DBA 5000 Series Rotors
Who is DBA USA?
Before we dive deep into the DBA 5000 series rotors, let’s learn a little about DBA USA first.
For over four decades DBA has been a global leader in manufacturing braking systems. When it comes to your braking systems there can be no short-cuts. That is why drivers worldwide demand DBA products for their consistent, reliable, and superior performance products. DBA engineers brake pads that are far superior to generic and aftermarket counterparts. They set the bar in quality, tolerances, premium metals and manufacturing equipment that delivers premium quality products.
Performance Rotors
Brake rotors are an extremely important component in your braking system. Brake rotors are also sometimes referred to as brake disc. When you apply pressure to your brakes, the brake pad clamps down onto the rotor, which then stops your vehicle’s wheels from spinning. The kinetic energy is converted into thermal energy as your break pads clamp onto the rotors to bring the car to a stop. Your car is essentially turning forward momentum into heat. To learn more about brake rotors, click here.
DBA offers an extensive line of rotors including standard 1-piece and lightweight 2-piece designs. They are tailored for high performance street use, race tracks, commercial use towing, and even 4x4s with oversized wheels. All of their rotors are broken down into series. This allows you to find the best rotor for vehicles needs. These series are; Street Series, 4×4 Survival Series, 4000 Series, and 5000 series. Moving forward, this article will cover the DBA 4000 Series Rotors.
DBA 5000 Series Rotor
With all the benefits of the 4000 Series, DBA’s 5000 Series rotors are a composite 2 piece direct replacement brake rotor. As always, DBA uses only the highest quality materials to ensure optimal performance under the most strenuous circumstances, combining high carbon cast-iron rings with aerospace grade aluminium hats (T6061-T6), held together with National Aerospace Standards (NAS) bolts and crimp nuts.
The 5000 Series share all of the performance technology featured in the 4000 Series, with the added benefits of further weight reduction and improved heat management via aluminium hats. The use of aerospace grade aluminium hats reduces the unsprung weight of the brake rotors, while allowing for uniform radial disc expansion through the cast iron rings, and reduced heat transfer from disc to hub via the aluminium hats.
DBA offers both complete assemblies for first time replacement (hats and flat discs bolted together) along with replacement hats and flat disc rotors (rings). This allows drivers to re-use their DBA 5000 Series hats with DBA replacement flat discs (rings).
Recommended use: high performance street vehicles, track day and club racing and rally applications.
DBA’s 5000 Series rotors key features:
TWO-PIECE DESIGN
Hat and rings sold as complete assemblies and as individual components, for more economical replacement options.
SURFACE DESIGN
Symmetrical slots and/or chamfered drill holes facilitate the exit of friction dust and gasses, for a quieter and more responsive pedal feel.
DBA ALUMA-LITE
Aluma-lite centre hat / bell made from extra lightweight 6061 T6 aircraft aluminium, reducing the unsprung weight for better vehicle handling and minimising heat transfer to the wheel hubs.
ANTI RUST
Anodised aluminium hat to prevent rust and enhance appearance.
BI-DIRECTIONAL USE
Symmetrical slotting and/or drilling for universal left/right use.
THERMAL STABILITY PROFILING
Heat treatment cycles realign the microstructure of the iron, resulting in increased rotor stability and durability.
THERMAL EFFICIENCY
Centre split core castings for increased heat transfer and thermal efficiency.
CBN
CBN (Cubic Boron Nitride) machine turned finish, minimising disc thickness variation and the potential for pad “knock” and resulting premature wear.
*Some variants may not contain all features
THERMOGRAPHIC HEAT PAINT
Paint markings change colour at specific temperature thresholds to assist with the monitoring of braking temperatures and rotor fatigue.
HIGH CARBON ALLOYED IRON
Formulation allows for optimal interaction with DBA’s thermal stability profiling. Increases the capacity of the rotor to handle constant and extreme heat over prolonged periods.
KANGAROO PAW
Unique Kangaroo Paw vein design for up to 20% better heat dissipation, increasing braking effectiveness and prolonging brake life.
NAS BOLTS & NUTS
Unique Kangaroo Paw vein design for up to 20% better heat dissipation, increasing braking effectiveness and prolonging brake life.
Variants
HD
DBA’s 5000 series HD variant features a smooth OE style rotor finish. Its very popular for drivers looking for the benefits of a 5000 Series rotor but requiring no slot or cross-drilled and dimpled design. When browsing for this variant 5000 Series HD part numbers are not denoted by any part number suffix.
XD
DBA’s 5000 Series XD variant features DBA’s non-directional cross drilled and dimpled design. The XD finish providing cooling benefits above the HD finish along with enhanced sports looks. DBA utilizes a mix of dimples and drilled holes to provide enhanced structural support above transitional cross drilled techniques. This is recommended for high performance applications. When browsing for this variant XD rotors are denoted by the suffix (XD) in 5000 Series part numbers.
T3
DBA’s 5000 Series T3 is the ultimate in direct replacement 2 piece performance brake rotor. It features all the benefits of the 5000 Series along with DBA’s patented world renowned T3 bi-directional slot design.
Built on the foundations of DBA’s T2 slot, the T3 slot design features additional precise CNC machined tri-symmetrical slots, resulting in an even quieter, more responsive and smoother braking experience. The T3 slot increases the number of exit points for brake pad friction dust and gases to escape through, further increasing the consistency and effectiveness of every brake stop. DBA’s revolutionary universal slot design eliminates the need for separate left and right slot designs seen in traditional rotor designs.
DBA’s 5000 Series T3 rotors are recommended for a wide range of applications. This includes but not limited to performance applications, daily driving, 4×4, SUV, light utility vehicles, track days, club racing, and rally cars. When browsing for this variant rotor they are denoted by the suffix (S) in 5000 Series part numbers.
XS
XS variant provides a premium non-directional cross drilled and slotted design, plus a variety of finishes available on the rotor hub. The introduction of their unique cross drilled and slotted design increases the number of exit points, allowing more brake pad friction dust and gases to escape through both the cross drilled holes and slots. As a result you can expect better braking performance.
While providing a similar performance benefit to the T3 slot, the XS is a popular alternative for show cars. When browsing for DBA XS rotors, they are denoted by the suffix (XS) in 5000 Series part numbers.
XD
5000 Series XD variant features non directional cross drilled and dimpled design. The XD finish provides cooling benefits above the HD finish along with enhanced sports aesthetics.
XD utilises a mix of dimples and drilled holes to provide enhanced structural support above transitional cross drilled techniques.
We don’t recommend XD rotors for track use.
XD rotors are denoted by the suffix (XD) in 5000 Series part numbers.
WAVE
Wave technology is the latest performance offering from DBA. Inspired by motocross and high-end niche performance vehicles, DBA achieves a Wave finish through individual precision milling of 5000 Series rotors.
The wave is a fresh take on brake rotors that offers a weight reduction benefit over traditional circular rotors plus a new impressive look. The wave design is available for a wide range of vehicles, including European vehicles and other performance models.
5000 Series Wave discs are available in HD and XD variants. When browsing for this unique variant thee ave part numbers are denoted by the suffix (W).
Summary
If you love all the great features of the 4000 series but looking for just a little bit more then DBA 5000 series rotors are perfect for you. If you are ready to check out their catalog, and see if your vehicle fitment is available click here.