Thread: are ventilated discs batter than solid?

Vented discs are worth it - the brakes are less susceptible to fade when going down long hills, towing, etc...

There is no need to change the calipers, you just need to buy a spacer kit for them, which bolts into the middle of the two halves.

Vented discs will not improve the stopping power in normal conditions, but will increase the amount of braking you can do before they start to fade. Unless you live in a very hilly area, or frequently tow heavy unbraked trailers, or frequently carry heavy loads, you are unlikely to notice any difference.
All the ventilation does is increase the cooling, which is adequate anyway for normal use.
John

Originally Posted by isuzurover

Vented discs are worth it - the brakes are less susceptible to fade when going down long hills, towing, etc...

There is no need to change the calipers, you just need to buy a spacer kit for them, which bolts into the middle of the two halves.

i would replace the calipers as the pistons have seen better days anyway.

thanks.

Originally Posted by JDNSW

Vented discs will not improve the stopping power in normal conditions, but will increase the amount of braking you can do before they start to fade. Unless you live in a very hilly area, or frequently tow heavy unbraked trailers, or frequently carry heavy loads, you are unlikely to notice any difference.
All the ventilation does is increase the cooling, which is adequate anyway for normal use.
John

although its flat where i live,i go on holidays to mountainous areas fully loaded. this year was Norway and i had brake fade in the mountains. not nice!!

THey are supposed to dissapate heat better. They are also weaker but shouldn't be a problem unless you are being daft. If I had the choice I would go with ventilated to avoid the break fad issues when in hilly conditions. Had that happen in a friends car while going down the clide once. We had to overtake a small truck round a blind corner as we just couldn't stop. Once we finnaly stopped the car we were all shaking. Never wan't to experience that again.

I fitted slotted discs to my Rangie a couple of years back in an attempt to improve the braking. (less fade) It did not work. One of these days if I get enthusiastic I will fit vented fronts as they have to be better.
For those in Melbourne the run down the hill from Mt Dande to Ferntree Gully leaves me with no brakes and lots of smoke if you need to stop for the traffic lights at the intersection. Towing a braked tandem trailer and it a lot earlier when the brakes give up.
If you are having trouble with brake fade then I recomend changing to vented front rotors.

Ian

If you find you are getting brake fade, then ventilated discs should help - but don't expect miracles. If you never have brake fade, just want better brakes (what do you mean by better?) they won't make a difference.
John

I fitted these to my 93 Rangie both Front and Back. Best investment I ever made. Rangie stops on a dime. No noise no fading Nothing just stops when I want it too.
Check out their web site: www.dba.com.au
Had to wait a few weeks for them to be made though. And don't forget to sit down before he tells you the price