I just finished installing my stoptech stage 2 brake upgrade with the slotted rotors. Fooling around on stoptech's site, I read the installation instructions for their BBK for the 350z. In those instructions, they say to wash the rotors before installing. Is the same true for the rotors for the stage 2 upgrade? Should I go back and wash them (the car is still up on jack-stands, I am waiting for new tires)? Any help would be appreciated.

 

if its still up on jack stands.. why not?

i believe the washing on the new rotors for the BBK is due to the heat treatment they use. and if you dont wash the face of the rotors properly, it might interfere with your brake pad bedding process.

 

Guess I may as well, thanks for the info

 

Yes, wash them. Its the rust inhibitor you're trying to remove. Some warm soapy water and a scotch brite sponge will get the job done.

 

May as well wash 'em then. Thanks for the info guys

 

All new rotors have an anti-corrosion coating applied to keep them from rusting before they are installed. In most cases, manufacturers simply spray the rotors with light oil. Installers remove this oil with brake cleaning spray and a rag.

A couple of years ago, StopTech's BBK rotors were manufactured in California by TRW. California has strict environmental laws, so TRW was required to use an "environmentlaly friendly" coating. This coating was sticky and did not come off with brake cleaning spray. You needed to scrub the rotors and use hot, soapy water. Now, StopTech rotors are manufactured in Italy at the Pilinga facility. They don't care about the environment there, so the sticky stuff is gone and they use the traditional light oil. StopTech, however, has kept the warning about washing their rotors becuase Steve Ruiz, their lead engineer, feels that washing is still a better solution than brake cleaning spray.

This entire discussion is acedemic, however, since the StopTech SportStop rotors in your stage II kit use the same oil coating as most other normal brake rotors. Spray the rotors with brake cleaning spray and wipe them off with a paper towel and you'll be good to go. If you fail to clean the oil off, you risk contaminating the pads and you will generate lots of white smoke (more than usuall) when you bed your brakes.

By the way, here are some good directions for bedding brakes: http://www.zeckhausen.com/bedding_in_brakes.htm

 

Hey Dave, Thanks for all the info. i will put it to good use this weekend