Why don't rotors have holes?

[socal_rattler]

Was just wondering..... many bikes and performance cars have holes or slots in the rotors to dissipate heat and move water off the surface of the rotor. Why don't the manufacturers do that on more cars and trucks? Seems to me that it would be very useful in heavier vehicles.



The only thing I can think of is the increased cost, although in a $30k+ vehicle, you won't think it would be that big a factor.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Increased cost plus the rotors can crack alot easier.

 

[BCFAST]

Have drilled rotors on the race car... they do crack as EMD said, and are pretty pricey. A good idea for brake life is ventilation! How about an aftermarket air scoop, hose, and a mounting horn to the back-side of the hub assembly? They've got'um for Porsche, BMW, Viper, etc... . how about it, vendors?

 

[Jff24Gordn]

Our roters ARE made to have holes in the friction surface. You just need to ride your brakes for a few thousand miles till you have a bunch of holes that radate outwards of the center.

 

[rich m]

cracks or warps, which do you prefer?

I've got some aftermarket crossdrilled rotors on mine. the biggest problem my brake guy observed with this design of Delco brakes was heat-warp... his first guinea pig client was a guy in a Suburban who commuted from Las Vegas to Los Angeles every day (FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, WHY??)... Was burning pads every 15K, and rotors every 45... Both components lasted longer for him, and seem to be doing so for me, as well... . Currently I'm a happy camper!

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Cracks or Warps? i prefer warps, a pulsing pedal is better then chunks or rotor flying everywhere. You know that could happen when you get your Ram up to about 160mph, so be careful.

 

[socal_rattler]

Thanks guys... I learn something every day on the good ole TDR!