Checking on my SC430 after a LONG Ohio winter and I notice quite a lot of surface rust on the brake rotors. I did have some rust last year and seemed to work its way off during spring driving. This year it looks a little worse and I wonder if there is a way to clean up the rotors PRIOR to driving on them. It looks like I can get at the rear rotors OK (Stock 2006 Wheels) but probably not the front.
What do you guys recommend? Drive through it and wear of the rust?

What would I use to clean off the rotors?

Thanks in advance

Jim

 

Jim
Drive it around the block a few times if it is really thick, but generally it is a light coating and will come off easily by driving around a bit. Very common issue with all iron rotors.

 

I would spray some wd40 on the rotors before storing the car over winter and then rinse it down with a hosepipe before using it again.

 

I would be afraid of getting any WD40 imbedded in the brake pads.

I know with the Triumph and Jag which I don't drive much I just get the car up to about 35-40MPH and lightly apply the brakes and let them drag for about 1/2 mile. You feel just enough to put a slight load on the engine.
That is all it takes and the rotor face is clean and shiny when I get home.
You could try a couple of hard stops which would work also but then there is a chance of warping the rotors from the high heat.

 

Rust on your rotors? Hang your head in shame.



Hosepipe?????





The "Warped" Brake Disc and Other Myths of the Braking System

http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp...rakedisk.shtml

 

2 ways to look at rust on my rotors.

1. True I get rust on my rotors over the winter break. True I miss driving the SC for about 4 months. BUT........

2. NE Ohio winters are nothing but salt AND liquid deicers on the road. My rotors may rust a little, but my car sill looks new, with a little help from Zaino.

It may be the first day of spring, but with snow forecast it looks like another week before I get back into the SC.

Thanks for all the tips. Think I'll give the rotor oiling a miss. I was worried that the rust would contribute to increased heat build up and rotor warping. Also wasn't sure if rust would lead to glazing of the brake pads.

Thanks again

Jim

 

SledDriver,


That was a VERY interesting brake article...thanks for posting that.

 

Some items were edited to keep things civil. Thanks. Good input from everyone.