Top Picks For Brake Rotor Related Parts

Brake rotors are circular discs that are connected to the wheels of your vehicle and rotate with them. The brake pads squeeze against the brake rotors to stop the moving vehicle. Brake rotors are very common in vehicles today and are also known as brake discs. They are mounted on the axle, at the wheel hub and are clamped by the brake calipers. The brake caliper comprises pistons that push the brake pads against the brake rotors when the brake pedal is pressed. The brake rotors have to be replaced when they wear out and damage other components which need to be checked and replaced for a reliable braking system.

Brake pads are a key component of your vehicle's braking system and they sit between the brake rotor and the caliper. They are made of a thick piece of steel with friction linings that make contact with the rotating brake disc to stop the wheels. The brake pads are mounted inside a housing called a brake caliper that comprises pistons that protrude out under hydraulic action as the brake pedal is pressed. These pistons push the brake pads against the rotor and slow the wheel down.

The friction caused by the braking action generates stress and heat that wear the brake pads and rotors. Over a prolonged period, these brake rotors and the pads wear out to the point where they need to be replaced. However, the life of these components depends on other factors as well such as the driving style, vehicle type, load carried, driving conditions, etc. Although brake pads should be replaced at recommended intervals, it is recommended to replace your brake pads with new brake rotors. Also, it is important to notice symptoms like squeaking or squealing, grinding noises while braking, vibrations, longer stopping distance, etc that indicate worn out or failing brake pads and rotors. 

The brakes on your vehicle convert kinetic energy into heat energy using friction generated between the pads and the rotor. The rear brake pads, compared to front brake pads, are smaller and are part of a smaller braking unit. Rear brakes are comparatively smaller because the front brakes generate 75% of the vehicle's stopping force. Rear brake pads usually wear out late compared to front ones, but often they go overlooked. This can lead to a dangerous situation under difficult circumstances therefore, it is very important to check your rear brakes while replacing the rotors and get it replaced if they show signs of wear.

The wheel hub assembly keeps your wheel attached to the vehicle and enables you to steer your vehicle safely. The proper functioning of the wheel hub assembly is critical to the functioning of the anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control system (TCS), wheel sensors, and bearings. If you have just changed your rotors and observed uneven rotor surface or brake pad wear, it could be due to a worn-out front hub assembly. The wheel bearings can wear out, causing looseness and excessive runout, which causes wear and damage to the brake pad or rotor. Therefore, while changing your brake rotors, always check the condition of the wheel hub assembly and replace the damaged components for safe and reliable braking.

Improved Steering

Changing your front hub assembly offers improved steering and better control while driving your vehicle, especially around corners.

Smoother drive

Replacing your old worn-out wheel bearing hub assemblies makes you ride significantly smoother even as you drive on uneven and rough surfaces. This offers a comfortable and safe ride.

Noise reduction

New front hub assemblies reduce noise and vibrations from your vehicle while shifting or turning and make your vehicle more reliable.

Wheel studs are attached to the hub of the vehicle and, with the help of lug nuts, they keep your wheels firmly attached to the wheel hubs and axles of your vehicle. They are very sturdy and tough, but with age and time, they can deteriorate. Age, heat, and corrosion often cause these wheel studs to break under normal driving conditions. One of the reasons for wheel stud failure is insufficient or excessive torque on lug nuts, which causes stress on the studs. Improper use of impact wrenches and non-calibrated tools can also result in deformed threads, which can reduce the clamping force.

Wheel studs and nuts fasten your wheels to the vehicle and if they should not be overlooked. Preventive maintenance is always better than dealing with major breakdowns therefore, look for signs like mutilated threads, broken studs, fastener wear, excessive rust, etc to ensure your wheel studs are in perfect condition. If you replace a broken stud, you should also replace the surrounding studs because when a stud breaks, it causes uneven load distribution and stresses on other studs. You can also change your OEM wheel studs with aftermarket ones, some of which are longer in length and allow the use of wheel spacers and incorporate wide rims.