| Bob's PRO TIPS |
BGA "Tip of the Month"
PROCEDURES FOR
SET UP & MACHINING COMPOSITE ROTORS
Since the mid-80's, a type of rotor introduced into the automotive market called a composite rotor has
presented machining problems. The composite rotor is made from two materials; the friction disc is
made of cast iron, while the hub is made from stamped steel.
The use of two materials lowers the rotor weight by 15 to 20% but also helps reduce noise as well as
providing cooler rotor temperatures.
The composite rotor cannot be machined using conventional centering cones and bell clamps. If the
standard accessories are used the rotor will have a chatter in the surface finish that will prevent the
rotor from working correctly.
To prevent surface finish problems, the operator should be using a composite rotor kit, RELS part
number 47315 to attach the rotor to the brake lathe. The kit uses plates to clamp and hold the rotors
stamped steel "hat" in order to prevent a vibration. This vibration is what is responsible for causing
chatter within the surface of the cast iron disc. A dampener used by itself is not effective at preventing
this situation, only the use of a composite kit can assure the correct surface finish.
This adapter set can be used with any hubless rotor, and will speed up the actual time required to
mount and turn any rotor, composite or not.
PROCEDURES FOR
SET UP & MACHINING COMPOSITE ROTORS
Since the mid-80's, a type of rotor introduced into the automotive market called a composite rotor has
presented machining problems. The composite rotor is made from two materials; the friction disc is
made of cast iron, while the hub is made from stamped steel.
The use of two materials lowers the rotor weight by 15 to 20% but also helps reduce noise as well as
providing cooler rotor temperatures.
The composite rotor cannot be machined using conventional centering cones and bell clamps. If the
standard accessories are used the rotor will have a chatter in the surface finish that will prevent the
rotor from working correctly.
To prevent surface finish problems, the operator should be using a composite rotor kit, RELS part
number 47315 to attach the rotor to the brake lathe. The kit uses plates to clamp and hold the rotors
stamped steel "hat" in order to prevent a vibration. This vibration is what is responsible for causing
chatter within the surface of the cast iron disc. A dampener used by itself is not effective at preventing
this situation, only the use of a composite kit can assure the correct surface finish.
This adapter set can be used with any hubless rotor, and will speed up the actual time required to
mount and turn any rotor, composite or not.
| as always... STAY TUNED FOR MORE... |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |