So, my 3.5k mile old front brake rotors appear to be rusting. It's to the point where I can actually hear a scraping sound whilst driving slowly (can even be heard from inside the car with windows rolled up, as long as radio's off, etc) until I tap the brakes.

What can I do about this? I know about zinc etc plated rotors but these puppies are brand new and I don't live in a rainy environment (Santa Barbara, but it has been more rainy than usual for the past few weeks). I can't just wear past the rust gradually now, it will continue to propagate, correct?

Thanks,
Nathan

 

Your rotors are made from cast iron. Cast iron will rust when exposed to moisture. The very first application of your brakes will remove the slight surface area rust.
Perfectly normal for that to happen.

Zinc plating will only keep the hub area of the rotor from rusting, not the friction surface.

 

can u feel any vibration in the steering wheel while driving and hitting the brakes??? IF you do then you have a problem, you brakes are probably rusted or warped...if no vibration then ur fine. Just normal iron oxidation from rain like the guy before me said.

 

Yeah, I even previously contemplated the whole zinc plating thing... I'm more concerned on an aesthetic level. I noticed today (after a bit of spirited driving=) that the friction area was more or less clean... but there was still the unused ring that's just pure brown now, and it bothers me. Ugh.

No, I'm very aware of what a warped rotor feels like (driven and ridden in quite a few cars with them, unfortunately), and this is not one.

Anyway, thanks for the help/input, I appreciate it.

 

Gotta love when they get shiny from "spirited" driving.... Try having the car parked in the driveway for a rainy week, your gonna puke when you look at them. Best thing you can do is ignore it, but you could always try painting the center hubs of the rotors, but overspray is your worst enemy, and what would it really accomplish, besides appeasing your OCD appetites

 

before i put on my new brakes i painted the center hub part and where the cooling vents are with high temp engine paint. seems to be holding up well its been like that for about 6 months. no signs of ne more rust here

 

Yes, rust is normal, especially after washing. DON'T spray any oil/rust inhibitors on them!

 

But if you paint the hub area on a regular cast iron rotors its not going to rust is it?

 

paint it......taken them off make off friction area and use engine or caliper paint

 

if the rust is on the flat surface the pad presses against you may have a binding caliper... had to replace a few of mine