Allright I'm about to buy an infrared thermometer to measure rotor temps. The one I'm interested in is the cheapest one (80 bucks) but it can only measure up to 500F. I'm wondering, under moderate to hard braking how hot can rotors get? If temps exceed 500F then I'm going to have to get a different and much priceier thermometer. Anybody?

 

Under extreme braking... 100+MPH and a panic stop can generate temps on the pads/rotors anywhre between 800 - 1400 degrees F.....

 

Lets say repeated 60-20 braking as well as hill descents with no engine braking. Will rotor temp exceed 500F?

 

Lots of variables come into play and Im not home to do the math given the size of our rotors -vs- pads -vs- weight but I would guess to say that repeated braking from 60mph will give you temps at or above 500 F...

 

Here's another good article that explains a lot of the forces and calculations that can give you some estimates as to what amount of heat you will be dealing with... To calculate with precision the temp of the you'll have to take into consideration the thermal dissipation rate of the components used in the calipers/pads/rotors/RIMS along with ambient temperature/air flow to the rotors/radient heat saturation from the engine etc... I think EricL actually posted something a while ago relating to the effect of your rims thermal dissapation rate and its effect on brakes as well.... It is not a trivial talk to accurately calculate so .. good luck

The website(s):

http://www.teamscr.com/grmbrakes.htm

http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/S...lculation.html



Chris