Visual Characteristics Of Ceramic Brake Rotors

Identifications on the Ceramic Brake Rotor on the Brake Rotor Cup

Fig 1: Identifying Ceramic Brake Rotor Data

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

1. Running Direction
2. Brake Rotor Production Date
   • Example
3. Brake Rotor Minimum Thickness
   • Example
   • Wear limit. Refer to BRAKE ROTOR, WEIGHING - The minimum permitted brake rotor weight "min.weight" is engraved in the brake rotor cup -4-. .
4. Minimum Weight of Brake Rotor and Cup
   • Example
5. Supplier
   • Example
6. Brake Rotor Serial Production Number
   • Example
7. Audi Part Number
   • Example

Overview - Brake Rotor 

Fig 2: Identifying Ceramic Brake Disc

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

1. Cooling Duct
2. Friction Surface
3. Base Material

The friction surface on a new brake rotor already has stress cracks which occur during the production process. These stress cracks are all different.

Fig 3: Identifying Stress Cracks In Ceramic Brake Disc

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

• Stress cracks do not mean the ceramic brake rotor is faulty.
• The stress cracks are somewhat visible and can be different from each other in strength.

-- Check the connection area on the brake rotor ring and brake rotor cup. Refer to CRACKS IN CERAMIC BRAKE ROTOR CONNECTION AREA .