Brake Rotors

[crj19]

How easy is it to replace the brake rotors on the VUE?

[Ritz]

How easy is it to replace the brake rotors on the VUE?

Very easy if you've ever done a brake job before. I could probably do it in 10-15 minutes per wheel. Tirerack even has Brembo replacement rotors for the VUE at a pretty reasonable price. If you're going to go through the exercise, you might as well replace the pads too (Hawk HPS...also available at tirerack.com).

Cheers,

[VUE TO KILL]

Very,

1. Remove wheel
2. Remove two bolts from underside of caliper
a. Suspend caliper from inner fenderwell (avoid stress on brake line)
3. Rotor pulls off.

Easy

A few members have switched to the EBC dimpled and sloted rotors paired with EBC greenstuff pads. I am very happy with mine so far, cost is around $250.

[danzel10]

How easy is it to replace the brake rotors on the VUE?


if you are going to change the brake pads, the disc ebc brake rotors (http://www.activebrakesdirect.com/ebcbrakerotors.html) should be machined smooth for the new pads to have an even contact surface.

[cncbuss]

Hi Saturn Fans. This is a great site for do-it-your-selfers. I'm a backyard mechanic and I am presently replacing the front Brake rotors (discs) and pads on my 2004 4cyl VUE. I was slightly hesitant about doing the job myself, since the vehicle has ABS brakes and also I'm a little short on time these days. Nonetheless, I purchased a pair of generic brake rotors (30$/ea) and a set of ceramic brake pads (89$ for Raybestos). I'm halfway through the job this morning and everything's going fine. It seems to be the same set-up as my 1992 SL2. I just came to consult the website since I'm having a heck of a time removing the old rotors on the VUE. Just wanted to make sure I didn't miss something. I've applied some WD-40 to the central hub area, assuming that there's rust formation in there preventing the disc from coming off easily. Have any other members encountered this problem while replacing the rotors? Well, back to the garage to finish the job. Hopefully, I wont need a puller to finish it off. I hope this helps future members with their own front brake replacements.

[Ritz]

if you are going to change the brake pads, the disc ebc brake rotors (http://www.activebrakesdirect.com/ebcbrakerotors.html) should be machined smooth for the new pads to have an even contact surface.

That's not necessary on new rotors. If you were going to re-use old ones, then it would be good to do that.

Cheers,

[greyhound bus]

I just came to consult the website since I'm having a heck of a time removing the old rotors on the VUE. Just wanted to make sure I didn't miss something. I've applied some WD-40 to the central hub area, assuming that there's rust formation in there preventing the disc from coming off easily. Have any other members encountered this problem while replacing the rotors? Well, back to the garage to finish the job. Hopefully, I wont need a puller to finish it off. I hope this helps future members with their own front brake replacements.

Some rotors will stick very hard to the hub. If you are replacing the rotors, you can beat on the back of them with a hammer. If you are reusing them, tap witha non-marring hammer, or use a block of wood so you don't put dents in the rotor. Once you get the old one off, clean the rust from the hub center and apply some anti-seize to that area. The next time they will pop right off. I did that as a preventitive maintenance thing on our 07' just so I don't have to fight them when the time comes. The same applies to the brake drums. They can be VERY difficult to remove once they rusted on.

[bigjimz28]

if you are going to change the brake pads, the disc ebc brake rotors (http://www.activebrakesdirect.com/ebcbrakerotors.html) should be machined smooth for the new pads to have an even contact surface.

if they are drilled or slotted they can not be machined!:sneeze:

[compnurd09]

what is the difference between the brembo's and the slotted ones?

[compnurd09]

anyone?

[Ritz]

what is the difference between the brembo's and the slotted ones?

Brembo is simply a manufacturer of rotors. They tend to be of above-average quality. Slotting or drilling the rotors (regardless of the manufacturer) will not help your braking. It's a waste of money on a street vehicle and will result in faster brake pad wear.

Cheers,

[compnurd09]

Brembo is simply a manufacturer of rotors. They tend to be of above-average quality. Slotting or drilling the rotors (regardless of the manufacturer) will not help your braking. It's a waste of money on a street vehicle and will result in faster brake pad wear.

Cheers,


Ah, then what is the point of the slotted?


Also Would it be better to pick up a set of rotors and brakes(looking at the hawk LTS) on tirerack or will a set from autozone do me just fine?

[Ritz]

Ah, then what is the point of the slotted?

Bingo.


Also Would it be better to pick up a set of rotors and brakes(looking at the hawk LTS) on tirerack or will a set from autozone do me just fine?

The store brand pads from Autozone are pretty bad. If you want to buy locally stick to Raybestos. I've always had very good results buying rotors+pads at tirerack.com. I prefer the Hawk HPS pads since they are higher performance and can withstand a mild track outing.

Cheers,

[nakman]

Ah, then what is the point of the slotted?


Also Would it be better to pick up a set of rotors and brakes(looking at the hawk LTS) on tirerack or will a set from autozone do me just fine?


Slotted and/cross drilling rotors is for high performance cars that are used on the track or high speed driving. Porche/BMW etc. Or for those that like to cruise with high dollar bling upgrades, it looks pretty too.

For every day use, even on a V6 base or RL model VUE, slotted and/or cross drilled rotors would be more show than stopping performance. And generally, it will wear the pads prematurely.

....ahhh!!! but they look so good. JMO

[burnout]

I agree, drilled/slotted rotors looked great on my vue.... Until they warped as I was bedding in the pads. (20min after install)

My next rotors are going to be Brembo blanks with the Hawk HPS pads I bought recently.

Ritz: Are your brembo rotors plated?

[tlg]

Ah, then what is the point of the slotted?
Grassroots Motorsports: "Crossdrilling your rotors might look neat, but what is it really doing for you? Well, unless your car is using brake pads from the '40s and 50s, not a whole lot. Rotors were first drilled because early brake pad materials gave off gasses when heated to racing temperatures, a process known as "gassing out." ...It was an effective solution, but today's friction materials do not exhibit the some gassing out phenomenon as the early pads. Contrary to popular belief, they don't lower temperatures. (In fact, by removing weight from the rotor, they can actually cause
temperatures to increase a little.) These holes create stress risers that allow the rotor to crack sooner, and make a mess of brake pads--sort of like a cheese grater rubbing against them at every stop. Want more evidence? Look at NASCAR or F1. You would think that if drilling holes in the rotor was the hot ticket, these teams would be doing it...

Slotting rotors, on the other hand, might be a consideration if your sanctioning body allows for it. Cutting thin slots across the face of the rotor can actually help to clean
the face of the brake pads over time, helping to reduce the glazing often found during high-speed use which can lower the coefficient of friction. While there may still be a small concern over creating stress risers in the face of the rotor, if the slots are shallow and cut properly, the trade-off appears to be worth the risk. (Have you looked at a NASCAR rotor lately?)

[1saxman]

Slotted rotors also increase braking noise and give a 'rumble' feel. I used the EBC green pads on a Cherokee and definitely can recommend them. The purpose in using them was to give a better 'bite' on a cold stop (which is the most likely condition for an emergency stop). They worked as advertised, giving the impression of a stronger boost to the power brakes. Being of organic material, the pads will stink during use for a week or two.

[compnurd09]

Slotted rotors also increase braking noise and give a 'rumble' feel. I used the EBC green pads on a Cherokee and definitely can recommend them. The purpose in using them was to give a better 'bite' on a cold stop (which is the most likely condition for an emergency stop). They worked as advertised, giving the impression of a stronger boost to the power brakes. Being of organic material, the pads will stink during use for a week or two.

Ok I will just pick up the regular brembo's then from tirerack. any suggestions on pads? Truck only gets normal use. nothing heavy

[Ritz]

I agree, drilled/slotted rotors looked great on my vue.... Until they warped as I was bedding in the pads. (20min after install)

My next rotors are going to be Brembo blanks with the Hawk HPS pads I bought recently.

Ritz: Are your brembo rotors plated?

I don't believe in plated rotors. I like to buy the plain ol' non-slotted, non-drilled, mundane, but best performing Brembos. :) Those (along with the Hawk HPS pads) have served me well on the last half dozen or so cars I've owned so I'm sticking with what works.

Cheers,

[burnout]

I was just wondering because I don't like the rust that forms on the top and hub-section of the rotors after awhile. I'll probably paint them black like I did my last set. (Works surprisingly well)

[Ritz]

I was just wondering because I don't like the rust that forms on the top and hub-section of the rotors after awhile. I'll probably paint them black like I did my last set. (Works surprisingly well)

Oh. Yep, I always paint the rotor hats (though I usually do it in silver) with high heat paint. I don't like the rust either.

Cheers,

[1saxman]

Ritz; I'm getting ready to do the front brakes on our two VUEs, and I'm going to take your recommendations for rotors and pads.

[Ritz]

Ritz; I'm getting ready to do the front brakes on our two VUEs, and I'm going to take your recommendations for rotors and pads.

Don't forget to bed the pads in after the install. Good luck and PM me if you have any questions.

Cheers,

[compnurd09]

Don't forget to bed the pads in after the install. Good luck and PM me if you have any questions.

Cheers,

Ok what is bedding?

[Ritz]

Ok what is bedding?

Let's see....about 3 seconds of effort on Google produced:

http://www.zeckhausen.com/bedding_in_brakes.htm

[nakman]

Let's see....about 3 seconds of effort on Google produced:

http://www.zeckhausen.com/bedding_in_brakes.htm



hahaha.... the next link from Google was from the tirerack. Some useful info too.

http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/tech/techpage.jsp?techid=85

[mangler66]

I was just wondering because I don't like the rust that forms on the top and hub-section of the rotors after awhile. I'll probably paint them black like I did my last set. (Works surprisingly well)

Just make sure you don't get any paint on the inner ribs. That could screw up you heat dissipation, or worse facilitate warping.

There is nothing wrong with cadmium plate, except the cost. The plating is almost as good as the bare cast iron to dissipate heat.

The new trend now for heavy use is cryotempering of rotors. You bring the rotors at very low temperatures, and force all unstable phases to stabilize. This almost eliminates warping, and increases wear resistance. Most will not need it, but it may be of use if you have warping issues on a specific model.

[phoebe]

Hi! I am fond of reading articles that tackles about cars and I have found an good articles about EBC Brake Rotors (http://www.activebrakesdirect.com/ebcbrakerotors.html). Since you are asking about brake rotors I think this could help you a lot in your purchases and inquiry.
This is the website:http://www.activebrakesdirect.com/ebcbrakerotors.html


I hope you appreciate my suggestion and you could find something useful in the articles!:)