Disc Brakes and Components

Disc brakes first started to appear as optional equipment on cars back in the early 50s – before that time, cars had drum brakes on all four wheels. Disc brake systems were a huge and immediate improvement, with better braking performance, less tendency towards “fade,” simpler designs and manufacturing, and better heat dissipation. By the 70s, front discs were commonplace; now it’s unusual to see newer cars without disc brakes all around.

One of the great things about disc brake systems is their simplicity. A shade-tree mechanic with decent skills and proper tools can do a brake job on a car in an afternoon’s time, but it’s important to use quality parts!

• Disc Brake Rotors – Worn rotors can be “turned” and resurfaced at a machine shop, as long as there’s enough steel left for them to stay within spec. Rotors that are too worn or scored, though, will need to be replaced. We carry high-quality rotors, ranging from OEM-style to high-performance slotted or drilled designs.
• Disc Brake Pads – Not all pads are the same, and there’s a big difference between top-quality pads and low-end replacements from a strip-mall big-box parts store. Whether you’re wanting OEM-style replacement pads for a touring car or high-performance formulations for racing, we’ve got what you’re looking for.
• Disc Brake Calipers – Upgraded brake calipers are key to any performance improvements to your braking system. Lighter calipers mean lower unsprung weight; we stock aluminum calipers with up to ten pistons per caliper.
• Disc Brake Pad Wear Sensor – Most backing plates for disc brake pads include an “ear” that’s designed to rub on the rotor when the pad surfaces wear down to a certain thickness. Unfortunately, that’s often too late, and the rotor has already been scored. Head off damage to your rotors with these wear sensors.