Originally Posted by CarbotechDanny

After looking at those pictures and talking with our Engineer we both agree that the rust is surface rust from the rotor. The pads are simply cleaning the oxidization on the rotor surface. If you look at the rust on the pad material you can see that it has been smeared or dripped on. Can friction material rust, yes, but not like those pictures. We have never seen friction material rust like that before. The metal backing plates can rust but that would take some time (a lot more time than a few months).

Our friction materials are mainly made up of Ceramic, Carbon, and Kevlar. We use some iron, but not much at all. Iron would be the number one material to rust in friction material. We use the least amount of iron in our compounds. Hawk uses a lot of iron so technically they would be subject to rust faster than ours. But, Hawk pads should not have any problem rusting either. In a braking system rotors are going to be the ones to oxidize (rust). You may not always see the rust because the brake pads are cleaning it off.

If friction material did rust it would look like tiny snowflakes within the dark gray/black compound material. It would NOT look like those pictures. If you want you can send us those pads and we will sand blast them and ship them back to you. You would probably end up with the same result if using the same rotors however.

Also, washing your car is not going to make your brake pads rust like that either. I would recommend driving your car and applying your brakes a few times after washing. The heat that is created will get rid of any water on or in the calipers, rotors, and pads.

Originally Posted by DropTopGal

Adam, simply call the service rep in the PM that I sent you. He has first hand knowledge. The service manager (his boss) is likely not even aware of this issue as it was not an "issue" that warranted his attention.

Reluctantly, I am posting these pics of the Bobcats that were properly installed (high volume Corvette dealership with two master Vette mechanics who only work on the Vettes). These are after about two months of use. Over a week since any contact with water. I'm not sure if this is the front or rear set, but the other set has the same appearance. Four views provided.




Now, I'm not an expert on rust by any means but it sure looks like oxidation to me (rust) on these Carbotech Bobcats. Is this normal?? The Vette mechanics didn't think this was normal.