If you've upgraded to two-piece brake rotors and notice a rhythmic clicking or ticking from your front wheels during low-speed turns — you're not alone. This is one of the most common questions from two-piece rotor owners.
In most cases, this noise is completely normal and not a sign of any problem with your brakes.
What Does the Clicking Sound Like?
- Rhythmic "click-click-click" that matches wheel rotation speed
- Most noticeable at low speeds (parking lots, driveways, slow turns)
- Often heard when steering wheel is turned fully left or right
- Less noticeable at higher speeds due to road and wind noise
Many owners initially worry this indicates a failing CV joint or wheel bearing. However, after those components are inspected or replaced, the noise remains — because the source is the rotor design itself.
Why Do Two-Piece Rotors Click?
1. Different Metals, Different Expansion Rates
Two-piece rotors combine an aluminum hat with a cast iron friction ring. These metals expand at different rates when heated, creating slight relative movement between components.
2. Floating Hardware Allows Movement
Floating rotors use hardware that allows the friction ring to move slightly relative to the hat. This is intentional — it allows the rotor to expand freely under heat, reducing warping risk. However, this movement can produce clicking, especially during turns when lateral forces are applied.
3. Reduced Mass Amplifies Noise
Two-piece rotors are significantly lighter. This reduced unsprung weight provides performance advantages but also tends to amplify noise that would otherwise be masked by a heavier one-piece rotor.
4. Brake Dust Accumulation
Brake dust can accumulate between the aluminum hat and floating hardware, increasing friction and making the clicking more noticeable.
Normal Clicking vs. Something to Address
| Characteristic | Normal | May Need Attention |
|---|---|---|
| When it occurs | Low-speed turns, parking lots | Constant, at all speeds, in a straight line |
| Volume | Subtle | Loud, clearly heard inside cabin |
| Rhythm | Rhythmic | Irregular, inconsistent |
| Other symptoms | None | Vibration, pulling, reduced braking |
Clicking from two-piece rotors does not indicate a safety issue or brake failure.
Step-by-Step Solutions
Solution 1: Copper Shims (Most Direct & Effective)
In many cases, clicking is caused by micro-movement at the interface between the aluminum hat and the wheel mounting surface. A copper shim provides a simple, non-destructive fix.
Why copper shims work: Soft copper deforms microscopically under pressure, increasing contact area and friction. It stabilizes the interface between the hat and wheel mounting surface, reducing micro-movement that causes clicking — no grinding, no drilling, just a simple removable shim.
Our Copper Shims: Material: H65 Brass | Thickness: 0.1mm / 0.15mm | PCD Fitment: 5x105-120, 6x139.7 | Heat Resistant: Yes | Installation: Non-destructive, reversible, no special tools required.
Place the copper shim between the wheel mounting surface and the rotor hat.
Solution 2: Clean All Mounting Surfaces
Remove the wheel, clean the hub face thoroughly (remove rust, debris, and brake dust), clean the wheel mounting face, clean the rotor hat mounting face on both sides, then reinstall and torque lug nuts to specification.
Solution 3: Check and Clean Floating Hardware
Spray the floating hardware (bobbins/rivets) with brake cleaner to flush out accumulated dust. For thorough cleaning, use compressed air.
Solution 4: Check Torque on All Fasteners
Check lug nut torque, rotor hat bolts, and caliper mounting bolts. Always follow manufacturer torque specifications.
Solution 5: Break-In Period
For newly installed rotors, some clicking may diminish after 100–200 miles of normal driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is clicking from two-piece rotors dangerous?
A: No — it's a normal characteristic of the design, not a safety issue.
Q: Will the clicking go away on its own?
A: In some cases, it may diminish after 100–200 miles of bedding in. However, many two-piece rotors continue to make some clicking noise throughout their service life.
Q: Can I permanently eliminate clicking?
A: A one-piece rotor would eliminate it entirely, but you'd lose the benefits of the two-piece design. Copper shims are the most direct solution to minimize clicking while keeping all performance benefits.
Q: What if clicking occurs at all speeds, not just during turns?
A: This is less typical and may indicate loose hardware or worn components. Check torque on all fasteners and inspect floating hardware.
Final Thoughts
Two-piece rotors offer real benefits: lighter weight, better heat dissipation, and reduced warping. The clicking sound is a normal characteristic — not a sign of poor quality.
If it bothers you, our copper shims offer the most direct, non-destructive solution. Combined with proper cleaning and correct torque, you can significantly reduce or eliminate the noise while keeping all the benefits of your two-piece rotors.
Browse our brake rotor lineup or contact us for fitment recommendations.