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Disc brake rotors

Donny_L

Jedi Trainee
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I was thinking, since I already have the hubs off and bearings out that I should get the rotors cut while I'm at it. so once I get all this stuff put back together I wont have to put myself through it again anytime soon. My question is; is it ok to cut the rotors and if yes should I take the splined hub off the rotor before I bring them in ? Also Whats the specs on how thick it's supposed to be and still be safe to have them turned.? I couldn't find that info in my manual.
 
Re: Disc break rotors

Donny, You want to leave the rotors on the hub and have the races for the bearings installed . The lathes use cones that center on the races so the rotor spins as true as it will be mounted on the car. Kevin
 
Re: Disc break rotors

You may have a problem getting the rotors turned. In CA, at least, no reputable shop will turn rotors or drums without an official spec--I hear it's a criminal offense--and no one could find a spec for my drums. You may have a problem with your rotors, too.

I'd rather turn a good rotor, too, but new aren't terribly expensive (I bought a pair on sale for $50ea., and they were Brembo). Since you have everything apart--and if you do it right you probably won't have to do this again--I'd get new rotors, esp. if you're doing everything else.

On another note, next time I have my rotors off I'm going to tack weld the hub bolts to the rotor. That way, I can torque the nuts on the hub without the bolts turning.
 
Re: Disc break rotors

Bob,
I'd advise against welding studs. I tack welded the studs on my race car to keep them from turning in the axel and every one of them broke during a practice run and the rear wheel broke off. I think the excessive heat made them brittle.
Bob G
 
Re: Disc break rotors

Wow. Thanks for the tip. The later BJ8s use bolts--you think they'd have a problem, too? Doesn't seem like a little tack on the bolt head would cause a problem.
 
Re: Disc break rotors

I have slotted and drilled front rotors plus Denis Welch vented and balanced rear drums on my BJ8 street car. I'm very happy with these up grades.
 
Re: Disc break rotors

You got two of these babies!!! You R too cool for school. Where'd you get the rotors from. and why only on the street car and not the racer too?
 
Re: Disc break rotors

Donny_L said:
Does anyone have slotted brake rotors on there Healey?

Donny, I've got drilled and slotted rotors on my BJ8. Bought the ones that Moss sells, which are made by Disc Brakes Australia. I added them when I had to replace my brake servo. I'm using them with Classic Gold Premium Ceramic Pads. Otherwise I've got new stock calipers and a bunch of other new parts... but all just stock replacement stuff.

I honestly can't say for certain if the drilled/slotted rotors made things a whole lot better... because my brake system wasn't working quite right before the upgrade... but I can tell you that my Healey stops <span style="font-weight: bold">incredibly</span> well. Feels as good as any modern disc front/drum rear car - probably even better than many.

I upgraded the '68 Camaro I had before the Healey with a full blown 4 wheel disc brake setup, spending probably 5 times as much as what I invested in the Healey brakes... yet the Healey feels just as good. Go figure.

~Bob
 
Re: Disc break rotors

I also purchased my slotted/drilled rotors through Moss and found the quality very good. Our vintage race regulations do not allow for this modern upgrade, but I do have 4-wheel discs which was homologated for racing on the big Healey.
 
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