I just did a brake job on my 2000 Forester (49,000 miles) and the rotors had to be cut pretty thin. Not past spec, just close.

 

Anyway, the right front rotor has now warped. Probably the left front one will soon.

 

No big deal for right now...

Assuming the warpage doesn't get significantly worse, I may as well use up these pads before replacing the rotors. They'll wear faster on warped rotors anyway.

 

Which brings me to my question...

 

What are my options in replacement rotors?

 

If I'm not mistaken, AutoZone has cheap rotors for around thirty bucks. Subaru has OEM rotors of course.

I'd imagine that SOMEONE has aftermarket performance rotors too.

 

So, for someone who drives fairly hard, what is my best bet in replacements?

My first choice is Subaru, my second choice is Bendix.

I would rather replace with the 30.00 rotor from Auto Zone than have the old ones turned. I have not had much luck with rotors after having them turned. I try to get two pad replacements for my rotors, than I replace them. Auto Zone rotors hold up fine for me and I do about two or three brake jobs a year on my car. I agree with 99 obw Bendix has very good brake products, I dont know who makes the Auto Zone rotors but they work fine for me.

I have a 97 Outback with ~140k miles and stick with the OEM parts. Soon I'll be replacing the crap rubber lines with Goodridge braided stainless and DOT5 fluid throughout. Good lines and fluid will make a HUGE difference in power and feel. I do a fair bit of towing, especially in the summer (racebikes to track, moving stuff, etc.) and have zero trouble with the OEM parts. I change fluids & pads regularly and just replaced the rotors too last weekend. Buy OEM from Liberty Subaru and mention the board here for 25% off list. Goodridge lines can be had from TireRack and they have EBC rotors too, but i've never tried them. Maybe in another 50k miles when these rotors die....

Get the best ones you can buy, and have them cryogenically frozen. I've heard good things. I plan on doing this to my Jaguar.

Get the best ones you can buy, and have them cryogenically frozen. I've heard good things. I plan on doing this to my Jaguar.

 

http://www.frozenrotors.com

They were an SCCA Pro Rally Season sponsor the other year. Sad part is I didn't see anything for Subarus when I did my quick search.

 

Anyhow, Slotted and cross Drilled rotors are only needed for true race applications like track racing. The slots and holes are really for outgassing of the pads that you will never see unless you are REALLY racing. Noit just driving hard on the street. Anyhow, the slotted and drilled rotors actually wear the pads much quicker which makes them less desirable for street applications.

 

I would go with a good name brand like Brembo if you can find them, or Bendix. Other than that I'd go OEM.

 

Keith

variety of noises you get to sort out. Fine if you have a race car, but a bit of an irritation at the supermarket.

On my 99 Forester I went for a set of standard rotors and a set of Ozzie 4wd brake pads.

So far no worries mate but my Subaru does not get relly challenging use like rallying, autocross, racing, or worst of all, mailman.

What I meant was get the best oem style rotors there are (probably subaru) and get them cryogenically frozen. Not a big fan of slotted/drilled for street use.

I've had no problems with the EBC rotors. I used OEM pads and have the Goodridge SS brake lines. I have about 20,000 miles on them so far and I've seen no indication of undue wear. They do make a kind of buzzing noise under hard braking, but nothing unbearable. I have a 20 mile drive to work in fairly fast moving traffic, and I've never had any problems with stopping or slowing no matter how crazy the commute gets.

I just got rotors for our 96 OBW from TireRack. They are vented Brembos. $44 each. I am spoiled as I can stop by their place on my way home from work and not have to pay shipping. 2 rotors, a set of Satisfied OEM material pads and tax came to $121.09. I am not pushing the pads, they were a couple of bucks more than AutoZone, but I only had to make one stop.

 

Greg

EBC discs are good. BUT stay away from EBC pads!!

 

I run Mintex pads on EBC discs and cannot complain - only about wear...20k miles and the pads are worn thin. But I like my brakes to stop the car, not last long and fade instead!

I ended up going with the stock replacement type Brembos. I was going to get them from Tirerack, but the local shop got them from his supplier for 30-somthing, and no shipping.

 

I took a look at them before he installed them, and they were very nicely crafted pieces, at least from what I could tell by eye.

 

 

The braking feel and performance it gives me are great. I highly recommend these as replacement parts for when your stock pieces eventually warp.

I second Lame's motion. If ultimate braking performance is not important and you want you pads to last long, then stick with Brembo replacement discs. Any grooved disc is going to decrease pad life.

 

 

(Ultimate braking is like when the pads are so hot, the whole cabin reeks)