How Much Do Rotors Weigh?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A typical front disc rotor on a large sedan is approximately 300mm (12in) in diameter and weighs around

9.5kg (21 lbs)

.

How much can you get for old brake rotors?

The brake rotors get recycled, and you get some spare cash. If you don’t live close to a scrapyard, you may wonder if the trip will be worth it, but there is no way to know how much you can get without calling the scrapyard for details. You can expect to get somewhere

around $2 per rotor

, but this can vary widely.

Are rotors worth turning?


Typically you want to have your rotors turned every other brake change

. This ensures that they remain free of debris and do not warp. Regular brake wear and hot spots can often cause your rotors to become warped and having them turned will ensure that they last as long as possible before having to be replaced.

What are the lightest brake rotors?

Spanish company Alpha has done just that, putting its motorcycle expertise into a cycling product for the first time. The result is a

one-piece 6-bolt 140mm rotor

that weighs a claimed 32g. Not only are they exceptionally light, but the company also makes claims for improved braking performance in the dry and wet.

Are heavier brake rotors better?


The larger rotors not only provide more power but they also put less strain on your forearms and shoulders

since you don’t need to pull the brakes as hard, keeping you fresher for longer and allowing you to ride more actively.

Do lighter rotors make a difference?

Simply changing your brake rotors will not magically increase your engine’s power output. But

it will free up power that was once lost in transfer to the ground

. If you’ve ever replaced a 25 lb cast wheel with a 18 lb forged wheel you’ll know just how much of a difference unsprung weight can make.

What are rotors made of?


Most commonly, brake rotors are made of Iron

. There are some exceptions though. For example, there are some very high-tech rotor materials that are beginning to become more prevalent such as carbon fiber, ceramic, and the like.

What do you do with worn rotors?

Call your local waste management company to see what their policy is for asbestos waste. As for what to do with old brake rotors, you can

toss them out or recycle them

. You can also throw away old calipers, but be sure to drain the brake fluid out of them first.

Is it OK to put new brake pads on old rotors?

When a set of pads is worn out and need to be replaced,

it is perfectly ok to install a new set of pads on the old rotors

. The fact that a layer from the old pads has “contaminated” the surface of the rotor means little once the new pads are bed in.

Does O’Reilly turn rotors?

Drum & Rotor Resurfacing


Most O’Reilly Auto Parts locations can resurface your vehicle’s drums and rotors if they measure within specs and aren’t showing signs of extreme wear

. Surface finish is crucial to proper vehicle braking and pad life and should always be part of a complete brake job.

How long do rotors last on average?

Under normal driving conditions, rotors should last

30,000 to 70,000 miles or longer

. But rotor type or design, along with city or aggressive driving (where brakes are applied harder and more often, generating excessive heat), cause rotors to wear differently.

What is the lightest CenterLock rotor?

AbsoluteBlack has introduced what they claim is the lightest CenterLock rotor in the world. The

Raven SL

uses FEA analysis, extensive heat treatment and a two-piece design to tip the scales at just 95g for a 160mm rotor. By comparison, Shimano’s IceTech XTR’s 160 comes in at a claimed 160g.

What is the lightest MTB rotor?


Ashima Ai2

The World’s Lightest Disc Brake Rotor 160 180mm Black Red Blue Gold White Silver.

What are the lightest disc brakes?

The record for the lightest disc brake equipped road bike is currently held by the

Focus Izalco Max Disc

and stands at 5.5kg.

How much do steel rotors weigh?

Brake rotors are large steel discs that you can find on any vehicle. They are often quite heavy (

15-30 lbs. each

) and if you have a larger quantity of them, it can be worth it to recycle.

Can you put bigger rotors on your car?


Just installing larger rotors won’t do anything for performance

and you may have clearance issues with the smaller caliper brackets, not to mention out of spec rotor wear that might cause braking issues. If you want to change rotor size, you should be installing calipers to match.

Are front rotors bigger than rear?


The front rotor is bigger

because you CAN brake more with the front before losing traction. The rear rotor is smaller because a whole lot of extra braking force is just going to make the wheel lock up anyway, so a bigger rotor would just be a waste.

Are 2 piece rotors worth it?

Two-piece rotors offer some significant advantages, though, such as

reduced weight as well as better heat dissipation

, partly from the aluminum hat acting as a heat sink. Some two-piece rotors also offer increased airflow through the rotor because of the more open design where the hat meets the rotor face.

Do drilled and slotted rotors weigh less?


Cross-drilled rotors are lighter than slotted rotors

which are lighter than plain rotors. Cross-drilled rotors provide more airflow so they are more likely to reduce brake fade.

Are carbon ceramic rotors lighter?


The extraordinary lightness of the carbon-ceramic discs makes the car lighter

and improves handling. This results in better performance in terms of consumption, driving comfort, deceleration, and acceleration.

Which is better solid or vented rotors?


Solid rotors that have a slightly larger surface and offer better durability and stopping power

. Vented brake rotors that provide better cooling and are less likely to warp and fade, particularly when heat cycles spike up and down during a competition.

What are 3 types of brake rotors?

  • Blank & Smooth. Blank and smooth rotors are the most common rotor type for passenger vehicles, like most standard sedans. …
  • Drilled. Drilled rotors have a series of holes drilled in spiraling patterns across the surface. …
  • Slotted. …
  • Drilled & Slotted.

Can brake rotors be welded?

Most brake rotors and drums are iron not steel.

You CAN weld to them but need the correct welding rod or wire plus sometimes preheat and post-weld treatment

.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.