VENTILATED DESIGN:

Rotor surface temperatures which rise rapidly from repeated stops can be minimized by using a ventilated rotor to accelerate heat transfer from the rotor to the surrounding air. During heavy braking, non-ventilated rotors may overheat, causing accelerated brake pad deterioration and accelerated rotor surface wear.

ROTOR MATERIAL:

Cast iron is the preferred material for rotors as is evidenced by the fact that 100% of the automotive rotors are made from cast iron. Cast iron has superior wear characteristics at high temperature, and has a favorable friction coefficient to optimize stopping power. Kodiak’s cast iron rotor is manufactured to SAE material specifications and furnished with a standard automotive finish or E-coated, or in some cases, silver cadmium plated.  Coated rotors minimize corrosion between the rotor and the hub face and between the rotor and the wheel. The coated versions are sold primarily into the salt water boat trailer market.

Kodiak also furnishes 10", 12" and 13" ventilated stainless steel rotors especially for the salt water boat trailer market. The stainless steel rotors are attractive to avid salt water boaters due to its aversion to salt water corrosion and low maintenance characteristics.

Note:

Some rotors are manufactured from cold rolled steel plate. Rolled steel plate has inherent directional properties due to the effect the rolling operation has upon the granular structure of the steel. After the rotors have been heated/cooled by heavy braking, these directional properties tend to manifest themselves by warping to some degree. Due to the thin cross section of some of these rotors, they cannot be "turned" to correct the problem.