What Size Rotor Do I Need?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Call your local OEM dealer and ask for

the original rotor sizes or OEM rotor/pads part numbers based on your vehicle’s VIN number (VIN# is referenced in your ownership papers). The dealership may not tell you the rotor size, but they will give you the genuine part numbers for your vehicle.

How do I know what size rotors I need?


Call your local OEM dealer and ask for

the original rotor sizes or OEM rotor/pads part numbers based on your vehicle’s VIN number (VIN# is referenced in your ownership papers). The dealership may not tell you the rotor size, but they will give you the genuine part numbers for your vehicle.

Is 180mm rotor enough?

1. 180mm rotors

offer greater stopping power than 160mm

ones and are better for larger riders and harsh descents. 2. 160mm rotors are lighter, provide better modulation and work just fine for small riders and bikes that won’t be used for downhill.

Does it matter what size rotors you buy?


Yes

, rotor size definately matters. But depending on your style of riding, you can may be able to get away with it.

Is 140mm rotor enough?

‘In my opinion a pair of 140mm rotors look nicest, but as many riders are over 80kg there is a chance braking performance can be affected in certain conditions,’ says Giacomo Sartore, groupset product manager at Campagnolo. ‘This is why we recommend either a pair of

160mm rotors or 160mm front, 140mm rear

.

Are front and rear rotors the same size?

The fitment front and rear are going to be

extremely

different. Not only is the diameter and braking surface completely different sizes, the rear disks have a separate machined area inside the hat (the part where it attaches to the hub) which is used for the parking brake. The front one has no such provision.

Why are my front rotors so big?

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 bigger rotors better?

Simply put a

bigger rotor provided better braking

, and a four pot caliper provides better braking – better meaning more, and more control (Everything else being equal). For the same force between the disc and pads, a bigger rotor generates more torque on the wheel – i.e. more stopping force.

Are thicker rotors better?

Thicker fins also mean less cooling is vented through the rotor causing the rotor to heat up more

quickly

and remain hot longer. This can effect the life expectancy of the calipers and pads as well as the life of the rotor and this is why the basic rotors are not recommended with a premium quality disc pad.

Are premium rotors worth it?

Premium pads can have an

increase in stopping power

and a decrease in brake fade. … Some drivers may be able to notice a better “brake feel” when using high-end pads and rotors as the braking experience may seem smoother and more precise.

Can you put smaller rotors on a car?

These are not interchangeable. How much smaller? A millimeter isn’t gonna hurt anything.

As long as the pads don’t overhang the rotor, it’s good

.

How much are front rotors?

Rotors cost

between $30 and $75 each

. Higher-quality rotors like Duralast Gold, which feature a coated hat and edge and are designed to outperform your vehicle’s original equipment, usually cost a little more. Labor at a shop to replace rotors and pads is approximately $150 to $200 per axle.

Is 160mm rotor enough?

These are usually the situations where it pays to spend a bit of time assessing your needs, to make sure you have enough brake for where, what, and how you ride. … In general, a 180mm front and 160mm rear rotor will provide you with

ample braking power for a 29er hardtail

.

Can I use any rotor with disc brakes?


You can use any rotor you like with any brake

, within reason. Some rotors have narrower brake tracks than others, i.e. Shimano, but generally, it’s just a metal disk.

How long do bike disc rotors last?

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.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.