Different types of brake rotors we encounter

[Sizzle Chest]

We commonly run into 3 different types of brake rotors.

STEEL/FERROUS

CERAMIC/CARBON CERAMIC

TUNGSTEN CARBIDE



Each type can have a different approache in regards to cleaning, handling, etc.

Steel or ferrous: Pretty much the `standard` rotor on most auto`s. Pretty much impervious to anything we may use on them, however they are prone to rust.

Ceramic/Carbon ceramic: Found on `high end` sports cars, exotics and some luxury vehicles. Finicky. Please use caution when working on a vehicle with these. The rotors tend to absorb chemicals, are `delicate` and can crack/shatter if struck, dropped, or mishandled, and are ridiculously expensive to replace. (approximately $3-5K+ EACH). They dust very little and using your favorite car shampoo on them is a good solid, safe cleaning routine.

Tungsten carbide: Found on model year 2020 and newer Porsche Cayenne and Taycan. I typically treat these as I do ceramic/carbon ceramic rotors. (expensive, but not as expensive as the carbon ceramic)









Ceramic/Carbon Ceramic rotors:




















Steel rotors:












Tungsten carbide rotors: (for now, only on model year 2020 and newer Porsche SUV`s and Taycan)





Hope this helps everyone out!

 

[Billy Baldone]

Thank you for the info Scott, you handsome ```````!!!!

 

[Sizzle Chest]

LOL Billy! I`m a sexay beast!

 

[William_Wallace]

Top picture of the one rotor was neat pattern wonder how they make em. The tungsten has a nice clean sharp look.

 

[Sizzle Chest]

^^^^^

Great info and video here:

https://www.6thgearautomotive.com/2017/11/17/how-is-it-made-brembo-explains-the-ceramic-disc/

 

[Lonnie]

Sizzle Chest:
Only you (and a few select Autopians) get detail vehicles with ceramic carbon fiber discs. Another proof of "The best cars in the world get detailers by the best detailers in the world".
It also is a good reason why you do a "wheel-off" details of the rim-&-tire (wheel) assembly of such vehicles.
And why you have a major investment in specialized tools just for that purpose, which are not nice-to-have tools, but an absolute necessity when detailing such vehicles.

Tungsten carbide is a new brake rotor material for me. The last application of this specialized material I know of was high-speed machining cutting tools of harder-to-machine metals (like 304 or 316 stainless steel or hi-strength carbon steel) due to its ability to hold an edge (IE, it stays sharp longer), especially in Computer-Numeric Controlled (CNC) center for mass production