Premium, OEM or local store rotors?

[rfsurfer]

Its time to put new rotors/pads on my daily driver, (07 Ford Fusion v6). They have a little vibration around 40-50mph and they're getting close to their min spec so turning is out. Ive been looking at either Brembo blanks, OEM Motorcraft, or your basic APP/Duralast/etc.

The prices are all around the same (~60 for fronts, 40 for rears, although the OEM are the most expensive).

It seems like everyone has an opinion here, so im probably opening a can of worms, but as my DD, I just need a good set of true and balanced rotors that will stay that way with normal driving...which would you go with?

Id much rather spend a few extra bucks now and not deal with it for another few years if thats what it takes, but if it really doesnt matter, then saving money never hurt either.

 

[Bottom_Feeder]

I've had very good luck with Advance Auto's Wearever line. Certainly better than NAPA's basic line.

Yes, they are made in China. No that doesn't bother me much in this case.

 

[stephen9666]

Originally Posted By: rfsurfer
They have a little vibration around 40-50mph.


Do you mean there's vibration when you're driving at those speeds? If so, that's probably a tire balance and not rotors.


Originally Posted By: rfsurfer
Ive been looking at either Brembo blanks, OEM Motorcraft, or your basic APP/Duralast/etc.


If you want to avoid Chinese parts (which may or may not be a priority for you), then all of these won't be a great choice. If you google "brembo rotors China" or "Motorcraft rotors China" you'll find lots of posts saying that many of these (or possibly all) are now made in China.

I recently went with Raybestos Pro rotors for my Sonata. They're basic, Chinese rotors, but they're working fine. I wish I would have spent more for rotors with a painted hat and vanes, or at least painted them myself.

Also, I don't believe Motorcraft parts are identical to OEM parts. For that, you have to spend more to buy the genuine Ford labeled parts.

 

[MysticGold04]

I bought some AC Delco advantage rotors from amazon with a set of Wagner ThermoQuiets for my Focus. So far no issues, and I like the stopping power. Most rotors nowadays are made in China anyways. I'd be willing to bet that most of the non-performance rotors (slotted, drilled, etc) will be just about the same, so really brand does not seem too matter.

 

[rfsurfer]

Sorry, when I brake at 40-50mpg I get a slight pulsation.

I do like buying US, but i typically wont go out of my way to do it.

I just want to buy a set of rotors I wont have to mess. if it costs a little more, thats fine, but if a rotor is a rotor then then Wearever, Duralast it is. I do plan on painting the hats if they dont come plated or painted btw.

which is considered better quality, Ford OE or Motorcraft? I know they are not the same p/n but I wasnt sure which was considered the "better" part.

 

[bdcardinal]

Originally Posted By: rfsurfer

which is considered better quality, Ford OE or Motorcraft? I know they are not the same p/n but I wasnt sure which was considered the "better" part.


Go with OEM Ford whenever you can. The main difference is the OEM will have 1125 in the middle of the long number or BRRF on the short number. Motorcraft will have 1V125 as the basic number and BRR as the prefix for the short number.

The OEM will still come in a Motorcraft box, but will have the numbers that I told you about before under Ford's new brake selling system.

Also when installing always wash with hot soapy water and dry off before you put the rotors on, that is how they tell our techs to do it and when they follow it there are no issues.

 

[rfsurfer]

wow, straight from the source! Thank you very much.

 

[Texan4Life]

Originally Posted By: rfsurfer
wow, straight from the source! Thank you very much.


+1 interesting about the part numbering.

 

[bourne]

I currently use Raybestos Advanced Technology brake hardware and so far has worked out great for me. Definitely recommended.

If you go to RockAuto these are the part numbers you should be looking for :

Front Rotors : RAYBESTOS Part # 680404
Rear Rotors : RAYBESTOS Part # 980172
Front Pads : RAYBESTOS Part # ATD1164C
Rear Pads : RAYBESTOS Part # ATD1161C

That set right there should take care of your brakes for a LONG LONG time lol. My pads are wearing like rocks.

 

[Donald]

The $30 ones from NAPA seem to be OK. If you order, get them from Amazon for free shipping.