Anyone have luck with aftermarket brake rotors that are better than OEM?

Typically I would stick with OEM parts when repairing, but I'm not impressed with the stock rotors. Started getting the brake pulse around 30k, and now at 38k they are dangerous.

Use to be you could just run down to the auto parts store and get the rotors cut for $5 a piece, but no one does that anymore. If stock is the only choice, Ill just have to find a garage that will cut them for me. Id prefer not to have to buy new oems just to have them do this in a short amount of time. Id prefer to go with an aftermarket better quality rotor, or better quality drilled rotor.

Ive personally had good experiences with drilled rotors in the past. Better braking and no pulsing with mileage.

Those that have changed rotors, what do you have and what has been your experience with them?

 

Drilled rotors are not a good choice. The drilling gives places for stress cracks to start in the rotor. Dimpled and slotted is a much better design.

@Rock Lobster has some nice ones, I think they are EBC.

 

Your right about the drilled taking away strength. Slotted is a better choice.

Thanks, I'll definitely check them out.

 

Spec Miata racers typically use NAPA rotors. They work fine in pretty stressful conditions.

On the topic of 'warpage', you might find this interesting

http://www.stoptech.com/technical-support/technical-white-papers/-warped-brake-disc-and-other-myths

Proper bedding of new braking material is one of the keys to avoiding this condition. Unfortunately, no one ever teaches the buyer of a new vehicle how to do this. But if you do your own brake work, or compete in some form of motorsport, you are typically aware of the process.

 

I've gotten 50 - 60K out of NAPA rotors and pads. Pads are finally wearing down and I'm getting some braking shudder, so I think it's time to R&R. My local NAPA turns rotors for $15 a piece.

 

I went with StopTech Cryo Slotted Rotors, Powerstop Z36 Pads, and Crown Performance SS Brake Lines. No complaints.

 

Mine too. For the Miata it wasn't worth it though, because a new rotor was under $25. Dunno how much Tacoma rotors run though..........

 

Thanks for the info guys

 

I installed ones from auto zone on my 86 Toyota pick up years ago with no issues .

 

I had the EBC stage 5 kit with @OCTaco stainless brake lines and the truck stopped quick. Great combo and would recommend it. I went with the yellow stuff pads - lots of brake dust but it depends on your color of wheels as to how much you'll notice.

 

I went with brakeperformance.com . Machined in USA and lifetime warranty. I had them on my last car and NEVER had a problem. You can even get them coated in Zinc to prevent rusting.

Plus they are running a 25% discount right now with code: NOV99

 

I got prostop platinum from pepboys no problem what so ever very happy and reliable off road too

 

That's a lot of recommendations. Thanks

Before the tacoma was called a tacoma, it was simply called a toyota pickup.
I went into auto zone and was trying to find a part for it. The guy asked what the vehicle was. I said toyota pickup. He said, what kind of pickup. I said, it's called a pickup. He said, but what kind of pickup. I said again, its called a toyota pickup. Then I got that look. Lol

 

Good ones are about $60 + each.

 

Right now my Truck has about 75,000 miles on Toyota Rotors and Pads

No real problems .

Some people can get a pulse from having the lug nuts not tightened even .

Go spend money Replacing Pads and Rotors to still get the same issue.

 

Mine are certainly not loose. I personally rotate my own tires and use a torque wrench when tightening.

 

Like anything else anything metal can be different from one lot to the next very well could be a few lots of rotors around that just are not up to specs.

Then driving style has a lot of bearing on rotors warping .


Thermal cycling will get the best of metals .

Nothing like hot brakes and hitting a cold puddle.

People are different as well some will notice the smallest pulse of the pedal while others the whole truck shakes when the brakes are applied and they just never notice.

Best of luck getting rid of your issue.

 

I have bought many, many brands of rotors...and historically, I ended up with the house brand from the local auto parts store since that what was in stock that day. I started working as a full time fleet mechanic in 1980, now back to shade tree. I lost count 30 years ago on the number of brake jobs I have done...and this summer it has been only three, but that would be 12 rotors, six sets of pads, one set of parking brake shoes, a caliper and almost a gallon of brake fluid.

Since Rock Auto, it has been much easier to order Wagner and Raybestos pads, shoes, drums and rotors and now those have become my vendors of choice, Wagner then Raybestos. I really like the Wagner Severe Duty pads and they are available for the tacomas. This summer, I decided to try a set of Centrics slotted and drilled rotors and pads on my wife's Subaru WRX. The rotors lasted 31 days before warping, just out of warranty. They got replaced with a set of Wagners, dropped shopped by Federal Mogul right out of the factory warehouse.

Howard