Napa rotors

[lonelydriver]

I went to napa and they had 2 types of rotors for our rigs.

One was about 30 dollars and the other was 80$!

What's the major difference??

Just to be safe I ordered the 80.00 dollar ones because I didn't want to have to go in there with those damn cone washers if those cheaper rotors warped.

Are the cheaper ones okay? the difference of 100 dollars is a pretty good chunk . Any suggestions?

-Kevin

 

[nuclearlemon]

must be manufacturer difference. oem runs along that high side (think they might be a little less, but check with cruiser dan).

 

[jwest]

Don't forget the studs.

I don't know what the differences are. Napa also has a $24 one.


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[overhanger]

What's the major difference? Besides price? Asking the Napa guy would have been a better place to ask, don't you think? I'll bet that China is involved in the answer to your question.

 

[lonelydriver]

You're right the cheaper one is made in china, but will that really make a difference? Will they warp crack etc.

is the U.S. made one really worth $100 more?

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I have used the Napa "Tru-Stop" on 2 trucks. They cost about $25 each. The first set that I put on the FJ60 was labled "Made in USA". They have been great and have 30k miles on them so far. The next set went on the FJ40. They were labled "Made in USA" on the box, but the plastic on the rotors said "Made in China" but looked identical to the first set. They have been fine as well, but don't have many miles-maybe 5000 at most. I think they are OK. I do think the next set will be Toyota, though. See what Dan wants for a set of the real Toyota ones. You might be suprised.

I agree that new studs would be a good idea. The OEM studs are easier to install through the rotor. I used the Napa studs, and they must be a few thousandths bigger and much harder to install.

 

[jwest]

The point is there is a lot of ambiguity in this particular area of aftermarket part suppliers. The less expensive part may in fact be manufactured USA, OTOH they may be made in China yet are produced using USA casts. And depending on inventory some may be mixed and matched at the distributorship.

Notice that NAPA also carries the BECK/ARNLEY brand noted by "BA" preceding each part number. BA however is a distributor, not a manufacturer and I believe their parent company is WorldParts.

I just purchased a pair of discs for the Mercedes. The packaging was "Balo", which is what I ordered... yet "Balo" is not stamped on the disc - only "Germany". If they gave me the "ATE" brand, i wouldn't know it.

These are the differences noted on the NAPA website:
Whether the differences are remakably substantial, is difficult to say, but my leaning is that there isn't. I would have to handle and inspect each one individually.

Now, OEM is the exception, you know exactly what you've ordered. Same with the specialty aftermarket discs that are slotted and drilled.

These aren't high speed vehicles.

$23.49
Attributes:
# of Bolts / Holes:6
Brake Rotor Type:Rotor
Discard Thickness:.748"
Features & Benefits:Meets Original Equipment Fit
Form
& Function.
Height:1.885"
Outside Diameter:11.880"
Type of Packaging:Box
Vented / Solid:Vented

$81.49
Attributes:
# of Bolt Holes:6
# of Bolts / Holes:6
Bolt Circle Dimensions:5.5"
Brake Rotor Type:Rotor
Diameter:11 7/8"
Discard Thickness:.748"
Features & Benefits:Application Engineered to Meet or Exceed Original Equipment Design & Quality.
Features & Benefits - 2:Manufactured with Original Equipment Vane Configuration.
Height:1.885"
Outside Diameter:11.880"
Type of Packaging:Box
Vented / Solid:Vented

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[nuclearlemon]

keep in mind...ignore the pictures as they are "univeral" pictures. just look at specs. the pretty pictures mean nothing.

 

[jwest]

Right that's another point I was making by posting those pics. They both refer to different addresses but are exactly the same stock jpegs.

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[lovetoski]

At my local NAPA, I ask them the difference between different grades and they always tell me what's up. Usually in exceptional detail. I suggest just asking...

 

[CSA]

Cancel the order and order Brembos on line from any number of places for about $50.00 each.

 

[lonelydriver]

thanks for the overwhelming response. I had to cut my brake lines to get the dust shield off... so i'll probably order a cheaper rotor set online, was there any other way? because when I was unscrewing the line, it would wind up and not let me unscrew any further. The lines were cracked and looked pretty bad so i figured i'll cut them and replace em. Probably go with the longer soft line and bypass the brake dust shield bracket.

 

[Tinker]

Ditto CSA: Brembos!

 

[baldredhead]

sorry to hijack but....

to which studs are y'all referring for using OEM? my first knuckle rebuild is nearing, i don't want any surprises.

i'll be putting napa rotors on, the cheap ones, at least i'm kinda on topic

 

[fjbj40]

just curious....what is the reason all you people want to replace the wheel studs ???
I just replaced my rotors with the cheap Napa ones and just removed the studs and reinstalled them...piece of cake .
I don't see the reasoning behind replacement of the studs...big hammer and brass drift , out they come and back in they go .

Daryl

 

[jwest]

We're talking about the wheel studs, 6 per side.

If they're rusty, old or damaged, it's a good idea to replace them. They stretch. You might not change your discs for another 10 years. For some, it's going an extra step, for others it's part of the procedure.

If your old studs are in good shape, nobody will fault you for reusing them.

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