Well, I just received a used rotor by mail which was not packeged very well, and sure enough one corner received some kind of blow during shipping. It is slightly pushed on one side of the corner seal/apex seal recess. I have no choice but to repair it and I am exploring the best approach. I can easily tap out the affected area using a modified swaging tool but my queston is should heat the area first to soften the metal. I know cast iron is brittle and I think the rotors are made of this.

 

for what it's worth, i think the rotors are steel. i think it really comes down to how badly bent it is. i'm not a metallurgist or anything, but i would imagine you'll create a "stressed" area with any repair where you have to bend the metal back to it's original form. for an engine that i "cared" about i might be hesitant if i had to do that with a rotor. for example, i bought a pair of 9.7s and i need to fix an apex slot, but a file should do it for me and i'm comfortable with that. something at the corner seal would probably bring out the bitch in me quick.

a photo may help your cause a little better. guys that have made similar repairs may be able to guide you to a reliable repair method if the damage is not too bad. wish i could help more.

 

Working on photo's

 

Photos

 

I'd go for it but really, really, REALLY pay attention to dimensions. Sticking a corner or apex seal would suck.

If the rotors are iron, they are a very steel-like iron. They're easily weldable.

 

dont bother, ask the shipper if he bought insurance, he should have.

file a claim, get another one. it''s not worth the risk

 

Yea, I am gonna go for it for sure, Do you guys think I should heat that area of the metal first, or just **** it as it is?

 

Tough call. I have had bad luck on a couple occasions with heated things going "soft". But that is also a lot of metal movement in a small area so it might get cracks when you bend it back.

Do you have a microscope so you can take a peek at the outside of the bend to verify that there are no cracks? Even a handheld/loupe would be good.

If it were mine, I'd get it "close" and then finish cleaning up with a small file in the slot and a curved jeweler's file in the corner seal hole. Straightening it will probably put some marks in the surfaces.

 

Thanks for the advice.

 

I wouldn't use it. Sorry to hear, I also had problems with damaged shipped rotors on 2 occasions and a total of 3 rotors.

 

i have a couple na rotors if you are looking for one. PM me

 

Speed1 has rotors in stock that they can sell/ship to you. I picked up a replacement s4 na rotor from them for pretty cheap. I'd give them a buzz, at least then you'll know what your getting and it'll be packed up properly.

 

Update: Began restoring the damaged rotor. I used a propane torch to heat the rotor tip I used a modified centerpunch to push back the dented area of the corner hole. Next will be to reopen the apex seal gap and remove all burrs.

 

Don't risk it. That corner is beyond repair. Not worth the $1000+ rebuild kit. Sorry, don't do it! in the car business, if you don't get a complaint, your doing a good job. In this case, you will regret it. You measure engine parts by .001" . Sorry to sound like a jerk

 

Thanks for the advise. I have no use for this rotor, at least not right now. Decided to try the repair to see how succesfull I would be, and Its coming along fine. I am not going to discard it, and dont know what the future holds.

 

i wouldn't use it either as rebuild costs out weigh the rotor. But your repair is looking good must of been a nice 4 foot drop on concrete.

 

looks liek a donor for a lamp