New rotors

[Kenneth]

I need to replace my orignal rotors on my 94 gmc. The specs of the truck are listed in my signature (8600 GVW). I am looking for some recommendations on brands for OEM replacements; nothing special, just good quality replacements. Thanks.

[DickWells]

I put a set of Chinese made Raybestos rotors in my 2500 Burb back in 99 at 90K miles. Bought them at Parts America for $39.95 each. Could have knocked me over with a feather. I was quoted $96+ each at a NAPA. Didn't have much hope for the cheap Chinese rotors, but I carefully tourqued them and took the plunge. Got 186K on them now, and they still brake real smooth. I ALWAYS torque them carefully with a break-away wrench, in 15 lb steps from 60 lb/ft up. Learned the hard way on the previous set! I have sensitive hands, but they don't live up to a good tourque wrench.
Parts America is now Advance Parts (IIRC).
I imagine that your unit has the same PITA, drive-out-press-in lugs that the big Burb did. I re-used the lugs, and as you can see, they've held up. Most of all the mileage that I put on the Burb was towing a travel trailer all over the US. The last 40K or so was with 1420 lbs of tongue weight!
Don't think I'd hesitate to buy the cheap ones again.
Good luck.
Dick Wells:)

[Robyn]

I have had several Burbs and they all have had rotor issues.
Always bought the "Good Ones" $$$$$$ :eek:

They always start the pulsating jerking crap after a few K miles.

I bought a set of the cheap ones (China made) and have had the same good results.

Auto Zone offers a lifetime warranty on their rotors and the better grade and up pads.

I usually use NAPA because of my commercial account there BUTTTTTTTTT I am now using the medium grade stuff from The Zone

Was $38 for pads for the 94 Burb.

I am writing a thread on a recent (Today) experience with the brakes on the Burb

Robyn

[Robyn]

Just a note

Have a look at the thread (sticky) on rotors and pads at the top of the list in this forum.

Interesting pix and even more interesting questions as to why it happened.

Best
RC

[Kenneth]

Thanks for the input Robyn and Dick. I already read the article. I found it interesting and helpful. Thanks.

[DickWells]

I just went up and looked at that post on Robyn's brakes. Wow. Some things just have to go un-explained, I guess.
I've put very little mileage on the Burb in sloppy conditions. Drove it some a year ago last November in deer season back home, but that's about it.
Drove it quite a bit in snow out in OR back a few years, but don't remember encountering any salt out there.
I mentioned my experience with the earlier rotors. What happened is that I had had the rotors turned and installed new pads. Within days, I heated the front brakes up going down a 2 mile long hill in VT, solo. Got the old shaking syndrome as soon as they cooled off! That's when I got new rotors and a break-away tourque wrench.
One thing I've tried to always do, especially when towing, is to stop short of an intersection by 6 feet or so, and let the thing creep enough to clamp the pads in a new position about every 5-10 seconds while I'm sitting there. Can't always do it, but I believe it helps to cool the rotors more uniformally. It's sort of become a habit, now. Got that hint from some auto mag article on brakes. Just for WIW.
I never thought that I would grow to accept disc brakes, based on the experiences we used to have with them, back in the 60s to 80s. The salt really used to raise Heck with them back home. They've seen some real improvement over the years, but I'm still not sure that I wouldn't rather have some great big drums on there instead??? Who cares about un-sprung weight on an HD pickup, anyhow!? Oh well, I'll always be a country boy, anyway.;)
Dick Wells:)

[Robyn]

As far as I have been able to learn, the issue with the shims twisting all up was a desing flaw in the NAPA pads.

They replaced them with no questions asked.
I know when it happened too. We had the nasty cold and snow back in late Decemeber and were running the Burb every day in snow and slop of up to 24inches deep.
Coming in hot with all the snow packed in around the suspension allowed the warm rotors to melt it some and then it froze in the very cold temps at night (Teens)
The one morning the rig did not want to move when I dropped it in gear.
It finally let go with a BANG :eek:

And shortly after it started to pull hard to the Left.

The one rotor (LH SIDE) was messed up since I bought the truck in 04 so that was not an issue.

With the new rotor and pads it breaks lovely now with better, smoother breaking than it has ever had.

My feeling is that if the rotors are of top quality, one should not have to play little games with them to keep them from going goofy.

I have never seen this anomaly on the older GM straight axles with disc brakes.

Best

RC

[HammerWerf]

I put on a set of Power Slot rotors 2 1/2 years ago, with the GM ceramic pads. I have not had any trouble with them. Nice smooth and straight stops. I did follow the instructions to break in the rotors and pads when newly installed.

Bought them from Brake warehouse.

HammerWerf

[Robyn]

Ceramic pads are very agressive and extremely hard on rotors.
The stops are great butttt.

I personally prefer the semi metalic as they are far easier on the rotors

best

RC

[w6bauer]

couple years back in my k1500 gasser burb i got in after a hockey game and dropped her in gear and she didnt want to go either. It was real slushy before i got to the rink and the temps had dropped to below 0F when I was done. I gave her a little gas and started to go but immediately noticed there was no steering, my front wheels were not spinning. I eased up to the sidewalk and as soon as the fronts hit the de-iced walk they popped loose. on the way home it still seemed like they were dragging for the first couple miles at least till all the ice melted outta the calipers. never had it happen again.
I can say i am experiencing the warped rotors on the 2500 burb though. Just put brakes on her when i gotter, less than 15k later with minimal towing im feeling the shake. maybe next time ill get the china ones :rolleyes:

Will