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New Brake Rotors for a 2002 Toyota Tacoma? Which brand is best?

Posted by william k

Looking for new brake rotors on the net. My options are: Summit Extreme Performance cross-drilled/slotted surface for $49.95/1;
Power Stop Brake Rotors-Cross-drilled surface/vented/zinc plated for $99.95/1;
Power Stop Brake Rotors-Slotted/Solid surface/silver plated for $111.95/1.

Do the more expensive rotors last longer/perform much better over the cheaper rotors? Will I see a difference in slotted over vented over cross-drilled?

Thanks for you help.

Unless you have significantly increased the performance level of the truck, or you are going to be participating in competition level off-roading or racing, the stock rotors are the way to go.
But if you are looking to upgrade your braking system........
Cross drilling and slots on the rotors serve to vent the gases and heat that occurs under heavy braking..... and, by venting the heat and gases you lessen the amount of heat build-up and brake fade and lessen the chance of warping the rotors. Also going with better quality brake pads, like the ceramic or graphite type, will increase the life of the pads a great deal, and give you shorter stopping distances. Those upgraded types of pads are also more heat resistant than the stock type. They can also wear the rotors down quicker, since they do grab better. The question is ... are you spending the extra money for upgraded brakes if your usage level doesn't require the additional stopping power or durability?
I would also stay away from plated rotors.... only because... what happens to the rotor surface when the brake pads wear through the layer of plating?? It would seem to me that it would create an uneven surface and cause both wear and stopping problems.