Are Stainless Brake Rotors More Likely to Crack if Backed into Water

Question:

I have heard that stainless disc brake rotors will shatter or crack when backed into the water if the rotor is hot. Has etrailer ever heard of failures like this?

asked by: Mike N

Expert Reply:

If any rotor material got super hot and then immediately submerged underwater you run the risk of cracking them. Stainless isn't any more or less prone to this from our experiences. Normally by the time you get to the ramp and you've taken your time getting down it the brakes are cooled enough that this isn't an issue. But if your brakes were dragging for some reason on a long trip and you knew they were super hot I'd wait a while before backing trailer down. We have not had any issues with this though since you asked specifically that.

expert reply by: Jameson C