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How should I clean my Rusted Rotors?

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Old Nov 11, 2008 | 04:22 PM
  #1  
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How should I clean my Rusted Rotors?

Same as in title: I need to know if there are any good items I can use to clean my rotors, they have alot of rust, I want to make them look new again.
Old Nov 11, 2008 | 04:26 PM
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If its light rust and only happens when rain falls on them or some other sort of water, after using the brakes they normally clean off.
Old Nov 11, 2008 | 04:31 PM
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The only part of the rotors that isn't rusted is the part that makes contact with the brake. I tried spraying brake caliber paint on the other area's but it only worked for a short time.

I'm just wondering if there is any tips on how to clean the rust, any chemicals I can use, or should I just use sand paper, etc....
Old Nov 11, 2008 | 04:58 PM
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sand paper or steel wool should work fine just don't go crazy, but they are just going to get rusty again unless you pick up a set that has a zinc plating or something else that would inhibit oxidation.
Old Nov 11, 2008 | 05:40 PM
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you can paint them - otherwise the rust will always come back.
Old Nov 11, 2008 | 06:01 PM
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well when u drive, where the pads touch, it goes away, but why would u worry about the rest?
Old Nov 11, 2008 | 06:46 PM
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Originally Posted by whiteSE
well when u drive, where the pads touch, it goes away, but why would u worry about the rest?
He might think it looks ugly? I personally have OCD about how clean my car is inside and out at all times...aka Washing weekly, Waxing Bi-weekly, but anyways rust can be very unattractive to people...although I don't know how one would go painting the whole outside of the rotor, without getting paint on the rest of it...and you would have to take it off the car to do a good thorough job

Last edited by btvenom; Nov 11, 2008 at 06:51 PM.
Old Nov 11, 2008 | 09:43 PM
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Originally Posted by allensteiner21
you can paint them - otherwise the rust will always come back.
it comes back even after painting,,...not that quick but eventually.
Old Nov 12, 2008 | 05:34 AM
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If they are primed and painted correctly the rust does not come back.
I have brembo blanks that I've painted the hub silver. Over 2 years now with not even a hint of rust. Use the right paint and prep is key. If you're trying to recondition used rotors, I'd sand blast them first, then prime and paint with high temp paint or use a caliper painting system.
Old Nov 12, 2008 | 05:53 AM
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I unknowingly bought some zinc plated rotors awhile back and they have kept rust off the hub and other places for a pretty long time. They are starting to accumulate some sort of build up now although I dont think it's rust. I personally don't worry about it though...

Originally Posted by njmaxseltd
If they are primed and painted correctly the rust does not come back.
I have brembo blanks that I've painted the hub silver. Over 2 years now with not even a hint of rust. Use the right paint and prep is key. If you're trying to recondition used rotors, I'd sand blast them first, then prime and paint with high temp paint or use a caliper painting system.
pics of this??
Old Nov 12, 2008 | 11:40 AM
  #11  
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It's been a while since I've photo'd my car. I had the ZINC plated x-drilled setup from Stillen a while back too. Never had any issues with rust on them, but the ZINC coating did start to look a bit faded twards the end of their life. I put about 90K miles on them, stupid Metal Master pads ate the rotors up good.

Try some acid brake cleaner on them. Test a spot first, if it looks OK, do the whole hub area with the cleaner and a light scuff pad. That should make them look like new again. Pull the wheels off so you don't damage the finish on your rims.
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