have the car under warranty, it certainly does not hurt to ask but the likelyhood collecting on hard use parts like brake rotors is next to zero. Give it a shot. I know that brakes are the primary saftey feature on your car. Why chance it. If mine were showing cracks, I would not wait to replace them.

If you use your C5 for street and do not track it, the cross drilled and slotted are nice and add to the appearance. I have had a set of the Sportbrake cross drilled and slotted on my car for about 1.5 years now and no issues. I really like the way they look. Note, the new C6s come with cross drilled rotors.

The down side to cross drilled is that they can crack under sever track use. For everyday street use, it should not be an issue. Good luck with it.

 

[JOHN BUSH]

Is it possible to put on the same size rotors on all wheels?

 

[Victory Red C6]

Is it possible to put on the same size rotors on all wheels?

Anything is possible, it just takes two things..... Time and Money

 

[jrose7004]

I had about 35,000 miles on my 98 when I put these on it www.sportbrakes.com

 

[bwing]

I don't know how true this is but I read where slotted rotors are better than cross drilled mainly because slotted rotors remove less rotor material. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

Does anyone know how long break rotors normally last? I have a 2003 ZO6 and have 13,700 miles on it. I just went to have an oil change and they noticed that it's has "spidery" cracks on both front and rear break rotors?

Most of the time, I drive it regularly. There were only a couple of times that I slammed it just to see how fast it can stop. Are my rotors defective?

...appreciate it if somone can give me some insights. Thanks.

I had the same exact problem with the spider cracks. I exchanged them for some inexpensive crossdrilled ones from ecklers for $400-$500 and they have held up extremely well without any problems whatsoever. These need the hubs sprayed with high temp. paint to avoid any rusting. The 06 Z51 Vettes have the same problem with the rusting on the hubs. The brake pads keep the rotor surface clean. I used 900 degree black paint on the hubs, and they look awesome. http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?pf_id=41597&dept_id=1087

 

[Gorgon]

Keep in mind that if you plan to do anything that requires extreme use of your brakes (i.e., track events) that cross drilled rotors will crack under this type of use. Solid rotors will give you the best performance and dissipate the most amount of heat.

Leon

 

[dennym]

The Rotor thing ...

Not much of a poster here ... Live at Z06Vette.com and the Autocross and Roadracing sub-forum at CF.
Spider cracks are the usual outcome of hard use. Not a concern until you see the cracks reach the edge ... then replace the rotors.
I went from stock Z06 pads to Hawk HP+ pads for autox & track use ... they were harder on rotors ... started to show a groove and spider checks. May of this year I replaced rotors and went to CarboTech XP10/8 combo pads for track, while keeping HP+ for autox. My rotors now look as bad as the ones I took off ... and I'll probably keep these on until the cracks get to the edge.

For hard use, solids or slotted work. Drilled rotors crack thru the holes.
An option for C5's that stay off the track is to get C6Z51 brackets and rotors ... D&S ... you can get "hats" from Eklers to cover the hub area.

Don't bother turning rotors.
Solid rotors can be had from NAPA or RockAuto ... about $28 bux now ... and they're all made in China now hnoes

You can mount front rotors and calipers on the rear ... if you wish.