Brake/Rotor Rusting
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 154
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Brake/Rotor Rusting
I am currently deployed to Afghanistan for the next 12-18 months depending on mission and my C6 is parked outside with a car cover, up on jack stands and may sound weird but has trash bags around the wheels.
I was thinking that the trash bags may help keep the air to get around the rotors and rust them out.
The reason I said that was when i was deployed my first time with my 06 Acura TL, it was sitting outside in MASS with degrees reaching 0-5 degrees fahrenheit with no trash bags over the tires and after getting back from a 18 month deployment I had to change out pads and rotors because they were rusted beyond repair.
So my real question to the mechanics is do you think the trash bag is a stupid idea and 2. will i need new brakes and rotors when I return?
I was thinking that the trash bags may help keep the air to get around the rotors and rust them out.
The reason I said that was when i was deployed my first time with my 06 Acura TL, it was sitting outside in MASS with degrees reaching 0-5 degrees fahrenheit with no trash bags over the tires and after getting back from a 18 month deployment I had to change out pads and rotors because they were rusted beyond repair.
So my real question to the mechanics is do you think the trash bag is a stupid idea and 2. will i need new brakes and rotors when I return?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,610
Likes: 12
I'm not a mechanic, but I do deal with rust on rotors all the time. It's a fact of life. I have very nice, new, nickle plated rotors and they *still* will show rust after they get wet during a rain. A quick drive will get rid of it of course.
In your situation, the car sits there month after month and the rust just continues to eat deeper into the surface. Short of removing and storing them, I think the trash bag method should help quite a bit. Good thinking.
Let us know how it worked when you return
In your situation, the car sits there month after month and the rust just continues to eat deeper into the surface. Short of removing and storing them, I think the trash bag method should help quite a bit. Good thinking.
Let us know how it worked when you return
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 7,250
Likes: 6
From: Glassboro New Jersey
I don't think it's a bad idea.
I work for a dealership, and when new cars are delivered from the factory, they have clear plastic covers over the wheels to prevent rotor rust in storage.
Let us know how it works for you.
I work for a dealership, and when new cars are delivered from the factory, they have clear plastic covers over the wheels to prevent rotor rust in storage.
Let us know how it works for you.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 338
Likes: 0
From: Camp Lejeune NC
I would do everything you already said but before I put on the covers remove the wheels. With a brush paint on a thin coat of light oil to the rotors on both sides and put the wheels back on. Before you drive it again clean the rotors. Stay safe over there.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 5
From: Tampa FL
I would not recommend oil on the brakes but you could use some flat black or gray engine paint and it would retard the rusting process. I used flat black on mine.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,290
Likes: 0
From: Willow Springs IL
Don't worry about the rotors. They will be just fine. Any rust that forms on the rotors wll quickly be scrubbed off when you drive the car. Just worry about staying safe and coming home!
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: CA
Another option might be to check a boat store for a good rust inhibitor spray. You would probably need to clean it off good before driving, especially if it doubles as a lubricant.
Stay safe and thanks for your service!
Stay safe and thanks for your service!
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,314
Likes: 4
From: Cape May, NJ; Guntersville, AL; Orange Beach, AL
Rotors will rust fact of life. When you get back and take it out the rust will come off. Being outside just the humidity in the air will cause them to rust. I don't know why the OP thinks his rotors will have to be replaced if they ge a little rusty? Thanks for your service.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Kilgore Texas
On stands already..
Remove wheels, remove calipers, remove rotors, and put the rotors in the house...
Replace calipers, then replace wheels!
Be safe!
Remove wheels, remove calipers, remove rotors, and put the rotors in the house...
Replace calipers, then replace wheels!
Be safe!
Last edited by PrimeTime327; Feb 21, 2011 at 02:07 PM. Reason: spelling
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: CA
Most hardware stores sell moisture absorbent (for damp areas of a house). Usually comes in a plastic container (maybe 1 pound) and costs under $5.00. Might be able to put some inside the bags.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Rotors will rust fact of life. When you get back and take it out the rust will come off. Being outside just the humidity in the air will cause them to rust. I don't know why the OP thinks his rotors will have to be replaced if they ge a little rusty? Thanks for your service.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 215
Likes: 1
From: Naperville Illinois
I am not sure, but the bags sound like a good idea. I am really glad that you are keeping your car. When I was a much younger man, I had a '66 Pontiac GTO with a 4 speed. I sold it just before I left for a tour in Viet Nam. I would give anything except my Vette to have that car today. Stay safe over there and come back to drive the rust off those rotors. Thanks for your service.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: KY
Serve safely and return healthy!
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: Wuerzburg
