Jul 1, 2009

Cheesy Brake Rotors Could Kill

If you’re going to save money in these tough economic times, don’t do it by skimping on your brakes. Sadly, some people seem to be doing just that. A leading brake component manufacturer has recently discovered a serious potential brake safety concern regarding the replacement and use of imported brake rotors that are significantly different from the original equipment (OE) rotors they replace. These differences can be deadly.

According to Affinia Global Brake & Chassis, the maker of Raybestos brake parts and other brands, the replacement rotors deviate widely in thickness, air gaps and vane configurations. Because the variances result in a significant reduction in the effective thermal mass of the rotors, the lightweight rotors run hotter, and often the brake systems cannot absorb and dissipate that heat properly. Therefore the heat creates thermal stress and strain, causing cracks in the rotor, and these cracks lead tolonger stopping distances and potential wheel lockup, among other things. The excess heat is also transferred to the brake pads, caliper pistons and brake fluid, and it can cause premature wear of these components. Ultimately, left unrepaired, these thermal stresses lead to brake system failures.

If you have had a brake rotor replacement in the last year and have encountered an early brake rotor failure such as a cracked or separated disc brake rotor, you should return to the repair facility where your vehicle was serviced and request a brake system inspection. After the vehicle inspection, if the repair facility determines there are cracks in the rotor, have the technician document the incident, including vehicle year, make and model; the involved component (i.e., brake rotor); date of original brake rotor replacement; and mileage at time of replacement. Evidence of a defect or nonconforming product should also be registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Defect Investigation at 888-327-4236.

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