BBK Comparison thread: Brembo vs. StopTech vs. AP Racing

[Mike]

Originally Posted by AP - Chris_B

And for those that might be reading this and wondering, we would NEVER, EVER recommend re-torquing an AP Racing disc assembly. These are carefully torqued during assembly to a prescribed value that takes thermal expansion into account. The #1 cause of broken hardware is an over-eager, but well-meaning, mechanic torquing the nuts to a value that might be considered "normal" for a 1/4-28 steel fastener (usually 85-90% of yield strength). Then when everything gets hot and starts to expand, the bolt is stretched beyond its limit and either loosens up or fails outright. Either of which is a recipe for disaster!

Chris

Thank you so much for that little nugget of info! My powdercoating business focuses on brake calipers. I've done 2 sets of rotor hats for AP racing setups on the 350Z. Fortunately, they were both show cars and the brakes will probably never even get warm, but I now will not do them at all, or just mask the rest of the rotor if I do and leave them assembled.

When the ring wears out do they have to buy a whole new assembly? Or send them in to have them re-ringed?

[AP - Chris_B]

Originally Posted by Mike

When the ring wears out do they have to buy a whole new assembly? Or send them in to have them re-ringed?

The iron outer rings are are sold separately and can easily be replaced by a qualified mechanic (or an experienced DIY'er that is methodical about reading instructions). New hardware should always be used so the torque values are accurate with the new discs.

BTW, powder coating hats that are bolted to discs does not present a huge problem, although I wouldn't do it on a car I was taking to the track. I would not recommend powder coating floating hats as the clearances would change too much with the added thickness of the paint. Depending on which type of float hardware is being used, you might not even be able the get bobbins back into the slots!

Chris

[Mike]

I don't offer any powdercoating for cars that see the track. I do ceramic coat the hats on solid rotors, as that holds up much better and still prevents rust. And I do powdercoat my own calipers that see track duty, but thats because I can redo them whenever I want.