So this is the first time I've ever had to buy rotors for a car, I've been lucky enough to only need them turned. What should I look for anything to stay away from? I'm not getting slotted because I don't need the "extra cooling" for heavy braking and don't want to tear up my pads.
Thanks guys.

New info post 13 as of 3/24/13

 

I just buy what my local Napa puts on the counter. I doubt I'd want to pay shipping on that weight and I support my local guys when I can.

That's just me though..there ARE options.......

 

Yeah I was just looking through orileys stock and that's when I realized I had no idea what to look for.

 

Yeah, plus you avoid the ebay super-cheapies made out of twice-recycled Chinese steel that way. Rotors are nothing special in an XJ, no need to get fancy with them, just avoid the super cheap stuff.

 

Sounds easy enough. Thanks again guys.

 

Got mine at autozone for like $24 ea.

 

That's wierd. No one has them turned down anymore, unless they're on something you can't get them for.

It's about $10 cheaper to get them turned down, so it's not worth it IMHO.

I just buy whatever advance auto or bumper to bumper have in stock, with at least medium grade brake pads.

 

Since steel is infinitely recyclable, what is the issue?

Next you'll want virgin lead in your batteries.

We need more, not less recycling.

 

The problem is Chinese steel sucks. I think it was some Chevy vehicles in the 70s or 80s (sorry it's early and can't remember specifics) that was made with cheap Chinese steel and they rust through incredibly easy and things like that. Like ost Chinese products they aren't made with any quality control and hence they suck.

 

Toyota actually did a recall a while back because the steel they used on the bodies of their pickups was so crappy. My friend got a new truck just for bringing in his rusted out old one! Vehicles with Pittsburgh steel from the same era are still nice and solid.

I put a set of Brembo OEM rotors on my old XJ and was very pleased, but they were a bit pricier than what you'd get at Napa, etc. I only got them cuz I found them with free shipping and a good discount, and I was afraid the cheap ones would warp right away. I know the ones with slots/drilling in them get awful noisy any time they get sand or mud in them so I've always avoided them. I say find a local source for ones that are made in the USA (so it's good steel).

 

The problem with unknown metals in a brake rotor has nothing to do with rust but rather the friction characteristic of the particular grade of steel used. Some grades will work well against the friction of a brake pad and some not so good. Worse, some will have tendency to work harden and resist pad friction and reduce stopping power.
That said, I've had cheap Chinese rotors that were awful an some that were excellent. That is the main problem - little or no quality control in many of those products.

 

Steel is not steel is not steel. The chemistry, including additional boron to make crappy stock appear a little better and high levels of impurities that lead to brittleness and cracking can vary wildly.

I agree with you on recycling but it has to be done right, without obfuscating test results as the Chinese steel industry loves to do. What you order is not often what you end up getting. Questionable is OK for Tonka trucks but not brake parts.

 

agree with this ^^

 

Does any one know off hand what the minimum thickness is for front rotors is before it needs replaced?

 

I could not locate an american made rotor. You are probably going to get what you pay for. cheap is cheap.