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So here is the deal, I went to Firestone and got new front brake pads and rotors just about 4 months ago. So today I went to another small shop to have a brake fluid change and they told me that it is suspect that the rotors were changed the last time...his claim is that rust had developed on the outer collar of the rotor and it seemed like the rear of the rotor had been sanded which he claimed is not done for new rotors. He showed me the rust and it seemed like it was true, there was a light coat of rust on it.
I called up the original place and they insisted that they had replaced it and to bring it in tomorrow to inspect it. They say rust developing is normal on all rotors. I inspected other cars and they did have rust on the rotor collars as well but I am guessing that is after a few years not a few months.
I am a little skeptical about rust developing on a 4 month old rotor. When I took delivery of the vehicle after they had changed the rotors they seemed brand new and I specifically checked the collar - it was shiny new. I also felt the thickness of the rotor and it felt thicker than the old ones I had.
My question - is it normal for rust to be developing on brand new rotors? BTW, I use my truck every day and the mileage is just under 92000.
Note: The rust is ONLY on the collar part, there is no problem with the disc itself.
Rust on the outside part of a rotor is normal. Depending on the area you are in, some rust develops faster than others.
Based on what you post, I question both shops.
1. Why didn't the first shop do a brake fluid change when they did the brakes and rotors? Did they ask you if you wanted it done?
2. Is the 2nd shop trying to sell you rotors?
With that said, not all rotors are equal. You probably did get new rotors but maybe the cheaper ones.
As the above poster stated, rust can form quickly. Wash your car wheels and don't drive your car for a week. You will see rust spots on the rotor surface.
sj, the first shop did say I need to do a brake fluid replacement but unfortunately it would take an additional 45 minutes, I was running super late that day so just could not get it done. I didn't return to the 1st shop again since it was closer to my girlfriend's place and a bit further from me.
The 2nd shop was the one I had visited in the past so I guess they were a bit bummed I didn't come to them for the rotors...they also say they would've just sanded the rotors but the first shop told me that the rotors had to be changed because they were below spec. Since there were 88000 miles on the OEMs I figured I would change them anyway since the truck has 2 wheel discs so those rotors work pretty hard.
Its not abnormal and has little to do with rotor age. My brand new car had a coating of rust on its rotors every morning when I lived in a foggy area. The first application of brakes typically wipes it clean.
I'd stay away from the 2nd shop.
1. You don't sand rotors.
They get turned on a lathe to resurface them.
2. Most rotors these days are made to be replaced and not turned.
They are not thick enough to have materiel removed in the turning process and still meet the minimum thickness requirements.
So here is the deal, I went to Firestone and got new front brake pads and rotors just about 4 months ago. So today I went to another small shop to have a brake fluid change and they told me that it is suspect that the rotors were changed the last time...his claim is that rust had developed on the outer collar of the rotor and it seemed like the rear of the rotor had been sanded which he claimed is not done for new rotors. He showed me the rust and it seemed like it was true, there was a light coat of rust on it.
I called up the original place and they insisted that they had replaced it and to bring it in tomorrow to inspect it. They say rust developing is normal on all rotors. I inspected other cars and they did have rust on the rotor collars as well but I am guessing that is after a few years not a few months.
I am a little skeptical about rust developing on a 4 month old rotor. When I took delivery of the vehicle after they had changed the rotors they seemed brand new and I specifically checked the collar - it was shiny new. I also felt the thickness of the rotor and it felt thicker than the old ones I had.
My question - is it normal for rust to be developing on brand new rotors? BTW, I use my truck every day and the mileage is just under 92000.
Note: The rust is ONLY on the collar part, there is no problem with the disc itself.
The first problem is Firestone. Nuff said.
The rust on the non-contact part of rotors is par for the course. Where the pads make contact will be shiny, the rest will have rust. End of story.
The real question is this: Are your brakes functioning properly?
Big George, brakes are working perfect. I did a steering test at speed and also at slow speed, steering does not flinch whatsoever either without brakes or when applying brakes whereas before the new pads/rotors the steering would shake a lot when applying brakes.
Thanks for all the feedback, I was actually ticked off, I was going to go to the 1st shop and give them some grief about potentially duping me, glad I checked here first.
rotors and collars are normally not protected or coated. So, yes, rust will show sometimes as soon as a day or two. Ant like others pointed out, a business that would tell you diff is not very reputable or knowledgeable of their product.
I've had rust develop on mine just from sitting a couple of days.
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