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Bought Centric rotors, but got another brand - need help identifying (pics inside)
I just ordered a set of Centric rotors for my 2004 E55 (I've used them on other cars, and love the quality and price). The part numbers for drilled 2004 E55 rotors are: 128.35077 (rear) and 128.35068 (front).
Centric rotors all have (I believe) black coated hats, edges and inner veins, cross-ground surface, and are made in China (as most rotors are). The main difference in their part numbers or branding (stop-tech, power slot, etc.) is if they are slotted, drilled, both, or blank.
The front and rear rotors were shipped from different places, and the front rotors look exactly as I described.
The rear-rotors came in a Centric box with the correct part number on it, but the rotors themselves do not appear to be Centric (the box was very beat-up as well).
They do not appear to be coated. They may be coated in zinc, but I'm not sure. Their face is not cross ground, and there's a "Made in Germany" stamped on the hat. They appear to be good quality.
Can anyone identify what brand of rotor this is, and if it is coated?
Thanks!
These first pictures are of the front Centric Rotor, notice the ground surface and black coating (very nice rotor for $85 BTW):
These pictures are of the suspect non-Centric, German Rotor. Note the Centric box and Part number sticker. The sticker says "China", but the Rotor says "Made in Germany".
The rotors look to be a very nice quality, so I decided to keep them and paint to match the fronts and protect against rust. Overall, I don't know what I was worried about. The whole thing took about two hours and a $10 can of VHT caliper paint.
First, lay down masking tape and trim it to only cover the braking surface. I used a bare razor blade held at the right angle (I had to try a few at first) to cleanly trim the tape.
Then cover everything in paint, and don't forget to spray well into the veins. I did roughly 3 coats on each rotor, letting them dry to the touch in between. The last coat was done after sitting overnight.
Once dry, peal the tape off, and use a razor to "shave" off any paint that leaked onto the braking surface.
Rear painted rotor compared to front factory "E-coated" rotor.
I put these on my car last week, overall everything smooth. Once I got to the rears it was obvious why they weren't E-coated - the drum parking brakes (I didn't know, I've only had the car for two months). At least that explains it.
01-31-2015, 09:54 PM
