Brake Rotor Rings

Is the friction surface on your two-piece brake rotors worn down while the bell is still in good condition? With a new brake rotor ring you replace only the part that wears and keep the bell. This category is for you if you run two-piece rotors on the road or at track days.

What a brake rotor ring does

A two-piece brake rotor consists of a bell – the centre section that mounts to the hub – and a friction ring that the brake pads work against. It is the ring that wears and absorbs the heat, so it can typically be replaced on its own. If you are unsure which rotor type your car has, you can compare with two-piece brake rotors and one-piece brake rotors or go back to all brake rotors.

How to choose the right ring

The ring must fit your bell and your brake system, so check the dimensions for the specific part number:

• Diameter and thickness, e.g. 328x28 mm or 380x32 mm
• Inner diameter and mounting holes, e.g. 190 mm ID
• Left or right side, as the cooling vanes are often directional
• Surface: plain, slotted or drilled and slotted – this can affect noise, pad wear and how gases from the pads are vented away
• Car model, where the ring is vehicle-specific, e.g. DBA rings for Nissan GTR or Chevy Corvette Z06 and Alcon ring kits for Nissan R35 GT-R

From Brembo there are, for example, PISTA replacement discs in T3 and T5 versions, and DBA is represented with rings from the 5000 Series. The category also includes brands such as Alcon, EBC and TwinPower.

Fitting and maintenance

The ring is joined to the bell via bolts or bobbins, and which parts can be reused depends on the system. Follow the manufacturer's tightening torque, and bed in new rings and pads before putting them under heavy load. Check thickness and cracks regularly: overheating can cause braking performance to fade, while a soft or long pedal is more often caused by boiling brake fluid. Road approval depends on the product and car and must be checked for the specific part number.

Frequently asked questions

Can I replace the ring without replacing the bell?

Often yes, if the bell is undamaged and the ring fits it. Check the inner diameter, mounting holes and hardware, and look for wear or deformation on the bell before reusing it.

Why are brake rotor rings sold as left and right?

Many rings have directional cooling vanes designed to channel air out through the rotor as the wheel turns. If a ring is fitted on the wrong side, cooling performance can be reduced. So check for the LH or RH designation in the product name.

Can I use new brake rotor rings on the road?

It depends on the product and car. Check approval, e.g. E-mark or R90 where relevant, for the specific part number, and be aware that modifying the brake system may require an inspection.