Advancements in technology has allowed for numerous methods to be introduced for improved braking performance.   Such methods have been mentioned in previous blog articles:  vented rotors, slotted or cross drilled rotors and other rotor types.  All of these are an effort to eliminate or alleviate excessive heat build-up and overheating of the brake discs or rotors. 

Today, there is a procedure available done to brake parts, more particularly brake rotors that many experts believe allows for handling stresses that rotors experience on a continual basis.  This procedure is known as cryogenic treatment.

Source:  formymercedes.com

What is Cryogenic Treatment of Rotors?

Cryogenic treatment of rotors or cryo-rotors is the freezing of rotors.  It is a special process which involves exposing brake rotors in freezing temperatures in order to add more durability and lengthen its life expectancy.

The treattment is meant to provide rotors with the ability to withstand a greater amount of heat which stems from the mechanical use of rotors, thereby reducing overheating and thermal shock.  Cryo-treated rotors have been found to reduce vibrations, noise and other issues--which means the changeover rate of rotors is significantly reduced with a cryogenic rotor.   Technically speaking, having your brake rotors cryogenically treated is supposed to result in improved life of 100% to 300%, which means less downtime and reduced expenses for labor and maintenance.  Moreover, brake pads have also been found to have an increased life span of around 10% to 50% with the use of cryo-treated brake rotors.

Using Cryo-treated Brake Rotors

Using cryo-treated brake rotors does not require the use of any special components, such as specialized brake pads.  In fact, all types of brake pads should work efficiently with these rotors and should result to a longer life span for them as well.  However, there are manufacturers who suggest that if you are planning to use cryo-treated rotors instead of traditional rotors – the rotors must be brand new before treatment.  This is to avoid any inefficiencies, since there are times that used rotors may have “micro-cracks” that may not be visible to eye – and may cause some subsequent issues if cryo-treatment is performed.

Additionally, there are different types of cryo-treated rotors that can be used for higher efficiency and durability.  Just like traditional rotors, there are the slotted cryo-rotors, cross drilled cryo rotors and many other types.

Cryo-rotors can also be “turned” when needed.  However, just as there are some risks with doing this type of procedure on a normal rotor, it is always recommended that this is done by a professional.