auto zone quality
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 37
Likes: 2
auto zone quality
I felt it was wrong when I did it...But I did it anyway. I went cheap and purchased front rotors from auto zone. I saved 60 bucks on the pair. I have had to turn them twice so far at about 30.00 a time. you do the math. how can they sell items that are so inferior??Or did I just get a BAD set from them??....Tonebone
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,092
Likes: 145
From: San Diego, CA
It's simple math:
Ford trucks are hard on brakes + low end rotors are not very heavy duty = save some $$$ now
-and-
Save some $$$ now + low end rotors = more $$$ in the long run
I had a '97 2wd F-150 and I burned through a set of front rotors every year. They weren't even worth turning because they were either run down too far or badly warped (and I'm a pretty mild driver). It was not cheap because that truck had integrated hubs with the disc (all one unit) so I was looking at $250 in OEM rotors every year (not even aftermarket).
It's worth the investment up front for a good set of rotors (cryo treated if they are in your budget, they are more warp resistant) and pads for Ford trucks.
Ford trucks are hard on brakes + low end rotors are not very heavy duty = save some $$$ now
-and-
Save some $$$ now + low end rotors = more $$$ in the long run
I had a '97 2wd F-150 and I burned through a set of front rotors every year. They weren't even worth turning because they were either run down too far or badly warped (and I'm a pretty mild driver). It was not cheap because that truck had integrated hubs with the disc (all one unit) so I was looking at $250 in OEM rotors every year (not even aftermarket).
It's worth the investment up front for a good set of rotors (cryo treated if they are in your budget, they are more warp resistant) and pads for Ford trucks.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
Like most parts store there is a choice
I have found over the years their quality is OK. I almost always get the lifetime warranty stuff well worth it over thier cheaper line. I havn't had to buy brake pads or mufflers in years, just take in the worn out ones and get new, never a hassle. SInce I keep my trucks 4 ever, and ride em hard, this works out in my favor.
Very few parts I have bought have been junk.
Very few parts I have bought have been junk.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
honestly, OEM or a quality national brand is the way to go, differences in the metal composition is what makes the rotor good or bad. Brembo off of tirerack would be a greeat choice. or OEM.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: NJ
I felt it was wrong when I did it...But I did it anyway. I went cheap and purchased front rotors from auto zone. I saved 60 bucks on the pair. I have had to turn them twice so far at about 30.00 a time. you do the math. how can they sell items that are so inferior??Or did I just get a BAD set from them??....Tonebone
Bob
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: New Hanover, PA
Often find good deals at places like Rockauto.com. They usually have a good selection of national brands, plus some off brands. I have had good success in getting Raybestos brakes pretty cheap... Only rotors that I regret buying were some PepBoys rotors for the rear of my 02 Explorer. They were soft and were pretty useless after about 2 years...
Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
I solve OE or OTC rotor issues all the time by switching people to Power Slot rotors. Ford is moderate, but GM quality is even worse. If you saw the porosity of the stock rotor castings under magnification you'd see why they warp so fast. Spend a little more on rotors, and you'll get it all back in the future - guaranteed. Give me a call if I can help.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,822
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
I tried the Powerlot Cryo rotors with Hawk LTS pads, could not get them to work, kept pulling to the left, replaced lines, slide pins calipers, everything, still pulled. Replaced powerslots with Raybestos rotors...NO PULL, and half the price. Just my experience.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
Sounds like a dragging caliper. The Raybestos rotors may have been a bit thinner.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 33,901
Likes: 244
From: Johnstown, PA
AutoZone (and Advance Auto too while we're at it) have given me mixed results. Sometimes really good, sometimes really bad. The last set of brakes I did (maybe 8 months ago? ) on the Explorer were from AutoZone and I feel like I've got to redo them already...the pedal's feeling spongy again. I'm going to do something different next time - just not sure what yet.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
Likes: 1,432
From: Millersville, MD
Did you "break-in" these new set of rotors/pads after you installed them? Do 4 very hard stops from about 60 down to 5MPH, but DO NOT STOP..... you should smell them by now....drive for a mile or so to cool 'em down. Will last for a very long time.
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