A brake rotor or a disc brake refers to the metal disk that brake pads squeeze in order to bring the vehicle to a halt. Cross drilled brake rotors are used when there is a need to reduce brake fade. To understand what this means we need to look at how these operate. When braking, the act of braking results in the creation of gasses. When using cross drilled brake rotors it enables these gasses to escape with ease, and thereby increases the level of contact pressure. However it is important to note that cross drilled brake rotors are best suited for competitive situations.
The reason why cross drilled brake rotors are not recommended for non-competitive situations is the fact that such use causes increased likelihood of the devices cracking under pressure. It is especially important not to cross drill the rotors by yourself as this could prove quite risky when driving the vehicle. Unless purchasing them from a reputed manufacturer the act of drilling must always be done with an NC machine using calculated positions. It must also be ensured that this is done after relieving stress. However as mentioned earlier it is best that the use of cross drilled brake rotors are limited to competitive situations. This is because the use of cross drilled brake rotors, while improving braking in competitive situations, only gives a marginal benefit in non competitive use.
On the other hand cross drilled brake rotors, as noted earlier, offer reduced levels of brake fade. The use of cross drilled brake rotors also enable easier or improved rotor cooling, which further enhances the level of brake fade. In fact the use of cross drilled brake rotors could provide you with reduction of temperature by about 200 degrees when engaging in extreme braking. The extent of reduced temperature will however depend on the type, brand and structure of the cross drilled brake rotors you use.
While it is known that the use of cross drilled brake rotors enhances the look of your drive and braking, especially in conditions requiring extreme braking it is still advisable to consult a few people with a better understanding of how these work, especially if you are a novice and unsure of its effects, risks and benefits.
It is also advisable to make sure what you get is in sync with the vehicle’s initial rotor’s dimensions. They must also be compatible with the vehicle’s hubs, brake callipers as well as the road wheels. Most brands available out there provide these in designs that enable you to match them to the appearance of the vehicle. Finally as an option to cross drilled brake rotors, you may also want to look at and understand the workings of slotted or grooved rotors to get that exact performance you seek for your vehicle.
The purpose of a brake rotor is to slow down or completely stop a wheel while it is in motion. Friction is applied in the shape of brake pads on both sides of the brake rotor to stop the wheel. This friction causes the brake rotor to slow down or stop and ultimately this action is transferred onto the wheel.
As the Laws of Physics explain, friction causes motion to transform into heat. But, if the brake rotor is incapable of dissipating the excess heat accumulated, it becomes too hot and consequently less effective. This phenomenon is known as brake fade.
In addition, friction causes, depending on the materials the brake pad and rotor are made of, gas build up between these two surfaces. The gas build up also limits the stopping power of brakes. Another issue in brake rotor efficiency is the collection of water between brake rotors and pads. Since friction is proportionate to the surface tension, a wet surface severely reduces brake efficiency. Finally, the accumulation of dust particles in between the brake components not only limits the stopping effect they also wear out a rotor.
Cross drilled brake rotors, first used on racing cars in the 1960’s, solve these issues of inefficiency. Drilling holes in cross drilled brake rotors makes it relatively easy for heat, gas, water and dust particles to be swept away, resulting in a better brake performance and durability of the rotor.
The material from which the brake rotor is made up of is also a deciding factor in heat dissipation and durability. Modern day cross drilled brake rotors are made of reinforced carbon-carbon or ceramic matrix compounds.
Cross drilled brake rotors are mostly used in high performance automobiles. A combination of cross drilling and slotting on brake rotors are preferred for use in race circuits, since they maintain brake pad softness and evade melting, transformation of solid to liquid (and vice versa), of their surfaces.
Regular maintenance of cross drilled rotors is essential. Spraying water at high pressure for a small period will be sufficient to remove all dust particles from the holes of the cross drilled brake rotor.
It is unwise to drill holes on solid brake rotors. Since, cross drilled brake rotor designs are repeatedly examined for stress crack sites that could cause brake rotors to come apart under stressful use. To take a solid rotor and drilling holes on it is an accident waiting to happen.
The negative aspects of cross drilled brake rotors are mainly its high price. Additionally, users have reported that cross drilled brake rotors improve braking in competitive situations, and offer an insignificant advantage in normal street conditions. Finally cross drilled brake rotors wear out the brake pads swiftly.
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