It is vital that you keep your car’s brakes in top condition as this could be the difference between life and death. One of the vital parts of the entire braking system is the rotors, which are the discs meant to hold the brake pads in place.
If you want to upgrade your GMC Sierra’s braking system, you have come to the right place since our article will discuss the best rotors for GMC Sierra. Besides looking at some of the top products in the market, we shall also tell what you need to pay attention to as you search for your ideal braking system product.
Let’s start with the products.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table of Perfect GMC Sierra Brake Rotors
In this section, we shall analyze the key features of a sample of rotors that we deem to be the best in the market. Check them out and decide which one is worth investing in.
Top 11 Best Rotors for GMC Sierra in Review
1. Detroit Axle Rotor Set for GMC Sierra 1500
Detroit Axle is a brand that has been churning out automotive spare parts for over 30-years. This experience has made the firm perfect the art of producing high-quality items that deliver what is expected of them.
This kit includes two sets of front and rear brake rotors, two sets of front and rear ceramic brake pads, a brake cleaner spray, and one 12oz brake fluid bottle.
The rotors are constructed out of ceramic and copper fiber materials, vital for the pads to withstand significant temperature increases. On top of that, these materials help in ensuring that minimal dust is generated during the braking.
Finally, the rotor set is easy to install and relatively quiet.
Pros
- Well-made
- Budget-friendly
- Easy installation
Cons
- Poor installation
2. Detroit Axle Brake Kit Rotors with Ceramic Pads
Here is another set of rotors for GMC Sierra 2500HD designed to meet the market standards to deliver exceptional performance.
The products come in a kit that includes two drilled and slotted disc brake rotors, two ceramic brake pads, one brake cleaner spray, and a 12oz brake fluid bottle.
A significant factor of the rotors is the Zinc Dichromate plating that is crucial for rust protection, which translates to longer useful life. On top of that, the pads are 100% ceramic without any metallic composition.
And for ease of setup, all the installation hardware is included in the package.
Lastly, the product is backed by a 10-year warranty.
Pros
- Rust-resistant coating
- Superior braking power
- Has a 10-year warranty
Cons
- Squeaky
3. Callahan CDS02452 Front and Rear Brake Kit
Are you looking for the perfect rotors for GMC Sierra 1500? Here is an option that we believe is worth investing in. The first reason for this is that the parts arrive ready to install right from the box, allowing you to get going as soon as possible.
Next up are the ceramic pads, which last longer than metallic ones. On top of that, you are also likely to experience less dust and noise during braking, and we attribute this to the unique formula used in the manufacturing.
Also, the greater heat dissipation allows for greater stopping power, which is vital for your peace of mind and confidence in the braking system.
Finally, all the kit parts are covered by a 12-month warranty.
Pros
- Greater stopping power
- Minimal noise and dust
- Easy maintenance
Cons
- Poor packaging
4. Detroit Axle Front Disc Rotors and Rear Drum Brake Kits
The fact that we are checking out another product from Detroit Axle should give you a hint that this is a brand that is associated with quality. Let us see whether these brake rotors maintain the same high standards.
First, all the items in the set are manufactured to meet the OEM specifications while they have the required finish to possess outstanding stopping power.
As for the ceramic pads, they have no metallic composition, and you can expect them to serve you for longer. The installation should be relatively easy, as all the hardware for the process is included.
Last but not least, the set comes with a 10-year warranty.
Pros
- Meets OEM specifications
- Superior stopping power
- Durable
Cons
- Some parts missing from the package
5. Power Stop AR8640XPR Front Evolution Drilled & Slotted Rotor Pair
Power Stop brings us a front brake kit that allows you to enjoy all the benefits that a ceramic brake pad with cross-drilled rotors brings. Let’s start with the rounded slots that do an excellent job of sweeping away water, dust, and gas.
This feature’s significance is that it allows for a clearer contact patch between the pad and the rotor.
We shall also touch on the thermally-scorched carbon-fiber ceramic that offers greater braking power. On top of that, zinc plating is crucial for the rotor’s corrosion-resistance.
Other notable features include the beveled drill holes for minimum operating temperatures, while the rubber-coated shims are also quite durable.
Pros
- Attractive appearance
- Zinc plated for rust-resistance
- Low operating temperatures
Cons
- Short warranty period
6. ScitooHigh-Grade Silver Zinc Ceramic Brake Pads
Nothing would assure you of the quality that a product possesses than undergoing quality tests. This is what you get with the Scitoo brake kit as it undergoes over 160 tests through the various stages of manufacturing.
The overall construction of the brake disc points to durability. It includes the cast iron design casting and the silver coating to boost the disc’s service life besides making it rust and corrosion-resistant.
Let’s look at the ceramic discs, which minimize brake fade while the pad chamfer (multi-layered shim) allows for quiet braking.
We liked the brake rotors drilling that reduces operating temperatures while the slotted design eliminates temperatures to keep a clear contact between the brake pads and rotors.
And in case of any issues, a competent customer support team is ready to respond to your queries.
Pros
- Quality-tested
- Excellent customer support
- Quiet
Cons
- Braking not that fast
7. Detroit Axle Brake Kit for GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 HD, 4500
This is a pack of six items that includes two disc brake rotors, two ceramic brake pads, one brake fluid bottle, and a 10oz brake cleaner spray.
Like all other rotors from the brand, these particular ones are made to meet the OEM specifications to deliver what is expected of them.
Then, the rotors are a perfect fit for the vehicles they are built to be compatible with while they have the required finish for outstanding braking.
When we look at the ceramic pads, they have no metallic components, and you can expect them to serve you for longer.
Lastly, this brake kit is designed to be very easy to install.
Pros
- Excellent stopping
- Easy installation
- Built to last
Cons
- Overly thick pads
8. Detroit Axle Front Brake Kit Rotors and Ceramic Pads with Clips
This brake kit is designed to be compatible with the 2005-2007 GMC Sierra 1500 and the Chevy Silverado 1500 rear drum brake models. The kit includes a brake rotor set and a brake pad with a clip set to get you started.
Once you set up and start using this brake kit, you can use the brake cleaner spray and brake fluid for maintenance and extend the parts’ useful life.
The ceramic brake pads are built to last longer and are relatively quiet compared to metallic ones. We were pleased with the stopping power brought about by this kit that ensured the vehicle halts in the shortest time possible.
Pros
- Affordable
- Complete brake kit set
- Longer useful life
Cons
- Noisy
9. ACDelco Gold 18A1705 Front Disc Brake Rotor
What stands out with the ACDelco rotor? For us, it is probably their easy design whereby they arrive ready for installation without requiring any extra work such as machining or balancing.
It has sturdy cast-iron construction to enable it to withstand wear and tear so that it remains useful for a long time to come.
We appreciated that the product underwent the NVH testing, i.e., noise, vibration, and harshness, before being released into the market. This ensures that you get a rotor that performs efficiently and while leaving you comfortable.
You should also be pleased with the heat-dissipation vital for the rotor’s longevity.
Pros
- Quality tested
- Great look
- Easy installation
Cons
- Not coated
10. Callahan CDS02150 Front Rotors and Ceramic Brake Pads
We can point out several reasons why we believe this brake kit by Callahan would be a worthwhile investment. First, the brake pads are made of ceramic which is a high-quality material that is known to last longer.
Further, the pads are likely to deliver a quiet performance due to this material.
We liked the overall superior braking power that brings the vehicle to a halt in the shortest time and will make you more confident on the wheel.
Since all the hardware are included in the package, the installation should be a straightforward affair since you have everything needed to get the job done.
Finally, all the items in the brake kit are covered by a 12-month warranty and this should boost your confidence on the product.
Pros
- Easy installation
- No squeaking
- Great look
Cons
- Lots of brake dust
11. Detroit Axle Front and Rear Rotors, Ceramic Brake Pads
Let’s look at what the final product from Detroit Axle has to offer. The first thing you should know is that when you purchase the product, it comes in a package with eight items.
These are 6-lug wheel holes, front and rear brake rotors set (2 each), a Ceramic brake pad with clip (Front and rear), and a brake cleaner spray.
All the items have been quality-tested to ensure they can deliver what is expected of them. The brake pads are 100% ceramic for durability and superior stopping power.
Then, the disc brake rotors feature a zinc dichromate plating to make them rust-resistant. We expect the installation to be a straightforward process as all the hardware is included.
Lastly, the product is covered by a 10-year warranty.
Pros
- Fast shipping
- Perfect fit
- Excellent stopping power
Cons
- Noisy
Buying Guide for GMC Sierra Replacement Brake Rotors
If you want to boost your chances of finding the ideal GMC Sierra brake rotors, there are several factors that you need to consider. Let us look at them briefly below.
I) The Material
The material used in constructing the brake pad will determine the ease and smoothness of the braking. In most cases, you will find the items to have either a ceramic or semi-metallic construction.
Ceramic brake pads are normally made from a combination of ceramic, copper, and metallic fibers. They are characterized by effortless and smooth braking, which explains their popularity.
As for the semi-metallic units, the construction involves metals and fibers, plus they normally require more effort for braking.
II) Stopping Power
This refers to how your vehicle responds once you hit the brake pedal, and the faster the vehicle stops, the better. The speed of your vehicle’s response will depend on the speed, and the car’s weight, i.e., the more lightweight the vehicle is, the faster the response will be.
So, the braking power needs to be high for instant response.
III) Noise and Dust
It would be best if you also looked at whether the parts are designed not to be noisy any time you step on the brake pedal. On top of that, look out for brake parts that do not generate too much dust when you hit the brakes.
IV) Budget
Lastly, you should always have a price range that you are not willing to spend beyond. Your ideal item should neither be too cheap or expensive, and finding a balance would help you find a decent item.
Read Also: High Quality Brake Rotors for Dodge Ram 1500
Reasons to Upgrade your Rotor Kit
Some of the reasons to invest in high-quality rotors for your GMC Sierra include:
- If the front brakes are squealy
- If the car is shaky when you hit the brakes
- The presence of a grinding noise when you brake
- The need to upgrade to a better performing unit
FAQs on High-Quality Rotors for GMC Sierra
Let’s now look at some common questions regarding brake rotors that we came across.
Q: How many types of brake rotors are there?
A: In general, there are two different brake rotors out there, and are slotted and drilled rotors. The former tends to have better heat dissipation and, therefore, minimal brake fade, especially in complicated driving situations such as on the race track.
As for the drilled rotors, they have holes drilled in them to allow for better brake cooling.
Q: Can I reuse my brake rotors?
A: Yes, you can. However, there are several tests that you need to carry out, and these include tests on thickness, parallelism, and groove depth of the rotors. If these aspects are okay, then it is safe to reuse the rotors.
Q: How do I know that my rotors need replacing?
A: In this instance, several things should guide you in your decision-making. These include an increase in the heat generated between the rim and the rotor and the presence of more dust on the wheels.
The Best Overall
In the end, we settled on Detroit Axle Rotor Set for GMC Sierra 1500 as our top pick. Besides having high-quality construction and being easy to install, the set is well-priced and will not leave a huge dent in your pocket.
Final Thought
We hope that our article has told you everything you need to know about brake rotors for GMC Sierra. If you get this part right, your brakes will be in top form, which translates to your overall safety.
Lastly, learn to read the signs that your rotors need replacing so that you are never caught off-guard with suddenly worn-out rotors.