Performance Rotors and Pads - opinions?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,381
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E
I too have been claiming shenanigans with cryotreatment of non-quench-and-tempered steel. I now have to change my position on the subject. I recently read an article in one of my trade journals that says there is something true about cryotreating brake rotors that can and will give 2-3 times more life out of the rotor. It's a peer-reviewed article and the results were from controlled studies. The metallurgical mechanism that provides this longer life is not yet understood, but the effect is real.
The question now is, "Why don't all brake rotor manufacturers use this cryotreatment process?"
The question now is, "Why don't all brake rotor manufacturers use this cryotreatment process?"
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 696
Likes: 4
From: Motor City
95 E320 Cabriolet, 108K
Actually, I can answer my own question. Cryotreatment is not as simple as dunking a part in liquid nitrogen. It uses a controlled 4-hour cooldown to cryogenic temperatures, followed by a 4-hour warmup period. This is a batch process that doesn't lend itself well to 'continuous' processing, even in high-volume production. This would either slow down production or raise capital costs, but either way it would consume liquid nitrogen and be an expensive process.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
1990 300E
I contacted Frozen rotors and have narrowed it down to 2 types of rotors.
1) Powerslot cryo treated (made in China by Centric) - and are slotted
2) Balo cryo treated (made in Germany) - not slotted or drilled. I believe they are OEM for BMWs.
I'm leaning towards Balo. After searching various forums, I've read the odd comment that slotted rotors wear pads out more quickly....I'm wondering if there is truth to that.
And my pads are Porterfield R4-S Pads .
Any thoughts on Cryo treated Balo and Porterfield R4-S Pads? (for front brakes).
And finally, anyone know where a good place in Greater Vancouver (and reasonably priced) to get it installed, that know their MBs and will hand torque the wheels to the proper ft lbs? What will they charge for install?
1) Powerslot cryo treated (made in China by Centric) - and are slotted
2) Balo cryo treated (made in Germany) - not slotted or drilled. I believe they are OEM for BMWs.
I'm leaning towards Balo. After searching various forums, I've read the odd comment that slotted rotors wear pads out more quickly....I'm wondering if there is truth to that.
And my pads are Porterfield R4-S Pads .
Any thoughts on Cryo treated Balo and Porterfield R4-S Pads? (for front brakes).
And finally, anyone know where a good place in Greater Vancouver (and reasonably priced) to get it installed, that know their MBs and will hand torque the wheels to the proper ft lbs? What will they charge for install?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,450
Likes: 1
From: British Columbia, Canada
1987 560SL
I contacted Frozen rotors and have narrowed it down to 2 types of rotors.
1) Powerslot cryo treated (made in China by Centric) - and are slotted
2) Balo cryo treated (made in Germany) - not slotted or drilled. I believe they are OEM for BMWs.
I'm leaning towards Balo. After searching various forums, I've read the odd comment that slotted rotors wear pads out more quickly....I'm wondering if there is truth to that.
And my pads are Porterfield R4-S Pads .
Any thoughts on Cryo treated Balo and Porterfield R4-S Pads? (for front brakes).
And finally, anyone know where a good place in Greater Vancouver (and reasonably priced) to get it installed, that know their MBs and will hand torque the wheels to the proper ft lbs? What will they charge for install?
1) Powerslot cryo treated (made in China by Centric) - and are slotted
2) Balo cryo treated (made in Germany) - not slotted or drilled. I believe they are OEM for BMWs.
I'm leaning towards Balo. After searching various forums, I've read the odd comment that slotted rotors wear pads out more quickly....I'm wondering if there is truth to that.
And my pads are Porterfield R4-S Pads .
Any thoughts on Cryo treated Balo and Porterfield R4-S Pads? (for front brakes).
And finally, anyone know where a good place in Greater Vancouver (and reasonably priced) to get it installed, that know their MBs and will hand torque the wheels to the proper ft lbs? What will they charge for install?
See Bernie at MB Euromotors, West 7th at Yukon, Vancouver.
604-874-0744. Bernie knows W124's and is MB trained mechanic. Builds Porsche race cars, too.
Tell Bernie that "Sean with the silver 500E" sent you.
2)
Go to Milo's, on Kingsway, in Vancouver. Seems to specialise in classic MB's and does precision work. I have not been there, but he has a webpage. I have heard others recommend him.
3)
Otto's, in Port Coquitlam, is well recommended, with good prices.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
1990 300E
1)
See Bernie at MB Euromotors, West 7th at Yukon, Vancouver.
604-874-0744. Bernie knows W124's and is MB trained mechanic. Builds Porsche race cars, too.
Tell Bernie that "Sean with the silver 500E" sent you.
2)
Go to Milo's, on Kingsway, in Vancouver. Seems to specialise in classic MB's and does precision work. I have not been there, but he has a webpage. I have heard others recommend him.
3)
Otto's, in Port Coquitlam, is well recommended, with good prices.
See Bernie at MB Euromotors, West 7th at Yukon, Vancouver.
604-874-0744. Bernie knows W124's and is MB trained mechanic. Builds Porsche race cars, too.
Tell Bernie that "Sean with the silver 500E" sent you.
2)
Go to Milo's, on Kingsway, in Vancouver. Seems to specialise in classic MB's and does precision work. I have not been there, but he has a webpage. I have heard others recommend him.
3)
Otto's, in Port Coquitlam, is well recommended, with good prices.
Anyone know a good place in Surrey/Langley area?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,450
Likes: 1
From: British Columbia, Canada
1987 560SL
"WhiteRock Sports and Imports, South Surrey
King George Hwy @ Crescent Rd.
Bart Blaack is the owner. He has been there for many years. Knows his MB's. He is busy with small staff. Bart prefers, I think, to do many smaller jobs, rather than a big job, as it ties up his resources too long.
This is a family business. I used to know the son, chief mechanic. These guys were honest with reasonable prices when I took my 16V there."
