How to clean brake rotors?

Brake rotors are an important part of your braking system. They are attached to your wheels and are what your vehicle's brake pads press against to keep your wheels from spinning and help you avoid accidents. Rusty rotors can lead to reduced braking performance and potentially dangerous situations on the road. If you notice signs of rust on your brake rotors, it's important to fix the problem as soon as possible.  To learn more about how to effectively clean rusty brake rotors, follow us through this article.

How do I clean brake rotors?

Step 1: Lift the car

Park the car on level ground and apply the parking brake. Put automatic transmissions in park and manual transmissions in first or reverse gear. Loosen the lug nuts slightly, then lift the car. Support the car on a jack stand.

Step 2: Remove the wheels

Remove the wheel nuts completely and remove the wheel.

Step 3: Remove the brake caliper

Remove the two retaining screws from the brake caliper. Grasp the caliper firmly and slide it up and off the disc. If the caliper is stubborn, rock it firmly back and forth a few times to force the piston to retract a little, then try again. Secure the caliper with a wire or bungee cord, being careful not to stretch or bend the brake hose.

Step 4 ：Disassemble the rotors

To clean the rotors, you'll need to remove them from your vehicle. Remove the screws from the brake rotor guide. You can remove the disk from the slot and take the opportunity to clean the pad holder and hub with a wire brush.

Step 5: Inspect the rotors

Before you begin cleaning, inspect the rotors carefully to determine the extent of any rust damage. If they are severely corroded or have deep grooves, they may need to be replaced.

Step 6: Clean the rotor.

The friction surface of the rotor should be clean and relatively smooth.  Use a suitable brake part cleaner, then apply the brake part cleaner to a clean cloth or paper towel and wipe in a circular motion around the friction ring surface.

There are several solutions for cleaning rusty rotors. The cheapest is to use white vinegar. Fill a basin with this product and submerge your rotors. Do this in a well-ventilated area. Soak the rotors for 24 to 48 hours to allow the rust to dissolve from the metal. Remove the rotors, rinse with clean water and dry immediately with a cloth.

If traces of rust remain, use a drill equipped with a metal brush. A soft-bristled brush is preferable so as not to damage the disk surface too much. When you're satisfied with the result, dust the disk with a cloth.

Step 6: Protect the rotor

Once your rotor is good as new, apply a final coat of Brake Cleaner to remove any remaining dust. Also clean the disc and caliper bolts with the same product. To prolong the life of your rotors, use Brake Cleaner regularly. It will also help eliminate squealing when braking and can also be used on the clutch system to eliminate clutch slippage caused by dirty components.

Step 7: Install the Rotor

Now that your brake rotor is rust free and permanently protected, you are ready to reinstall it on your vehicle. Place it on the hub and tighten the bolts. Position the caliper on the rotor. Apply threadlocker to the caliper bolts. This will prevent the screws from loosening. Tighten the bolts to the proper torque, then replace the dust caps.

Step 8: Reassemble the Wheel

Position the wheel and tighten the mounting bolts. Lower the wheelchair to the ground. Follow the instructions in the owner's manual for tightening sequence and torque.

It is important to remember that if the brake rotors are badly rusted, it may be necessary to replace them completely. In addition, it is always advisable to seek professional help if you are unsure of the extent of the damage or how to disassemble and clean the rotors.