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:

https://photos.smugmug.com/2019-Porsche-Turbo-S-Cabriolet/i-2H2sPTB/0/35afd5b9/X2/IMG_1169-X2.jpg (https://autodermatology.smugmug.com/2019-Porsche-Turbo-S-Cabriolet/i-2H2sPTB/A)

https://photos.smugmug.com/2019-Porsche-Turbo-S-Cabriolet/i-MDsrFHw/0/b3238937/X2/IMG_1170-X2.jpg (https://autodermatology.smugmug.com/2019-Porsche-Turbo-S-Cabriolet/i-MDsrFHw/A)

https://photos.smugmug.com/2011-Ferrari-458-Italia/i-mVDJQMv/0/da330f20/X2/DSCN3238-X2.jpg (https://autodermatology.smugmug.com/2011-Ferrari-458-Italia/i-mVDJQMv/A)

https://photos.smugmug.com/2011-Ferrari-458-Italia/i-K8LBmsZ/0/9999b2d8/X2/DSCN3239-X2.jpg (https://autodermatology.smugmug.com/2011-Ferrari-458-Italia/i-K8LBmsZ/A)

https://photos.smugmug.com/2018-McLaren-570S-Spider/i-6LzsPML/0/7626f20c/X2/DSCN0738-X2.jpg (https://autodermatology.smugmug.com/2018-McLaren-570S-Spider/i-6LzsPML/A)

https://photos.smugmug.com/2018-McLaren-570S-Spider/i-FtfWsM8/0/e194d731/X2/DSCN0741-X2.jpg (https://autodermatology.smugmug.com/2018-McLaren-570S-Spider/i-FtfWsM8/A)

https://photos.smugmug.com/2018-McLaren-570S-Spider/i-3dCJf7p/0/ce8b4ab6/X2/DSCN0747-X2.jpg (https://autodermatology.smugmug.com/2018-McLaren-570S-Spider/i-3dCJf7p/A)

https://photos.smugmug.com/2018-McLaren-570S-Spider/i-QKTxfFL/0/aa9f4ea5/X2/DSCN0748-X2.jpg (https://autodermatology.smugmug.com/2018-McLaren-570S-Spider/i-QKTxfFL/A)




Steel rotors:


https://photos.smugmug.com/2018-Charger-Hellcat/i-3jTd8B6/0/7be4deea/X2/DSCN1212-X2.jpg (https://autodermatology.smugmug.com/2018-Charger-Hellcat/i-3jTd8B6/A)

https://photos.smugmug.com/2018-Charger-Hellcat/i-D2zxNNB/0/a16881c5/X2/DSCN1213-X2.jpg (https://autodermatology.smugmug.com/2018-Charger-Hellcat/i-D2zxNNB/A)

https://photos.smugmug.com/2020-GT500/i-4Pkf4j7/0/a8c72fdb/X2/IMG_E7801-X2.jpg (https://autodermatology.smugmug.com/2020-GT500/i-4Pkf4j7/A)

https://photos.smugmug.com/2020-GT500/i-hnCBv2N/0/fd1e0fd0/X2/IMG_E7802-X2.jpg (https://autodermatology.smugmug.com/2020-GT500/i-hnCBv2N/A)



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

https://photos.smugmug.com/Misc-pics-to-post/i-zPfWR4f/0/35570064/M/porsche-brakes-626x382-M.jpg (https://autodermatology.smugmug.com/Misc-pics-to-post/i-zPfWR4f/A)

https://photos.smugmug.com/Misc-pics-to-post/i-KtZszb8/0/da4deab2/Th/index-Th.jpg (https://autodermatology.smugmug.com/Misc-pics-to-post/i-KtZszb8/A)

Hope this helps everyone out!

[Mike Phillips]

Nice article Scott.

Thank you for photo-documenting.


:)

[DMiglio]

Thanks for this Scott!

Been a few recent threads asking for info like this, nice to have a post dedicated on how to tackle them safely.

[Desertnate]

Thanks! No idea Tungsten Carbide brake rotors were a thing. I was aware of the ceramics, but this is something new to read up on.

[Pats300zx]

Great info Scott !!!! Thanks for putting that together.

[Bruno Soares]

Recently I was at a Porsche dealer and they had a Cayenne Turbo coupe loaded and it had this Tungsten Carbide brake system. The calipers were insanely huge, I guess to stop that big of a vehicle with high performance. These were 21” wheels and look how much of the space it fills.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200914/da20139a0a9be7963a98bb673ffe3a53.jpg


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[Sizzle Chest]

Most welcome everyone! Glad you are finding it helpful!