New rotors

[Stvo]

Replaced all 4 rotors in April 2011 with 226k miles for about $360. The last cut (done maybe 2 years and 20k miles ago) didn't seem to do much and I now understand why. The rears were below tolerance. To be fair, the guy did tell me that would be my last cut on my fronts and that the rears couldn't be taken down any more.

Fortunately, I replaced the rears first and the fronts a few weeks later. The rears probably cured the brake shimmy by 98 - 99%. After using my new runout and caliper tools and comparing them to the service manual, I saw how bad they were (although I'll admit I am not very good using the dial indicator...and it is a cheap-o). Here were the specs:

LR
rotor r/o .00175 in
hub r/o .00500 in (doesn't seem right)
thickness 7 mm
RR
rotor r/o .00750 in
hub r/o .00000 in
thickness 7.5 mm
LF
rotor r/o .00200 in
hub r/o .00075 in
thickness 26 mm
RF
rotor r/o .00000 in
hub r/o .00050 in
thickness 26 mm

[paranoidjack]

I have mental issues with brakes. When I replace pads, I replace rotors. It's always been that way. I know it's somewhat stupid to not have them shaved, but I just don't like it!

[maxnix]

Still good to true new rotors as they change over time. Good after market ones are worth the investment. J30/FGY33 vented rear rotors are a nice upgrade on a G50.

[kevindanielk]

I never knew FGY33 rears would fit on the G50 rear. Has it been done by any members here? Any other hardware needs to be swapped out aside from the rotors?

[maxnix]

I never knew FGY33 rears would fit on the G50 rear. Has it been done by any members here? Any other hardware needs to be swapped out aside from the rotors?

Calipers and dust shields. Same pads and shoes.

[qship96]

Swaping rotors/calipers/dust shields from j30 or cima is total waste of time/money for a regular street driven G50 unless you are autocrossing or a teenage boy with no respect for the car.....the stock g50 brakes are more than good for normal street driving conditions by a responsible owner/operator.

[maxnix]

I drive irresponsibly, I guess. As the poster noted, rear rotor warping can cause brake system pulsing. The vented rear help prolong onset of the problem.

Of course you realize this makes all J30 and FGY33 drivers irresponsible?

[qship96]

I thought they were irresponsible for even buying those! In my over 278K of driving my Q, never have the rear rotors warped to create pulsing......fronts, yeah, about every 50,000 miles. PS, I currently have 78,000 miles on my front brake pads, and 103,000 on my rear pads if that tells you anything about how I drive.......its all about anticipating and adjusting to the drivers ahead of you BEFORE the last second, therefore no need to slam on the binders often

[yodawill2000]

Uh.
I haven't had pulsing issue's front or rear on my J with over 200K.
No reason to insult all J30 owners bud.

Forgive me for not owning a Q Sir...

[maxnix]

And you have to wonder what Nissan was thinking since both the J30 and FGY33 are lighter cars than the G50, huh?

[yodawill2000]

Warping is usually caused by thin Rotors (Not changing Pads on schedule) or the more common Standing on the brakes when stopped AFTER a panic stop.
Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that one out.
Ive had several hard braking sessions after a 100 mph+ drive and ALWAYS go to neutral and release the brake pads.
Pads clamped keep the contact area hot while the rest of the rotor is cooling.
Anticipating a driver in front of you is simple common sense , but those braking sessions usually aren't long lived and don't cause near red rotor symptom.
I grew up in a racing family and know how to treat a breaking system.

Suppose my irresponsible self is ,, uh ,, irresponsible

[Infinitiguy19]

And you have to wonder what Nissan was thinking since both the J30 and FGY33 are lighter cars than the G50, huh?

I must agree as Nissan was in bad shape when they were making the 1997-2001 Infiniti Q45. And I would like to think they would save where they could even if that meant using the same rear brakes as the 1990-1996 Infiniti Q45. But thankfully they choose to improve the braking system.

I do have a feeling this will be a heated topic though.

[yodawill2000]

"Heated"
Nice pun buddy !!! lol

Sorry , I'm a grandpa and know a bit about things.
And DEARLY miss Q45Tech chiming in.
He too understood braking Physics.

[maxnix]

I always shift to neutral when I stop to release the pads and allow free roll space to rotate their coverage of the rotor.

[qship96]

And you have to wonder what Nissan was thinking since both the J30 and FGY33 are lighter cars than the G50, huh?

I must agree as Nissan was in bad shape when they were making the 1997-2001 Infiniti Q45. And I would like to think they would save where they could even if that meant using the same rear brakes as the 1990-1996 Infiniti Q45. But thankfully they choose to improve the braking system.

I do have a feeling this will be a heated topic though.

Is it a "improved braking system" ?????? what are the 60-0 and 80-0 stopping distances differences between the G50 and the cheaper cima model????? Remember, in Japan, the Cima was a whole different lower line of vehicle than the still sold along side it G50 based president model.

[Infinitiguy19]

"Braking was about average for the luxury class, an average of 124 feet from 60, to be exact." http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/reviews/q45_97.html

[maxnix]

Is it a "improved braking system" ?????? what are the 60-0 and 80-0 stopping distances differences between the G50 and the cheaper cima model????? Remember, in Japan, the Cima was a whole different lower line of vehicle than the still sold along side it G50 based president model.

Most definitely! Equal or larger swept area on lighter cars, with vented rear rotors. Certainly not a downgrade.

[paranoidjack]

Oh pshaw to all of you, I love my FGY33. I find those ugly G50's a visual bore, both in and out. Uninspired or perhaps overinspired. Keep the extra few horsepower, active headaches, and rust!

"What Nissan was thinking in 97-01" Well I don't know, they made a damn fine car in my opinion. I've never had anyone in or drive my car and say "God, what were they thinking?!" I think probably closer to 100% of passengers say "Wow, this is really nice," and 100% of drivers remark that the car is quick for its size.

Remember too - the Cima was only "cheaper" when it was new. Last I checked they're all more expensive than G50's (for a reason). One is old and tired. One is slighly less old and tired. Both are technologically pathetic as compared to today's standards, but I can't stand when people say FGY33's are "so cheap." Go drive a Hyundai.

Oh, and my dad can beat up your dad.

[qship96]

Oh pshaw to all of you, I love my FGY33. I find those ugly G50's a visual bore, both in and out. Uninspired or perhaps overinspired. Keep the extra few horsepower, active headaches, and rust!

"What Nissan was thinking in 97-01" Well I don't know, they made a damn fine car in my opinion. I've never had anyone in or drive my car and say "God, what were they thinking?!" I think probably closer to 100% of passengers say "Wow, this is really nice," and 100% of drivers remark that the car is quick for its size.

Remember too - the Cima was only "cheaper" when it was new. Last I checked they're all more expensive than G50's (for a reason). One is old and tired. One is slighly less old and tired. Both are technologically pathetic as compared to today's standards, but I can't stand when people say FGY33's are "so cheap." Go drive a Hyundai.

Oh, and my dad can beat up your dad.

Own one and you will understand the magic that is almost impossible to convey http://www.automobilesdeluxe.tv/tag/infiniti-g50/

[InfinitiEric]

Oh pshaw to all of you, I love my FGY33. I find those ugly G50's a visual bore, both in and out. Uninspired or perhaps overinspired. Keep the extra few horsepower, active headaches, and rust!

"What Nissan was thinking in 97-01" Well I don't know, they made a damn fine car in my opinion. I've never had anyone in or drive my car and say "God, what were they thinking?!" I think probably closer to 100% of passengers say "Wow, this is really nice," and 100% of drivers remark that the car is quick for its size.

Remember too - the Cima was only "cheaper" when it was new. Last I checked they're all more expensive than G50's (for a reason). One is old and tired. One is slighly less old and tired. Both are technologically pathetic as compared to today's standards, but I can't stand when people say FGY33's are "so cheap." Go drive a Hyundai.

Oh, and my dad can beat up your dad.

You win.

[Infinitiguy19]

Jack I mean no disrespect but I have a hard time telling the 1997 Infiniti I30 and the 1997 Infiniti Q45 apart when I see one.

The Emergence brake release handle is plastic on the 1997-2001 Q45 (FGY33) where as the 1990-1996 Infiniti Q45 (G50) have a leather covered one. Something small yet makes a difference in quality.

But to be fair I have never driven a FGY33 Q45. But I do like the twin condenser fans, rear brake upgrade and rear sun shade (To be fair the Nissan President and JDM Q45 had rear POWER curtains).

Really though the FGY33's have no problems with rust?

[paranoidjack]

Jack I mean no disrespect but I have a hard time telling the 1997 Infiniti I30 and the 1997 Infiniti Q45 apart when I see one.

The Emergence brake release handle is plastic on the 1997-2001 Q45 (FGY33) where as the 1990-1996 Infiniti Q45 (G50) have a leather covered one. Something small yet makes a difference in quality.

But to be fair I have never driven a FGY33 Q45. But I do like the twin condenser fans, rear brake upgrade and rear sun shade (To be fair the Nissan President and JDM Q45 had rear POWER curtains).

Really though the FGY33's have no problems with rust?

I'm sure they do, but my point is you get an older car, you get older parts.

Sure, we can be ideal and compare a NEW G50 to a NEW FGY33 and play this game all day...but the reality of it is that the few G50's that are left, are rotting, and the FGY33's have a few more years in them...that's all I meant by the rust comment.

Leather covered brake release knob? Nice touch. Small things do make a difference. I love the FGY33 hoodline and the center crest. I love the unique rear end that echoes no other make or model, surely not an i30. Perhaps from the front, PERHAPS, but you can't tell me you don't see much difference from the rear or side.

"Own one and you'll understand..." That's classy, using the Infiniti motto itself against another Infiniti...

My post was really out of fun, but I am pretty sick and tired of this forum constantly bashing FGY33's...I'll take (in my opinion) far nicer looks over a leather covered shift knob. I find the interior of G50's dated and bland. The interior of FGY33's is very nice, despite the comments I see all over this forum that is is no comparison to a G50...

This is a Q45 forum, not a G50 forum. I jest above, they are both wonderful cars. I bought mine because I liked it more. You bought yours because you liked it more. Isn't capitalism better than communism?

ANYWAY, back to rotors....

[paranoidjack]

I should note my opinion is spoiled since I have an AE, beautiful interior wood and steering wheel you just don't find on a G50.

[qship96]

Bah Wah Wah !!!!! the Cima was modeled after this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI9lhA9d ... r_embedded

[yodawill2000]

I hope that was a joke...
Have you ever driven both ??
And.
Yes I have...

[qship96]

of course it was a joke! What good is spending leisure time in front of the computer if you are not having fun?

[Infinitiguy19]

Bah Wah Wah !!!!! the Cima was modeled after this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI9lhA9d ... r_embedded

I am too young to get it.

[elwesso]

In my experience on ROTORS, I have hawk HPS pads on my Q with multiple track days and not easy on the brakes, and the rotors are still OEM smooth as far as pulsing, I had them turned once and have had 60k since the last turning..

I think good quality pads have less likeliness to glaze rotors to cause the pulsing, which IMO is what causes most of the pulsations.

[yodawill2000]

True Logic..
Well said Wes.
Same theory as a clutch plate in a manual transmission.
not rocket science at all.

[paranoidjack]

Bah Wah Wah !!!!! the Cima was modeled after this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI9lhA9d ... r_embedded

LOL! Nice find....