Lesson learned: Don't try to cheap out on brakes.

[hotlavaaaa]

In the first pictures, the 'chunk of metal' that is 'missing' was where the 'blank' wasn't complete and when it was machined the lathe skipped over the low part. IOW: It didn't break of later, it was never there from the start. Honestly, it was on the inside of the rotor and wouldn't have affected its operation.

The second pictures with the partial ring of loose metal is where the lathe trimmed off the excess material from the blank, but didn't completely cut the excess material off. So, it was left 'dangling'. Again, this was on the inside of the rotor and wouldn't have affected operation. You likely could have just pulled it off. As for the ring around the surface, something happened during the surfacing procedure and it didn't get properly crosshatched. It might have been fine, but it might have been noisy until it 'broke in'.

Thanks for telling me what I could have and should have done to the cheeseball rotors I received that I decided were not of a good enough quality that I wanted to put my life in their hands. I appreciate it.

 

[deadken]

Thanks for telling me what I could have and should have done to the cheeseball rotors I received that I decided were not of a good enough quality that I wanted to put my life in their hands. I appreciate it.

You're welcome!

Though, let's be honest here: I inferred that the rotors could have been used and likely without any issue(s). I never implied that is what you should have done. You came up with that delusion all by yourself.

I simply pointed out your ignorance in what you were looking at. Never, at any point, did I infer that your measly life isn't even worth the $20 you splurged for on each rotor. I also didn't say that using paper plates in place of brake rotors would suit your car fine and should be considered as a less pricey option to aid in adding your name to the Darwin Award list. Nope... Not me.

 

[crackerjacks]

I've actually bought a set of 4 centric rotors from rockauto through amazon before. They were fine, no issue at all. Only reason I didn't install them was my girlfriend went for an oil change and they turned her existing rotors for her so I didn't need them anymore. Sold them on craigslist for what I paid and the buyer never had any complaints either.

Sometimes you get good ones, sometimes you get bad ones. I guess Centric's QA isn't up to snuff, I'll keep an eye on their stuff going forward.

 

[hotlavaaaa]

You're welcome!

Though, let's be honest here: I inferred that the rotors could have been used and likely without any issue(s). I never implied that is what you should have done. You came up with that delusion all by yourself.

I simply pointed out your ignorance in what you were looking at. Never, at any point, did I infer that your measly life isn't even worth the $20 you splurged for on each rotor. I also didn't say that using paper plates in place of brake rotors would suit your car fine and should be considered as a less pricey option to aid in adding your name to the Darwin Award list. Nope... Not me.

Again, your inference is greatly appreciated as is your generosity in describing what exactly caused the defects on the rotors. I'm glad that you somehow inferred from my posts that I was ignorant of what had caused the defects. Thanks for looking out for me. Also they were closer to $13 each.

 

[jlee]

Glad to hear they made it right - IIRC I put Centric Premium rotors on ViperGTS's Forester (with Porterfield R4S pads) and they were great.

 

[deadken]

Again, your inference is greatly appreciated as is your generosity in describing what exactly caused the defects on the rotors. I'm glad that you somehow inferred from my posts that I was ignorant of what had caused the defects. Thanks for looking out for me. Also they were closer to $13 each.

Again, my pleasure.

Honestly, there is no need to infer your ignorance when you blatantly state it in your OP and then follow it up with pictures for proof which show the clear extent of the defect(s).

Drama Queen much?

1) "There was a chunk of metal missing". "Chunk" of metal missing? Please... More like a small fragment in a completely unimportant area that had never been there to begin with.

2) "A directional groove around the rotor face that was about a quarter inch wide all the way around the rotor". If you've ever machined a rotor, you'd know that the intent is to create a 'directional groove'. It's how you remove material that isn't 'true'. You'd also know that of course the ring would go "all the way around the rotor". It's the way the rotor gets machined. The fact that the crosshatching is missing from a 'ring' isn't an anomaly, it's part of the process. Let's not forget that the entire rotor was trued, but a small section (maybe %5) wasn't crosshatched. Ohhh, the horror!

3) "And that's not all.". Perfectly stated as a separate sentence. The period allows for a slight pause as the reader continues. Thus allowing suspense to build!

4) "I found a partial ring of loose metal". A ring of metal that would have been discarded if the lathe had traveled another 1/16". The fact that it was a scrap piece that could have been pulled off or likely would have fallen off and caused no harm should be ignored. Please, let's keep the focus on the drama.

5) "I feel the rotors I received would have been seriously unsafe to put on a car". It's okay for you to feel that way, but please, don't state it as fact on a public forum (more on this later).

6) "The cheeseball rotors .. that I decided were not of a good enough quality that I wanted to put my life in their hands". That line sums it all up. You paid $13 each for a pair of rotors. You expected to receive a product that was worth at least 6 times that amount. The fact that the quality of the product detail equaled or exceeded the price charged shouldn't matter. What you want to keep the focus on is how 'wronged' you were. The problem is that others look at that statement and ask 'why is a guy who cheaped out and spent a whopping $26 on a PAIR of rotors complaining?!?'.

Those are the reasons that I feel that this entire post is an attention grab. Most any person in a psychology field would say "the subject feels that any attention is better than no attention, so they act out". Congrats, you are a textbook example of a mental defect. Now, please realize that I prefaced this paragraph clearly stating that it is my opinion (aka 'feelings'). I didn't state it as factual. That, right there, is the big thing you neglected to do in the beginnings of your post / rant.

Now, please understand one simple fact: I don't care about your delusions or inadequacies. I simply don't want others that may frequent here to believe you and think that there were serious defects in the products you received.

You can feel any way you want. That's fine. But, when you post your feelings on the internet and assign blame to someone else, please don't be so surprised when someone calls you out on what amounts to BS.

Thank you for restating the exact price. I erred when I neglected to put the 'less than' symbol in front of the '$20' I typed. Totally my fault. Of course, there are plenty of people who'd believe that getting the rotors you did for $13 each should tell you that they weren't going to be of the utmost in quality. Simply put: The rotors you received were more than adequate for the job they were designed to do and more than adequate for the price you paid. I say that completely aware that you likely still won't comprehend it. But, I feel that it still needs to be said.

 

[phucheneh]

I'm sorry, but this kind of polite passive-aggressive flaming of each other amuses me.

You're having the British equivalent of a driveby shooting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7R6_Chr2vro

 

[SpatiallyAware]

That is ridiculous... You act like china has 1 iron alloy formulation and all manufacturers use the same alloy from the same giant china brake rotor foundry cauldron.



I've seen firsthand, numerous times, where napa premium rotors performed better than autozone/advance cheap lifetime rotors.

The formulation is different as are the weights. Both have an impact on braking distance. Do the cheap brakes 'function' fine? Sure. But when an accident could've been prevented over 10 ft of stopping distance it's not worth simply being 'functional'.

Again, just because you change brakes and no one comes back with a problem over your cheap parts does not mean there's no difference.

 

[hotlavaaaa]

Again, my pleasure.

Honestly, there is no need to infer your ignorance when you blatantly state it in your OP and then follow it up with pictures for proof which show the clear extent of the defect(s).

Drama Queen much?

1) "There was a chunk of metal missing". "Chunk" of metal missing? Please... More like a small fragment in a completely unimportant area that had never been there to begin with.

2) "A directional groove around the rotor face that was about a quarter inch wide all the way around the rotor". If you've ever machined a rotor, you'd know that the intent is to create a 'directional groove'. It's how you remove material that isn't 'true'. You'd also know that of course the ring would go "all the way around the rotor". It's the way the rotor gets machined. The fact that the crosshatching is missing from a 'ring' isn't an anomaly, it's part of the process. Let's not forget that the entire rotor was trued, but a small section (maybe %5) wasn't crosshatched. Ohhh, the horror!

3) "And that's not all.". Perfectly stated as a separate sentence. The period allows for a slight pause as the reader continues. Thus allowing suspense to build!

4) "I found a partial ring of loose metal". A ring of metal that would have been discarded if the lathe had traveled another 1/16". The fact that it was a scrap piece that could have been pulled off or likely would have fallen off and caused no harm should be ignored. Please, let's keep the focus on the drama.

5) "I feel the rotors I received would have been seriously unsafe to put on a car". It's okay for you to feel that way, but please, don't state it as fact on a public forum (more on this later).

6) "The cheeseball rotors .. that I decided were not of a good enough quality that I wanted to put my life in their hands". That line sums it all up. You paid $13 each for a pair of rotors. You expected to receive a product that was worth at least 6 times that amount. The fact that the quality of the product detail equaled or exceeded the price charged shouldn't matter. What you want to keep the focus on is how 'wronged' you were. The problem is that others look at that statement and ask 'why is a guy who cheaped out and spent a whopping $26 on a PAIR of rotors complaining?!?'.

Those are the reasons that I feel that this entire post is an attention grab. Most any person in a psychology field would say "the subject feels that any attention is better than no attention, so they act out". Congrats, you are a textbook example of a mental defect. Now, please realize that I prefaced this paragraph clearly stating that it is my opinion (aka 'feelings'). I didn't state it as factual. That, right there, is the big thing you neglected to do in the beginnings of your post / rant.

Now, please understand one simple fact: I don't care about your delusions or inadequacies. I simply don't want others that may frequent here to believe you and think that there were serious defects in the products you received.

You can feel any way you want. That's fine. But, when you post your feelings on the internet and assign blame to someone else, please don't be so surprised when someone calls you out on what amounts to BS.

Thank you for restating the exact price. I erred when I neglected to put the 'less than' symbol in front of the '$20' I typed. Totally my fault. Of course, there are plenty of people who'd believe that getting the rotors you did for $13 each should tell you that they weren't going to be of the utmost in quality. Simply put: The rotors you received were more than adequate for the job they were designed to do and more than adequate for the price you paid. I say that completely aware that you likely still won't comprehend it. But, I feel that it still needs to be said.

A machinist. A grammar teacher. A psychologist. Possibly a psychic. You must be a hit at parties. It's definitely BS when the things I described are exactly what is in the pictures I posted. Thanks for calling me out on it though. How is stating what I feel supposed to be interpreted as fact? The facts are the situation I encountered. My feelings are an opinion and should be taken as such. Anyone that comes into this thread can read what I've posted and look at the pictures I shared and come to their own conclusions. Nobody cares about you checking me on my "BS" in this public forum, as if we're in the U.S. Congress. I'm glad that you at least acknowledge that my account was suspenseful and kept you engaged.

What I eventually found out was that my $13 rotors were not of the quality that Centric would normally sell. From the research I had done I knew that Centric's C-Tek rotors were an acceptable part and that is why I decided to place an order for them when a good deal came up. I wasn't expecting them to be gold plated or stop my car like carbon ceramics. Please feel free to continue with your assumption that I need a lecture on the finer points of the manufacturing process of a brake rotor. You've also just saved me what would have been thousands of dollars in psychologists bills as well. Now, can you tell me if they make a pill that can stop me from being such a drama queen?

 

[wirednuts]

That is ridiculous... You act like china has 1 iron alloy formulation and all manufacturers use the same alloy from the same giant china brake rotor foundry cauldron.



I've seen firsthand, numerous times, where napa premium rotors performed better than autozone/advance cheap lifetime rotors.

The formulation is different as are the weights. Both have an impact on braking distance. Do the cheap brakes 'function' fine? Sure. But when an accident could've been prevented over 10 ft of stopping distance it's not worth simply being 'functional'.

Again, just because you change brakes and no one comes back with a problem over your cheap parts does not mean there's no difference.

i agree with this. i think the pads make a much bigger difference in overall performance, but the cheap rotors never seemed to be as strong as higher grade ones.

but like said, if you lube your bolts and sliders properly, and do the job right then the rotors arent going to make much difference as long as you have softer style pads. you can usually find cheap soft pads so stick with those and change them when they need it.

if you need to rely on your brakes heavily, or you dont want brake dust flying around, get ceramic pads but also get the better rotors. if you dont the ceramics will eat the cheap rotors faster then the pads wear.

 

[phucheneh]

I've seen firsthand, numerous times, where napa premium rotors performed better than autozone/advance cheap lifetime rotors.

Please link us to your scientific research on this subject. After all, you've 'seen it firsthand,' so you MUST have proof, right?

Just like your proof of a Mercedes being 'more reliable' than Japanese cars.:\

edit: Oh, also, allow me to point out how utterly flawed your logic is, anyway. If more expensive rotors were made of a stronger material, stopping distances would increase. Maybe you should get rotors made of diamond and brake pads made of titanium. That'll stop well, right?

Friction. Learn about it.

 

[wirednuts]

almost all cars have oversized brakes so i never thought much of performance between the various kinds. i do notice ceramics arent as sticky until they get warm, but other then that its always seemed like they all stop really well. its much more about finding that right balance between rotor and pad to get the most life. 50K miles shouldnt be hard to do on midgrade pads and rotors in the worst conditions.

 

[phucheneh]

Don't get me wrong here- my original comments were purely speculation based on observation. Unlike Spat's hardcore solid 'facts.'

It is definitely possible that a more expensive rotor will wear less quickly. It may in turn cause the pads to wear faster, though.

But arguing that 'premium' OE replacement rotors will provide better braking? Large, easily observable differences in said braking, at that? Dude's a space cadet.

 

[DaTT]

You are getting new rotors through Centric? Are the Premium ones much more expensive than the ones you bought?

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Please link us to your scientific research on this subject. After all, you've 'seen it firsthand,' so you MUST have proof, right?

Just like your proof of a Mercedes being 'more reliable' than Japanese cars.:\

edit: Oh, also, allow me to point out how utterly flawed your logic is, anyway. If more expensive rotors were made of a stronger material, stopping distances would increase. Maybe you should get rotors made of diamond and brake pads made of titanium. That'll stop well, right?

Friction. Learn about it.

Ugh... you are so dense sometimes, seriously. I didn't say that the more expensive rotors are made out of 'stronger' material, just a different alloy. And I have never, ever said that mercedes was more reliable than any other brand. Stop trying to derail the thread and fling personal attacks where they aren't warranted.


Where's your "research"? Again, just because you're a brake monkey for a living doesn't mean you know anything about what you're talking about. In the "tech world" this is no different than some best buy employee coming in here trying to tell people they're right/wrong. It gives you no credence whatsoever.

 

[CraigRT]

That is ridiculous... You act like china has 1 iron alloy formulation and all manufacturers use the same alloy from the same giant china brake rotor foundry cauldron.



I've seen firsthand, numerous times, where napa premium rotors performed better than autozone/advance cheap lifetime rotors.

The formulation is different as are the weights. Both have an impact on braking distance. Do the cheap brakes 'function' fine? Sure. But when an accident could've been prevented over 10 ft of stopping distance it's not worth simply being 'functional'.

Again, just because you change brakes and no one comes back with a problem over your cheap parts does not mean there's no difference.

Allow me to back you up on this, I have used Napa premium parts on a few of my cars and they are always incredibly good. I used their premium rotors on my 2002 Maxima when I had it, and they were made in Canada. I used some of their mid grade pads along with the premium rotors and the stopping was amazing. Smooth as glass and amazing power. And it stayed that way until I sold the car!

I have used some cheap (like sub $20 cheap) stuff before as well and I truly believe you get what you pay for here.

I don't buy the most expensive anymore but I don't buy the cheapest either. I think Napa as a brand overall has an excellent aftermarket brake parts line.

 

[hotlavaaaa]

I just received the rotors from Centric and they look great. Not a defect to be found.

 

[phucheneh]

...Smooth as glass...

LOL.

And Spat, you're just not even worth acknowledging. I don't know why I ever do it.

I say I suspect something. You say the opposite is solid fact.

I ask for proof, and your response, apparently a bulletproof argument in your own mind, is 'WHERE'S YOUR PROOF?!'

Some reading for you:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argument_from_ignorance

 

[CraigRT]

LOL.

And Spat, you're just not even worth acknowledging. I don't know why I ever do it.

I say I suspect something. You say the opposite is solid fact.

I ask for proof, and your response, apparently a bulletproof argument in your own mind, is 'WHERE'S YOUR PROOF?!'

Some reading for you:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argument_from_ignorance

wat

 

[SpatiallyAware]

wat

He's being his usual butthurt idiotic self, trying to act like your comment about 'like glass' insinuates that there's no friction.


Seriously this guy is our 'best buy' employee of ATG. He's crass, rude, and extremely sensitive over people not assuming everything he says is fact.

 

[CraigRT]

He's being his usual butthurt idiotic self, trying to act like your comment about 'like glass' insinuates that there's no friction.


Seriously this guy is our 'best buy' employee of ATG. He's crass, rude, and extremely sensitive over people not assuming everything he says is fact.

Seriously....
I don't care anyway, I was just posting my experience. I have done numerous brake jobs and sometimes you just have to go with what works.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Seriously....
I don't care anyway, I was just posting my experience. I have done numerous brake jobs and sometimes you just have to go with what works.

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[7window]

there is your problem rotors not brake pads

 

[fbrdphreak]

Just FWIW here people, I have used Centric's premium rotors on my Subaru's several times and they have all done well.

I'd never buy the bottom of the line ANYTHING for brakes though. Same goes for tires. These are the two things that keep your car on the road and where you do or do not want it to go. I don't understand how some people don't get the importance of this. (Not picking at OP, just saying in general)

Want to put a cheap spark plug or cheap oil in? Sure, whatever, it's just money if you have worse fuel economy, have to replace it 1 month later, or even cause damage to your engine. But if your tires or brakes fail, the risk of personal injury is significantly higher. There are enough ways to die out there, thank you very much...

 

[BUTCH1]

Trick is, if your forced to do an extremely fast, hard stop, slip the shifter into park and take foot off the pedal, helps keep material from the pads getting deposited on the rotor face causing warpage,