How to Remove Rust From Brake Rotors (2024)

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How to Remove Rust From Brake Rotors (1)

ByJay Cork

Updated: Jun. 14, 2024

Rusty rotors peeking out from behind your expensive alloy wheels? Here's how to remove rust from brake rotors.

How to Remove Rust From Brake Rotors (2)Malkovstock/Getty Images

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    Introduction

    The popularity of alloy wheels puts brake rotors on full display. Rotors, however, must be made from heavy, heat-resistant, metal—unprotected metal that easily rusts* under the harsh conditions of a wheel well. The unsightly discoloration showing through their expensive alloy wheels leads many people to ask how to remove rust from brake rotors. You can clean up rusted rotors in several ways, depending upon how bad it is. We'll walk you through the process from easiest to most-labor intensive to help you get the job done.

    The most important safety tip you must observe: No lubricant (such as WD-40) or permanent coating should ever be applied to the braking surface of the rotor. Period.

    *Rust appears on the surface while corrosion is actual damage that goes deeper than the surface. If the rotors have corrosion, they will need resurfacing or replacement.

    Tools Required

    • 6-inch C-clamp
    • Caliper hangers
    • Combination wrench set (standard for domestics/metric for imports)
    • Floor jack
    • Large bucket or tray to catch runoff
    • Lug wrench or impact wrench and socket
    • Nitrile gloves and safety glasses
    • Scrubby pad or wire-bristled brush
    • Wheel chocks

    Materials Required

    • Brake cleaner spray
    • Cleaning vinegar
    • Non-oily rags

    Project step-by-step (9)

    Step 1

    Drive the Car

    • It’s common for rust to form on the rotors if the vehicle sits in one place for a few days, especially after a rainy day.
    • Remove this superficial rust by simply driving. Take the vehicle out for a spin that includes some stop-and-go driving, then check the rotors.
    • If rust remains visible, repeat this process, but drive a little faster and brake a little harder.
      • Be safe! Find a deserted street or an empty parking lot. Start the vehicle in motion, getting up to 10 mph or so, then brake hard. Repeat this process a few times and check the rotors again. If you still see rust, then move to the next step.

    How to Remove Rust From Brake Rotors (3)Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

    Step 2

    Remove the Wheel

    • Put the vehicle in park and engage the parking brake.
    • Always place chocks behind the wheels of the axle you are not working on.
    • Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you are working on, and then use a floor jack to bring the wheel off the ground.
    • Remove the wheel to expose the rotor.
      • Pro Tip: Never rely on a floor jack alone to support your vehicle! Always use a jack stand in addition to a floor jack as a secondary safety measure.

    How to Remove Rust From Brake Rotors (4)Charles Knowles/Shutterstock

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    Step 3

    Clean the Rotors with Calipers On

    • The rotor can be cleaned with the pads and caliper in place, but you will have to turn the rotor to access the area covered by the pads. Brake cleaner will not harm the pad lining, but excessive application may affect the adhesion of the lining to the pad backing, so don’t go overboard.
    • Always do this job in a well-ventilated area and remember to wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
    • Put down a tray to catch any runoff, then spray the lower half of the rotor with brake cleaner. Let the rotor dry, then wipe it with a new, clean rag.
    • Rotate the rotor and repeat the process.
    • If some rust remains, apply more brake cleaner and work the surface with steel wool or a wire brush. Wipe off the rotor and finish with a final shot of cleaner.
    • If you wish to remove the calipers instead, continue to the next step.

    How to Remove Rust From Brake Rotors (6)ANATOLii SAVITSKii/Getty Images

    Step 4

    Remove the Calipers

    • Use a box-end wrench to loosen the bolts holding the caliper assembly to the guide pins on the caliper bracket and remove them.
    • Lift the caliper assembly free of the rotor and secure it in a position in the wheel well where it can hang without causing damage to the brake line.
      • Pro Tip: Old wire clothes hangers work very well for this job, but caliper hangers are also sold in most auto stores.
    • Use a box-end wrench to loosen and remove the bolts securing the caliper bracket (which holds the pads). Remove this and set aside.

    How to Remove Rust From Brake Rotors (7)Malkovstock/Getty Images

    Step 5

    Inspect the Pads

    • As long as the brakes are apart, I always take a moment to inspect the pads for glazing (a slightly crystalline appearance) on the surface.
    • It’s also a good time to measure the thickness of the brake pads. Anything less than 4 mm of depth means the pads should be replaced.
    • Check the caliper piston boot and guide pin boots for tears, too. Any loss of integrity found on these boots exposes the moving parts to dirt and corrosion that can cause them to seize. This must be addressed right away.

    How to Remove Rust From Brake Rotors (8)Birdlkportfolio/Getty Images

    Step 6

    Clean the Rotors

    • Clean the rust from the rotors with brake cleaner as described above.
    • This part of the job is easier because the hubs don’t need to be rotated.

    How to Remove Rust From Brake Rotors (9)Kyla Metzker/Shutterstock

    Step 7

    Deep Clean

    • If the rotor is badly rusted, remove it completely to give it a good soak for a deep clean. Products such as CLR and Evapo-Rust, will work fine for stubborn rust removal, but I prefer using strong cleaning vinegar— it’s non-toxic, won’t hurt my skin and does a great job of removing surface rust.
    • Place the rotor in a tub and fill it with cleaning vinegar (5% to 25% concentrate) until the liquid covers the rotor. Let it sit in the liquid for 24 hours in a well-ventilated area and complete the cleaning process by using a scrubby pad to clear away the dissolved rust. The lower the concentration percentage, the longer you’ll need to let it sit.
    • Rinse, wipe dry and re-install.

    How to Remove Rust From Brake Rotors (10)Family Handyman, Via merchant (2)

    Step 8

    Reassemble the Brakes

    • Once the rotors are clean, work backward to reassemble the brakes and remount the wheel.
    • A large C-clamp may be required to retract the piston in the caliper assembly, so it will fit over the brake pads.
    • Hand-tighten the lug nuts on the wheel and then lower the vehicle back down.
    • Once the vehicle is down off the jacks, tighten the lug nuts to the required torque specs.

    How to Remove Rust From Brake Rotors (11)eugenesergeev/Getty Images

    Step 9

    Paint New Rotors

    • While normal use of the vehicle keeps any rust on the rotor face in check, painting the hub will improve the appearance and prevent the non-braking surface of the rotors from becoming unsightly.
    • Before mounting your brand-new brake rotors, apply brake caliper paint to the center section of each.
    • Tape off the braking surface before painting to protect it from contamination, and paint only the dome that fits over the hub.
    • After painting, use some brake cleaner on a cloth to wipe away any residue from the tape.

    Originally Published: December 17, 2019

    Author

    Jay Cork

    For over 30 years, I've been a craftsman, designer and maker of all manner of cool things. I've always been passionate about teaching others the trades and crafts I've mastered over the years, and I found my home writing for the Family Handyman magazine.

    Read More

    How to Remove Rust From Brake Rotors (12)

    How to Remove Rust From Brake Rotors (2024)

    FAQs

    How to Remove Rust From Brake Rotors? ›

    In 1971, Brakleen became the first brake cleaner spray of its kind. It is still the industry leader today for technicians and do-it-yourselfers for fast and effective brake service solutions.

    What is the best brake cleaner for rusty rotors? ›

    In 1971, Brakleen became the first brake cleaner spray of its kind. It is still the industry leader today for technicians and do-it-yourselfers for fast and effective brake service solutions.

    Can I sand rusty rotors? ›

    Sanding down the rust off your brake rotors is an efficient way to clean up the discs and improve their appearance.

    Does WD-40 remove rust? ›

    Most people know WD-40 Multi-Use Product as a lubricant, but it was originally used as an anti-corrosive by the aerospace industry to prevent spacecraft from rusting. WD-40 can help remove rust from metals like iron, chrome, and stainless steel without further damaging the surface of the metal or removing the paint.

    Can I remove rust from my rotors? ›

    Steel wool is commonly used to remove rust from rotors or other surfaces. It comes in several grades, including coarse (#3), medium (#0), and fine (#000). Try the finest grade first and get more aggressive if necessary.

    Can you put wd40 on rusty rotors? ›

    If stubborn rust or grime remains, apply more Brake & Parts Cleaner, and use steel wool or a wire brush to work the surface further. Then, wipe down the rotor again and finish with a final spray of cleaner. Can You Use WD-40 to Clean Brake Rotors? No.

    Why are my rotors rusting already? ›

    Because brake pads and rotors are made of steel and cast iron, they are subject to developing rust when these materials come in contact with water; rust can develop on brake pads and rotors when moisture penetrates the parts. Rain, dew, snow and even humid conditions can cause rust to form on brake pads and rotors.

    Can you drive with rusted rotors? ›

    It depends on the severity of the rust. Surface rust is generally not a problem and can be removed by regular driving or brake use. However, deep pitting caused by rust can significantly affect your brakes' performance and may even be dangerous.

    Can you resurface your own rotors? ›

    While it is technically possible to resurface rotors at home with the right tools and skills, it is generally recommended to have a professional perform the task for optimal results.

    What is the best homemade rust remover? ›

    Vinegar and Baking Powder:

    Baking powder can work wonders with rust. It makes an effective paste mixed with vinegar. Rub the paste onto the rust spots and leave to work for at least 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

    Does vinegar remove rust? ›

    To tackle items with significant corrosion, submerge your rusty tools or knives in a bowl of white vinegar and let them sit overnight or as long as 24 hours. Once they have had a good soak, remove them from the vinegar and scrub the rust off with steel wool, a scouring pad, or a wire brush.

    Does Coca Cola remove rust from metal? ›

    Coke contains phosphoric acid, a chemical found in commercial rust removers that helps break down rust. You've got to love an affordable and easy hack, right? Pour 4L of Coca Cola into a large container. Submerge your rusty cast iron cookware ensuring it is fully covered in Coke.

    Can I spray brake cleaner on my rotors? ›

    To clean your brake rotors while they are still on the vehicle, follow these steps: Step 1: Loosen the lug screws/nuts. Step 2: Unscrew the lug screw/nuts and remove the wheels. Step 3: Thoroughly spray brake cleaner on the brake area – mild soap and water also works.

    How do you rust proof brake rotors? ›

    Drive your vehicle: One of the easiest ways to prevent your brake rotors from rusting is simply to drive your vehicle regularly, even if only for short distances. When surface rust is removed naturally by engaging your brakes, oxidation isn't able to accumulate and cause damage.

    How do you clean brown rotors? ›

    Method #1: Soap and Water
    1. Loosen the screws and nuts to remove the wheel.
    2. Add soapy water to a spray bottle.
    3. Apply the solution to the rotors and calipers.
    4. Use a rag to wipe the rotors and dry them with a clean rag.
    5. Put the wheels back on your vehicle.
    Jan 30, 2023

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