Noob question about aftermarket rotors

[Turok]

Hey,

So this is a noob question about aftermarket rotors.. I know stock rotors wear over time, for me this time was 3 yrs (this year) and according to mazda I'm due for new rotors and front brake pads.

My question is:

1# Is 3 yrs normal for rotors? I guess it depends on how hard you drive the car really? I assume.. I drive mine moderate to aggressive.. I would say.

2 # Do aftermarket rotors last longer than lets say 3 yrs? Do they last for 5 yrs or longer?

I'm just curious.. because if I do get aftermarket rotors I'd hope they would last longer than 3 yrs.. and I know the pads will have to be replaced every 2-4 yrs depending on how the car is driven obviously.

[WeatherB]

Three years has no meaning... It's all about the KMs you put on the car.

How many KMs have you put on the car?

[Fobio]

is he the guy that bought speedy2008's ride?

[Speedy2008]

is he the guy that bought speedy2008's ride?

Nope, I had a '08 and it was in immaculate condition (23,500kms). No replacements or any sort were required on it. I even took it to Street Performance 1 month before I sold it for brake service. They actually told me the car didn't need any service because it was like new. I sold my car to a guy from Windsor. He was buying it for his wife since he is currently driving a Red Speed 6.

[Turok]

Three years has no meaning... It's all about the KMs you put on the car.

How many KMs have you put on the car?

56,000 KM on the car. I put about 18,000 km on the car a year.. the car is a 2007


Fabio - If that question was to me, no I'm not the guy who bought speedy2008's car.

[condor888000]

56K seems about right for a pad replacement. Can't expect any longer than stock for aftermarket rotors. You could have the stocks machined provided they are still thick enough to allow it. But rotors are a wear item. However, you don't need to blow a lot of cash on rotors. Even the cheapest rotor will do the job fine.

[alhope34]

I'll be hitting 85,000kms soon and going to be replacing my front pads for the first time in a couple weeks. I got the Hawk HPS pads. I'm re-using the original rotors with no resurfacing. I'll be doing a bed-in process to match the pads to the rotors. As long as your rotors are still good and aren't warped (brake pedal isn't vibrating when you press on it) then you don't REALLY need new rotors. Dealerships just like to sell everything they can to everyone they can. My rear pads are still original and still have about 1/2 of their life left on them.

[Turok]

Ya the dealership suggests I replace the front rotors and pads... I don't feel any vibration when I brake..

Is there anyway to tell if I really do need new rotors? just in case?

Also another question , is it ok to put 2 different types of pads on the fronts and rears? e.g: Hawk PC's on the front and HPS on the rear?

The PC seem to produce less brake dust.. which I'm all for.. since I find the stock pads just produce so much brake dust.

[Addison]

Having different pads in the front and back doesn't really make a big deal. I would be astounded if your rear pads are wearing as fast as your fronts. Don't replace them unless you: a. Need to. b. Have the extra cash.

They may have suggested you change your rotors as well before you're under the "throw away" thickness. On our cars the discard thickness is .91 inches. Anything less than that and they're going to recommend you change them... which may be a good idea.

A thin rotor doesn't dissipate heat the same one a thicker one does. Which means if you go and put something like a HAWK pad on, which produce a lot more heat, you can end up warping that rotor.

I work for NAPA, so I've sold my share of this stuff. Unless the rotors are under a year old... I would highly recommend you change them too.

Good luck to you!

[Default User]

New aftermarket OE-style blanks are about $25-40 each. Pennies for peace of mind

[alhope34]

Is that for the regular Mazda 3? Cause our front rotors are much larger diameter and much thicker. Rears are identical.