When to replace Stoptech rotors

[marshall_mosty]

I've gone 5 seasons on a set of stoptech rings..

I purchased the kit used in 2007 and ran those rings until NOLA last year (May, 2014). I had a few lighter seasons, so would consider a full 5 seasons (25'ish events).

One of the rings got a "thru and thru" crack. The other was fine, but I wanted them the same "age".

They last like the original RA1's... ha.

[ShadowBolt]

i've gone 5 seasons on a set of stoptech rings..

wow!

[Casey_SS]

I got 3 seasons out of my Stoptech rings. I'm replacing them now because they have some cracks which go over the top edge of the rotor. One of the cracks made it all the way into the vanes in the middle of the rotor...that one goes in the trash. The thin spider-webby surface cracks are normal though and mine have been there a long time (2+ seasons). I watch for the cracks to get to the edge of the rotor face - when they start to wrap over the edge, it's time for new rings.

[ShadowBolt]

I got 3 seasons out of my Stoptech rings. I'm replacing them now because they have some cracks which go over the top edge of the rotor. One of the cracks made it all the way into the vanes in the middle of the rotor...that one goes in the trash. The thin spider-webby surface cracks are normal though and mine have been there a long time (2+ seasons). I watch for the cracks to get to the edge of the rotor face - when they start to wrap over the edge, it's time for new rings.

Thanks for the info. I will look closer.

Jerry

[dtanker65]

Thanks for the info guy's sounds like better metal is worth it. Do you have a limit to run the pads to keep from hurting the rotors?

Dennis

[ShadowBolt]

Thanks for the info guy's sounds like better metal is worth it. Do you have a limit to run the pads to keep from hurting the rotors?

Dennis

I run them down to about 1/8" thick.

JJ

[Casey_SS]

I run them down to about 1/8" thick.

Same here. On the Stoptech pad shape, there's a vertical split down the center of the pad. When it wears to the point the split is no longer visible, there's exactly 1/8" of material left and I try to stay at or above that point. Hurting the rotor is a mild concern but the bigger one for me is the increased heat transfer through the pads to the calipers and fluid. Nothing dramatic really happens, I've just noticed the pedal feel and braking performance get more inconsistent when the pads are too thin. It's still drive-able but it's not confidence inspiring.

The other issue is they wear MUCH faster at the end of their life than the beginning...it can be tough to gauge. I went out for a race once (ECR...of course) with what I thought was enough pad for 2 races and came back in on the backing plates, shooting sparks from what I was told. Car didn't stop so good and it smelled kinda funny but some fresh pads and a quick bleed later and everything was fine. Stoptech makes a pretty tough set of brakes.