Advice requested: How to keep rotors from rusting

1953hogan

1953hogan

Member
Nov 9, 2012
183
0
Hi guys,

One aspect of my vehicle (2010 Acura TL) that has been bugging me is the rusty rotors which seems to be a common problem with Acura. Below are a couple of photos of my wheels to show you what I'm talking about (sorry for the dirty wheels...has been snowing and salty up here in Wisconsin for a few days now. Just 6-degrees today--too cold to wash!).

After some negotiation, the dealer has agreed to install new rotors for free (they're calling it a one-time complimentary replacement), and I'm certainly going to take them up on that.

The issue, of course, is that there is no guarantee that the new rotors won't eventually rust as well.

I'm looking for some advice as to how to prevent that, and am actually contemplating putting a coating on the rotors such as cQuartz, Opticoat, or Detailers Pro Series, then reapplying it from time to time.

Guys, what's the best way to prevent rusty rotors?

Thanks much,

Steve

2013-11-12-Phone-485-L.jpg


2013-11-12-Phone-486-L.jpg
 
You will never stop a rotor from rusting. The poor metallurgy of production rotors is an invitation for rust. You can help keep your rotors looking better by painting the rotor hats, but if it's a daily driver, they will eventually rust. I'm surprised the dealer was willing to replace them for any reason.

Skip the coatings. Got straight to a high-heat, ceramic or epoxy, paint on the rotor hats. Keep anything away from the friction surfaces (the faces of the rotor). While some say it's safe to paint the entire rotor and allow the pads to remove the paint on the friction surface, I prefer not to contaminate the surface or the pad material with anything.
 
High temp paint works the best. Take them off, sand off as much surface rust (DON'T TOUCH THE CONTACT POINTS), tape off the contact points, paint.
 
Looks like your calipers could use some attention as well. I'd paint the rotors and calipers to match with a caliper paint kit.
 
Dont mean to hijack the post - but I'm new and cant figure out how to start my own post, make a new post - whatever you call it - also not very computer literate. Where do I go to do that.

Just a quick answer will be fine - dont want to start a whole thing - I've read some posts that really went sideways when someone changes topics - sorry.

Thanks
 
I had the same issue with my TSX. It appears to be a very common trait of the Acuras. I painted mine (the hats and calipers) and they looked much better.
 
Gary Sword said:
Like others have suggested I would paint them with high temp caliper paint. When I purchased my 2002 Viper I few years back the car was in great shape except for the rotors and wheels. I took the rotors off and painted them with caliper paint. Here's a thread with some before and after pictures. It made a big difference. They still look good.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/21580-2002-viper-acr-detail-phase-i-2.html
Click to expand...

Gary, your rotors look great after the work you did. Thanks for your advice.

And thanks to everyone who posted on this thread. Looks like I'll be painting them.
 
Bump for how to start a post?

Regarding rotor rust, two things that I have used for many many years restoring classic cars.

- Barbeque paint. I used it all the time of brake drums - they get very hot like rotors. BBQ paint never failed after 10 years. Must be clean & degreased. Comes in a few colors - I always used blackl. Cheap & available at any Home Hepo/Ace/Lowes...

- Hi Temp powder coat. lot more expensive. Requires disassembly. possibly more color choices
 
Demonizer said:
Dont mean to hijack the post - but I'm new and cant figure out how to start my own post, make a new post - whatever you call it - also not very computer literate. Where do I go to do that.

Just a quick answer will be fine - dont want to start a whole thing - I've read some posts that really went sideways when someone changes topics - sorry.

Thanks
Click to expand...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...d-discussion-forum-reply-existing-thread.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...s/20306-how-write-good-title-your-thread.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...-get-great-answers-when-you-start-thread.html


Also check this out:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...ke-phillips/23722-articles-mike-phillips.html
 
Rotors: The large disc shaped things that spin

Calipers: The stationary things that squeeze the rotors to stop the car

You do not and can not paint the rotors. They will rust. They have to be how they are

Calipers can be painted. I would suggest sanding them down if they aren't too bad and getting a quality caliper paint kit.
 
BradsDetailing said:
Rotors: The large disc shaped things that spin

Calipers: The stationary things that squeeze the rotors to stop the car

You do not and can not paint the rotors. They will rust. They have to be how they are

Calipers can be painted. I would suggest sanding them down if they aren't too bad and getting a quality caliper paint kit.
Click to expand...

The rotors can be painted or zinc plated as you see the rust on the area of rotors that is not in the friction zone for braking. That area looks much better if painted or plated as well as the caliper getting painted as well. Because you have not painted yours does not mean it cannot be done, many people do paint them and some come factory painted.
 
valleyrider said:
The rotors can be painted or zinc plated as you see the rust on the area of rotors that is not in the friction zone for braking. That area looks much better if painted or plated as well as the caliper getting painted as well. Because you have not painted yours does not mean it cannot be done, many people do paint them and some come factory painted.
Click to expand...

Really? How aboutI know that it can be done on the center but the outer parts no. Anyone knows that. My main point is the confusions on what is what.
 
It may sound sloppy and hack, but it can be done neatly:

Paint the rust with nickel antiseize. You won't notice it deep in the wheels, it'll arrest the rust, resistant to heat, won't wash off, and it'll help you get the rotors off the hubs when when they're spent and need to be replaced.

The big containers of it at the parts stores usually have a brush in them.
 
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