After market brake rotor question

[clevelandmike]

Approaching 30,000 miles on my '02.Thinking about replacing the original rotors (some crticize for being too thin) with after market
slotted/drilled rotors and also adding cleaner running ceramic pads. Are the aftermarket rotors better? Cost? Suppliers?

[MX-5]

Aftermarket rotors will not be any thicker than the OEM, but the metalurgy can be much better.
The OEM rotors are made in Mexico, while cheapo replacements are Chinese.
The Canadian top-shelf rotors are all I use.
I've installed several dozen PT rotors fromm NAPA. The AE-86955 @ $56.00 each is my choice.

[irelandmoss]

I have not used them, but i hear that drilled rotors are
good for romoving heat. Slotted rotors "slice" your brakes
away. I believe using the slotted rotors, you will see that
you are going through brake pads quicker.

[quicksilverdon]

quote:Originally posted by MX-5

Aftermarket rotors will not be any thicker than the OEM, but the metalurgy can be much better.
The OEM rotors are made in Mexico, while cheapo replacements are Chinese.
The Canadian top-shelf rotors are all I use.
I've installed several dozen PT rotors fromm NAPA. The AE-86955 @ $56.00 each is my choice.

Thicker rotors would mean new calipers (or thinner pads!).
Do the NAPA ones get surface rust just as fast? I notice that my daughter's Mazda w/4-wheel discs doesn't rust up. [:I]

[MX-5]

Don't know about rotor rust.
All my brake jobs get the rotors coated with a pre-installation treatment called Squeak-Relief(tm). This coating is silver metallic colored and does not promote surface rust.
Remember, all new rotors MUST be washed and cleaned of shipping oils prior to installation.

This coating, along with proper break-in and quality parts is the answer to quiet braking.

[Jimbo]

What is the proper break in of new rotors and what do you use to clean the new rotors??

[MX-5]

Soap and water is the ONLY recommended prep for new rotors.
Brake cleaner is used by many others, but is NOT the best method.

Make 10 stops from 35-40mph to zero with moderate braking pressure.
You will get a distinct smell of hot brakes in only 10 moderate stops. This seats the pads and rotors.

These instructions can be found directly from the brake manufacurers. It's not just an opinion, it's the printed method from the makes.