The number one question we are asked at DBA USA is, “Can your rotors be turned or machined?”
The easy answer is yes, they can. Somewhere along the way, someone started saying that slotted rotors couldn’t be turned. This incorrect statement has become fact, or at least urban legend, so we wanted to try to clear up this misconception. If done properly, and with care, slotted and drilled rotors can be machined. Not all warped, worn or damaged rotors can be brought back from the dead, but more often than not, a proper machining job can breathe new life to your rotors and should be considered a viable alternative to replacement rotors in some cases.
Can You Machine Drilled And Slotted Rotors
A set of cross-drilled and slotted rotors can give you additional peace of mind by keeping temperatures down and the rotor face clean. Always remember to pair your drilled & slotted rotors with a high-quality set of brake pads designed for your vehicle as well as fresh DOT-3 or DOT-4 brake fluid for best results. These beautifully machined cross drilled and slotted brake rotors include the same slotted design as the premium dimpled drilled and slotted brake rotors giving you incredible stopping power while keeping the dust away from your wheels. I've never seen a drilled or slotted rotor with a machine to spec on them i had to look on mitchell a couple times cause we had customers who wanted to be cheap and not get new one and show them it states one time use rotor and you cannot safely machine then the slot is not only a vent its a wear bar.
To explain the proper method, we dug out this old technical sheet that best explains the process. You’re welcome! 🙂
Can You Machine Drilled And Slotted Rotors Bearings
Break-In is critical for optimal performance
The break-in procedure is critical to brake performance. The reason for a proper break-in is to establish an even layer of friction material deposited on the rotors from the brake pads. It is very important that this initial layer of friction material is evenly distributed.
Best Drilled And Slotted Rotors
Break in your PowerStop Brakes as follows:
Can You Machine Drilled And Slotted Rotors Brake
- 1
Complete 5 moderate to aggressive stops from 40 mph down to 10 mph in rapid succession without letting the brakes cool and do not come to a complete stop. If you're forced to stop, complete the stop and either shift the vehicle into park or give room in front so you can allow the vehicle to roll slightly while waiting for the track light. The rotors will be very hot and holding down the brake pedal will force the brake pad to contact the rotor and possibly create an imprint on the rotor. This imprint may contribute to the creation of brake judder.
Continue the break in by completing 5 moderate stops from 35 mph to 5 mph in rapid succession without letting the brakes cool. You should expect to smell some resin as the brakes get hot. After this is complete, continue to drive the vehicle for as long as possible without heating the brakes excessively and without coming to a complete stop (Try for about 5 minutes at moderate speed). This is the cooling stage.
Once this is completed and the brakes have cooled to standard operating temperature, you may use the brakes normally. Never cool your brakes with water, as this can damage them.