Because many SUVs are so heavy -- usually weighing in at more than 2 tons -- they are often difficult to stop quickly in emergency situations. A number of aftermarket companies offer brake upgrades for SUVs -- including Power Slot, based in Chatsworth, California. Power Slot is known for its rotor upgrades, and Power Slot rotors can be found on many SUVs which have undergone an aftermarket upgrade.
Power Slot rotors are specifically designed to run cooler, promote improved wet and dry brake performance, and are a safer alternative to a process where crack-prone holes are cross-drilled through the cast-iron rotors. All Power Slot rotors are CNC-machined to specific tolerances which use a Vac-U-Slot design. This technology preserves outer edge rotor strength while forcing brake dust, out-gasing, and heat-to-vent. The bright-silver anti-corrosion cadmium plating adds to the high-tech appearance and enhances the visual impact of custom wheel installations.
To experience the Power Slot difference first-hand, we obtained a set of Power Slot rotors for our Project Sequoia, and the company also furnished a set of upgraded brake pads for the installation. We took the brake products and the Sequoia to our friends at CTL Motorsports in Westminster, California, in order to use CTL's expert installation facilities and staff.
The Power Slot rotors and pads can be easily installed by the well-versed do-it-yourselfer, and the entire install should take no more than a couple of hours. Because a rear application is not yet available, only the front rotors were upgraded on the Sequoia. Power Slot is working to remedy this situation. After the installation, we immediately felt a change for the better in the Sequoia's braking ability, and those bright rotors looked great sitting inside our American Racing Diamond Back wheels.
The Power Slot rotors and...
The Power Slot rotors and pads looked great by themselves. We couldn't wait to have them installed on the Sequoia.
The first step after the wheels...
The first step after the wheels and tires were removed from the front of the Sequoia was to disconnect the caliper from the original rotor.
Next, the old rotor was slid...
Next, the old rotor was slid off the Sequoia's hub.
The Power Slot rotor (right)...
The Power Slot rotor (right) looked like a worthy replacement for the original Sequoia rotor.
The Power Slot rotor was placed...
The Power Slot rotor was placed into position onto the Sequoia's hub.
The Power Slot pads were one-piece...
The Power Slot pads were one-piece units (left) as opposed to the two-piece OEM versions on the Sequoia.
The new pads were placed in...
The new pads were placed in the Sequoia's caliper.
The caliper, now containing...
The caliper, now containing the new pads, was placed back onto the just-installed Power Slot rotor.
A final check of the pads...
A final check of the pads was made and the pad's clips were placed back into position before finishing the install.
With the installation complete,...
With the installation complete, the brake lines were bled, the fluid reservoir was topped off, and the Sequoia was ready for some great stopping power.