Does it matter which rotor goes on which side? I need to replace my right front rotor, but I have a left instead (with no reciept = no return). Will it matter if I put it on that side rather than its intended side? I broke off two studs and I need to replace them before my wheel falls off

 

wont matter if you are replacing them with one side or the other on a stock replacement rotor...they are exact same part numbers and have no designated side....

 

not what they told me at autozone

thanks a lot for your fast reply man :hail:

 

dont believe everything autozone tells you ..LOL..they are computer mechanics ...they only know what the computer screen tells them most of the time....not that im knocking people that work at autozone but alot of people that work their dont know what a rotor looks like much less how to install one..

 

Why not just replace the studs instead of the whole rotor?

 

That would be cheaper than buying a new rotor!

 

Considerably

 

If it is a drilled or slotted rotor then then the people who made it can have directional vanes inside the rotor so that would make a difference. Not too likely but it can make a difference.

 

I thought all rotors had directional veins... that would be how it pulls air through the middle and out the edges, after all, right?

I would replace just the studs or do a complete brake job... rotors, pads & bearings on both sides.

 

Nope, our factory rotors have straight vanes so they can be used on either side. High performance rotors are typically curved and will flow more air because of it, I'm sure there are some cars that come that way.

 

thats why i said in my first statement if your replacing with a stock replacement rotor its okay to use it on either side....

if they are aftermarket and slotted and drilled that is a different story ...

 

Good stuff to know.

 

Yeah my drilled/slotted rotors can only be installed on the side they are designed for. Straight vanes I believe, but its the holes and slots that are on an angle that's directional (like directional tires )

 

A hole in a rotor is just like any other hole in a rotor, it is the vanes that do the work of moving air. As far as I can tell they make left and right rotors like that for looks only, so both patterns face the towards the rear of the car. I am basing this of the fact that the vanes are straight.

 

Aftermarket rotors have curved veins between the inner and outer braking surfaces. You have to make sure they curve counterclockwiseon the passenger side and clockwise on the driver side so that air is pulled in from the hub and pushed out the edges. Slotted rotors are directional also... most have the slots angled the same way as the veins to remove gas buildup from the pads. Newer designs have them angled the opposite direction for some reason I can't remember. Drilled rotors don't seem to matter which direction they get drilled, as long as the veins are facing the right way.