Rotor rust help

[2012 ZL1#1658]

Anyone have any suggestions on best way to remove and prevent rust building up on the rotor heads? I called a local Chevy dealer near me and he told me there is nothing I can do. Is that really the end all answer?

[joeybsyc]

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/hydes...E#.VA5T8c90zyM

[Ron71]

If you are talking about the face of the rotor, then the brake pads themselves will take care of it after a quick trip around the block applying the brakes a few times. If you are talking about the rotor hub, then you can sand and paint, or have powder coated.

[nUcLeArEnVoY]

By rotor "heads," I take it you're referring to the rotor hat, otherwise known as the "hub" portion that connects to the wheel?

The factory zinc coating they put on the rotor hubs wears down quick, exposing the iron to moisture and leading to rust. It's hardly an issue to worry about as far as your car's driveability goes, but it is very unsightly to look at. Your cheapest option is to spend an afternoon painting them with a high heat paint. Expect to do it at least once or twice a year if you want to keep them looking nice, since most paints will fade from the heat generated by braking. Just remove the rotors, mask off the pad contact area, sand away ALL the rust on the hub (and I mean ALL) and apply a light tack coat, followed by a couple heavier coats. I used Rust-Oleum high heat Ultra BBQ/Grill paint in semi-gloss black and it looks pretty nice, though it needs touching up from time to time.

The above poster mentioned powder coating, which I've considered before for its durability, but I am personally skeptical about the powder's ability to handle the sometimes 700+ degree surface temperatures of the rotors after spirited driving. Brake rotors are a disposable car part, so don't waste any more money than you have to in order to make them look nice.

Your only other option to avoid this issue entirely is to invest in two piece rotors.

[2012 ZL1#1658]

Thanks for the help.

[GVA 45TH 2SS]

this is what I did> http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...painted+rotors

Its a good winter project

[charlietuna]

I feel your pain. I have had two sets of rear rotors replaced under warranty due to rusting. I do quite a few HPDE events a year and have considered Powder coating them. Powder coating will withstand 500 degree temps without any issue so for normal driving no issue. However, as mentioned above, 700 plus temps are realistic on a road course/track days and the heat may degrade the coating and fade the color.

I can deal with faded powder coat, the rust not so much. So this year when I put the car away for winter, im going to powder coat them flat black.

[2012 ZL1#1658]

Are they covered under warranty from rust? Dealership said no.

[charlietuna]

Originally Posted by 2012 ZL1#1658

Are they covered under warranty from rust? Dealership said no.

I have had no issue claiming them under warranty. I do have a great relationship with my dealership and they tend to help me with any reasonable request. My car has about 6000 miles on it and believe it or not nearly 2000 of those were on various tracks around the Midwest.

[2012 ZL1#1658]

I tried to claim it under warranty but dealership told me that it was normal wear and tear for cast iron. :( I'm even still under warranty period and only 2k miles.

[nUcLeArEnVoY]

Originally Posted by 2012 ZL1#1658

I tried to claim it under warranty but dealership told me that it was normal wear and tear for cast iron. :( I'm even still under warranty period and only 2k miles.

Just paint them, man. Will only take an afternoon or so.

[CamaroDreams07]

Why would you expect a dealer to warranty iron that rusts? That's what iron does. Would you try to take ice back for melting? Do you take alcohol back if it evaporates?

[2012 ZL1#1658]

Originally Posted by CamaroDreams07

Why would you expect a dealer to warranty iron that rusts? That's what iron does. Would you try to take ice back for melting? Do you take alcohol back if it evaporates?

I was merely hoping that preventative measures would have been taken place to prevent such thing. They put clear coats on rims as well as the entire exterior of the vehicle to prevent it from rusting. Why not apply the same concept to brake rotors? If I spent 10k or 20k on a vehicle I may not expect this but I was just expecting a little bit more. In my opinion.