Vrroom wrote:
I don't really want to get into the middle of this argument, however, for the betterment of the group and the general information I can add, I'll state the following:
High carbon steel, low carbon steel, stainless steel, hot rolled, cold rolled, galvanized surfaces ...... blah, blah, blah. IMO, if you can say you have intimate knowledge of the graphs below and can use them together to design a component to fit your specific needs, then I’d say you qualify to call yourself a materials expert. If you can’t, you’re probably just repeating what others have told you. Manufacturers of commercial aftermarket replacement parts (in any industry) thrive on the fact that most people believe (and can’t disprove) the “new and improved” claims they make (at least that’s what 4 out of 5 dentists say …. lmao).
The choice of materials (and coatings for that matter) for this application can vary to extremes depending on the intended use of the component. I think I have enough technical background and experience to say that the design of this component is anything but black and white. However, keeping it simple (kiss theory) should be a very big consideration with a brake rotor.
At the end of the day, what most of us want is something that’s reliable, dependable and affordable with out the expectation that it’s going to last forever. Knowing what I know, I’d have to ask a lot of questions about a $20 brake rotor before I’d put it on my machine.
Vrroom
P.S. – Some of you know (but most probably don’t) that my background is in fabrication technology and material science. I’m always happy to assist anyone, free of charge, that’s trying to design, make and sell buggy parts on a non-profit basis.
If I was going to suggest a material for a Pilot rear disc I would do like Marv at 4x4 tuff did with the long travel Pilot axles that use to be prone to breaking, take a old one and have the material used analyzed to see exactly what the original material was then go from their, the stock disc IMO seems to be the right material, maybe not the best but the right, my rear disc was well abused and 12 years old when it was first replaced.
Time will tell if the material Hare is using is good or not, people also need to keep in mind brake disc and pads are like sprockets and chains, for brakes how long they last will be up to the driver more than anything.
My rear brakes last long time now I learned how to drive, heck the only time I really use any brakes is on tight trails where I cant scrub off speed or in a panic stop.
99% of my braking is done with the front brakes.