Proper Rotor Direction | vlog 049

Which way do rotors go?

There’s a little confusion out there on how to properly install rotors, or which direction rotors should be installed. This is applicable to any car, not just the E46 M3. This is something you want to get right, especially if you’re going to do a brake job yourself.

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Shot on:
Canon 5D Mark II
Edited in Adobe Premiere.

[matermark]

I would think the vanes should point forward to force air into the rotor to cool it. And I would think the slots tilt BACK so every rotation past the pads swipe dust from the rotor surface up the slot and out the end of the slot.

[BjornPNW]

So glad I saw this video. I’ve been commenting on other YouTubers videos suggesting they had their rotors installed backwards. I was CLEARLY wrong. Thank you for this clarification!

[DoomFinger]

The INTERNAL vanes are what matter. If they are straight, then the direction of slots doesn't matter. If you have directional vanes, then mount based on that. Only company I heard of that specifies a direction for slots is Brembo, they say the top of the slot should face forward. No other company cares. There just saved you 5 minutes.

[ELSMITH]

But wouldn't it get better air flow the other way

[SSstunt]

Happy I came across this video putting my rotors on my F150 tomorrow. Thanks

[jeepgarage]

Hi, may I use just a small part of your form 3.10 to 3.15 on one of my video ? this animation is perfectly clear to explain rotor direction, any way thank

[nm]

Great video, very good information, and that guy makes me laugh.

[highonlifefishing]

I had just installed both my rotors before seeing this video and i panicked so i took one wheel off just to find out my cheap amazon ones dont even point anywhere but up like normal rotors 🤣

[GreggyGTV]

All of my research shows what you said, however, my Lexus has directional rotors and the part numbers determine the side and Lexus has the internal vanes pointing forward. It’s very controversial on the Lexus forums bc some say it should be the way you say but others say Lexus did it that way for a reason. It’s not just one model or year they said this for either. Any thoughts?

[AndAThirdRPM]

With straight vaned rotors do you determine the left and right as if you were sitting in the drivers seat or if you were standing outside the vehicle and facing it from the front? My new straight vaned drilled and slotted rotors are labeled left and right but I need an answer to my previous question for proper installation placement. Thanks

[Fizz]

What if I have J hook rotors? The internal veins are not directional.

[moddedperformancetuning]

Don't let them get to you bro! Your videos are amazing. I'm almost through them and I just discovered your channel a few weeks ago. Can't wait for the next one!💯

[pizzamon]

Thanks, I didn't know that, I've been doing my own brakes for years, I've just been following the stickers. I'll know now if the stickers fall off.

[josephbohme]

black flagged, a mfg of rotors, SP, states the slots should go fully to the outside edge, thoughts? Purpose of slots- by community- gasses?

[joejones]

Wrong.
Automobile manufacturers have different mounting positions of the brake calipers. Some are mounted in front of the disc rotor, some are mounted on the back of the rotor. Installing drilled and slotted rotors, with veins curved "into" the brake pads and calipers are ideal, and highly recommended, as this will keep heat away from the axle spindle and bearings as well as "throw" cool air into the brake pads and calipers..
You never want to pull heat away from your calipers and vent that into your wheel spindle and bearing assembly, that's a explosive idea and not very wise. Aways pull heat out and away from the spindle and bearings and "throw" air into the brake pads and calipers. that combination works, and is successful.

[C-LOS]

Im literally hours away from installing a slotted disc kit on my 03 x 5. Good job on the video

[konstantinegritsai]

I always mount the rotors with the slots (angled) towards the rear of the car. On all of my cars. I just like it this way. So far so good.

[myke]

The direction of the slot should point twords the back of the vehicle, yes it does 5hats why you have those marks on your rotors it's the heat not escaping and making you brake pad cook to the rotor

[dorantes]

Could've explained in literally 10 seconds!...

[bewithU]

Drawing air through the vents from the hub to the edge of the rotors. Installing it backward will draw air from the outside edge, air will heat up then vent into the hub. You don't want the hub to get cooked. Plus on race cars and with brake ducts, notice how the ducts leads into the hub area .