I asked Infiniti customer service today, what changes were being made in brake pads and rotors, considering the new brake warrantee and compliants about dust. They indicated they've starting using semi-metallic pads and this may not be the final solution. They didn't have any information about the rotors. If they don't change the rotors, the harder semi-metallics will chew up the rotors. When I asked about cold weather stopping (semi-metallics tend to have poor low temperature friction factors) they had no clue.

 

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>

If they don't change the rotors, the harder semi-metallics will chew up the rotors

<hr></blockquote>
Are the rotors really that "soft"


Brilliant Silver/Graphite '04 Sedan/5AT

 

The rotors are currently wearing out with the existing "soft" pads.

 

Well, it would seem to me since they came up with this warranty, that they would improve both then! What are the rotors currently made of?


Brilliant Silver/Graphite '04 Sedan/5AT

 

I thought all rotors were made of cast iron. Mine get rusty enough after a car wash to support this theory.

Plus, I thought we already had semi-metallic pads, which would be why there are squeeling issues.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>

I thought all rotors were made of cast iron. Mine get rusty enough after a car wash to support this theory.

Plus, I thought we already had semi-metallic pads, which would be why there are squeeling issues.

<hr></blockquote>

Say, that's right, they do rust, most of the cars on the lot had a light coating of rust on the rotors, so how could they be "soft"? I'd like to see some brake specs from a G, they have to be cast iron!


Brilliant Silver/Graphite '04 Sedan/5AT

 

Yes, the rotors are cast iron or cast steel, but the physical charateristics of the rotor (e.g., hardness, expansion factor, etc.) are dependent on the specific alloy used. All iron/steels are made up of other metals and inorganic compounds, mixed with the pure iron. Stainless steel, for example, is iron mixed with chromium and sometimes nickel and/or molybdenum. That's what gives it different properties; immune from rusting.
The key, for rotors, is producing an alloy that has: a good friction factor, across a wide range of temperatures; is hard, so it doesn't wear; low thermal expansion, so they don't warp; etc. Of cause, making them harder may reduce the friction factor and so on. All rotors are therefore not created equal. You hope when you buy rotors, especially expensive aftermarket ones, that they've gotten the metallurgy right.

 

<font color=purple>.g35girl.</font color=purple>

 

Hey look who's back! [img]/w3timages/icons/wink.gif[/img]


Brilliant Silver/Graphite '04 Sedan/5AT