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Originally Posted by Panganiban
Hey guys...washed the Coop today and I noticed that after washing the rotors had the color of rust on them  . Is this normal or something that I should be concerned about? I read somewhere on here that after washing the car, I should take it out for a spin and use the breaks so it doesn't rust. Did that and for the most part most of it of was gone, except for the edges of the rotor.
What do you guys think? |
This is very common with any rotor and certainly a normal thing especially after it rains. The rotors are made of steel and rust is supposed to happen.
Each rotor can be split up into three areas.
1) The flat disc that contacts the brake pads- this is where you probably noticed the rust and it can start happening right away-(a red or brown oxide coating on iron or steel caused by the action of oxygen and moisture).
2) The center hub section or hat- which on stock rotors is usually painted grey and not going to rust until the paint is worn off.
3) The edge of the disc which lies between the two outer and inner flat surfaces- this does rust but it is OK and there isn't much to be done although I have seen people paint it.
Rotors that have zinc or other plating will resist rust for a short time until the rotor heats up with heavy braking such as at the track and then rust will occur. With street driving usually the plating will hold up longer.
I have Zimmerman Cross drilled rotors and the hats always rust. I usually take off the wheels about 3 or 4 times a year and clean up everything with wheel cleaner sprays, liquid metal compound cleaner or if needed I use a little naval jelly on the rust and rinse it off. Usually it stays clean for a month.
Whenever the rust is on the disc itself if you just use the brakes the rust will wear off and that is fine. You can do that anytime, doesn't have to be right after washing your car.
