What can I do to "clean up" the rust on my rotors :(
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What can I do to "clean up" the rust on my rotors :(
Hi guys, with the wheels off and some time on my hands, I'd like to do something with the rusted edges and whatnot on my rotors, but not sure what to do
I was thinking I could use something like POR15 and just coat the edges and exposed surfaces to at least they look better
Any thoughts or suggestions
TIA, as always
I was thinking I could use something like POR15 and just coat the edges and exposed surfaces to at least they look better
Any thoughts or suggestions
TIA, as always
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Bobbo
1980 633 CSi Cypress Green/Pearl Beige
2017 X5 M Sport Xdrive 35i Carbon Black/Ivory White
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Re: What can I do to "clean up" the rust on my rotors :(
Hey Bobbo,
Clean it with a wire brush then a hi temp spray paint
Clean it with a wire brush then a hi temp spray paint
Tommy
1989 635 CSI (Second owner since Jun 1995, driven daily and retired in 2013 with 295k to occasional driving)
2011 335D (Daily driver) with 103,550
1989 635 CSI (Second owner since Jun 1995, driven daily and retired in 2013 with 295k to occasional driving)
2011 335D (Daily driver) with 103,550
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Re: What can I do to "clean up" the rust on my rotors :(
Hey Tommy, I don't plan on removing the rotors, I was hoping to apply something while they are still installed
Wow, crickets otherwise
Surprised the collective wisdom of the board doesn't have any other ideas
Wow, crickets otherwise
Surprised the collective wisdom of the board doesn't have any other ideas
Bobbo
1980 633 CSi Cypress Green/Pearl Beige
2017 X5 M Sport Xdrive 35i Carbon Black/Ivory White
2005 330 Ci ZHP Cabrio Imola Red/Bone/Black
Re: What can I do to "clean up" the rust on my rotors :(
Wood bleach? I use it to clean rust off of barrel staves when I am getting rid of water stains on bourbon barrels; but it is nasty stuff from a health standpoint and I am not sure if you'd wnat it on your rotors.
85 635CSi Bronzit
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Re: What can I do to "clean up" the rust on my rotors :(
A 3" or 4" wire wheel with a drive axle to use it in a drill motor works very well (but wear goggles). Once brushed clean of rust use a paint brush to apply silver Rustoleum. I've never had it burn off even on heavily used brakes.
Ken Kanne
'84 633CSi "Sylvia"; '85 635CSi "Katja";'85 325e "Hazel Ann"; '95 M3 "Ashlyn"
'84 633CSi "Sylvia"; '85 635CSi "Katja";'85 325e "Hazel Ann"; '95 M3 "Ashlyn"
Re: What can I do to "clean up" the rust on my rotors :(
Pretty much as already suggested, wire brush any loose stuff and then apply something like POR15. I did mines donkey's years ago and rust has never broken back through.
And while I guess you can do the same with the rotor edges, I personally wouldn't bother, as in any case it might more readily get burnt off o/a heat (which of course will be highest at the rotor edges).
And while I guess you can do the same with the rotor edges, I personally wouldn't bother, as in any case it might more readily get burnt off o/a heat (which of course will be highest at the rotor edges).
Phil
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Re: What can I do to "clean up" the rust on my rotors :(
Tommy
1989 635 CSI (Second owner since Jun 1995, driven daily and retired in 2013 with 295k to occasional driving)
2011 335D (Daily driver) with 103,550
1989 635 CSI (Second owner since Jun 1995, driven daily and retired in 2013 with 295k to occasional driving)
2011 335D (Daily driver) with 103,550
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Re: What can I do to "clean up" the rust on my rotors :(
Bobbo Go to Home Depot and get a "Flap Wheel" for a drill. Much more effective that a wire brush, It is strips of course emery paper bonded together almost like a grinding wheel type thing that won't make make a mess like a grinding wheel. I learned about when grinding the boogers from welding when doing the body work on my car. A great tool to know of and way better than a wire brush.
81 Euro 635 M90 with motronic. Currently under a complete nut and bolt restoration. Pictures at
flickr.com/photos/bertsphotos.
flickr.com/photos/bertsphotos.
- 86_6series
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Re: What can I do to "clean up" the rust on my rotors :(
+1 on what Bert said.
this style
https://www.homedepot.com/s/abrasive%2520buffs?NCNI-5
or this one
https://www.homedepot.com/s/Grit%2520Fl ... eel?NCNI-5
this style
https://www.homedepot.com/s/abrasive%2520buffs?NCNI-5
or this one
https://www.homedepot.com/s/Grit%2520Fl ... eel?NCNI-5
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96-MB C220 SOLD
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Re: What can I do to "clean up" the rust on my rotors :(
Thanks guys, now that's more like it
Never heard of a flap wheel either, so off to Home Depot I go
Or probably Lowe's, like them much better
But I think the POR15 is the way to go over painting, plus it's gray in color from what I recall, so it should "match" pretty well
Thanks again gents
Got the TS wheel covers back from the paint shop yesterday, they look awesome but still waiting on new adhesive for the old school Motorsport emblems that will be going on as well
Never heard of a flap wheel either, so off to Home Depot I go
Or probably Lowe's, like them much better
But I think the POR15 is the way to go over painting, plus it's gray in color from what I recall, so it should "match" pretty well
Thanks again gents
Got the TS wheel covers back from the paint shop yesterday, they look awesome but still waiting on new adhesive for the old school Motorsport emblems that will be going on as well
Bobbo
1980 633 CSi Cypress Green/Pearl Beige
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Re: What can I do to "clean up" the rust on my rotors :(
Ya want grey in color?? Go to your local auto paint supply and get a rattle can oif "Cast Blast" Looks like cast metal and will give you the look you want stands up to heat as well.
81 Euro 635 M90 with motronic. Currently under a complete nut and bolt restoration. Pictures at
flickr.com/photos/bertsphotos.
flickr.com/photos/bertsphotos.
Re: What can I do to "clean up" the rust on my rotors :(
This https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-brake ... rosol.html
Have used lots including sump and bell-housing. Is a quality product and best paint for the job
Have used lots including sump and bell-housing. Is a quality product and best paint for the job
'85 635csi JPS (RA2-66)
Re: What can I do to "clean up" the rust on my rotors :(
If Home Depot doesn't have a flap wheel in stock, go to McMaster-Carr.com. They have everything! I've bought from them for years.
Scott Collins
80 Euro 635csi Stratosblau/Parchment
80 Euro 635csi Stratosblau/Parchment
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Re: What can I do to "clean up" the rust on my rotors :(
I work part time at Home Depot in the hardware dept. They have them. One for a drill with a shaft on it and all kinds of various grit for an angle grinder which is a tool you guys should have. They do sell a cheap Ryobi angle grinder for around $36
81 Euro 635 M90 with motronic. Currently under a complete nut and bolt restoration. Pictures at
flickr.com/photos/bertsphotos.
flickr.com/photos/bertsphotos.
Re: What can I do to "clean up" the rust on my rotors :(
Hey Bobbo,
Flap wheels actually remove material, while wire wheels knock off surface stuff with less reduction of the substrate. I would stick with wire wheel cleanup. I used VHT caliper/disk paint, and the the hats on my rotors still look glossy and black years later. I even painted the rear drums on my 02 that way 25+ years ago. I haven't driven it for more than 15 years now, but even sitting out in the weather, the drums are still glossy.
Jose
Flap wheels actually remove material, while wire wheels knock off surface stuff with less reduction of the substrate. I would stick with wire wheel cleanup. I used VHT caliper/disk paint, and the the hats on my rotors still look glossy and black years later. I even painted the rear drums on my 02 that way 25+ years ago. I haven't driven it for more than 15 years now, but even sitting out in the weather, the drums are still glossy.
Jose
1987 M6 - My dream car
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Re: What can I do to "clean up" the rust on my rotors :(
I did buy a flap wheel at Lowe's, but haven't tried it yet
I also have a wire wheel of sorts, although it's shaped more like a cone than a wheel
Gonna give that I try as well
And I was only thinking gray because I think that's what color POR15 is, and would match the original cat iron color a bit more, I guess
Plus painting usually requires a clean surface for the paint to adhere to, while POR15 should bond, even if I don't get rid of all the rust
Hopefully will get back in the garage tomorrow, pouring rain right now
Of course, California desperately needs it
I also have a wire wheel of sorts, although it's shaped more like a cone than a wheel
Gonna give that I try as well
And I was only thinking gray because I think that's what color POR15 is, and would match the original cat iron color a bit more, I guess
Plus painting usually requires a clean surface for the paint to adhere to, while POR15 should bond, even if I don't get rid of all the rust
Hopefully will get back in the garage tomorrow, pouring rain right now
Of course, California desperately needs it
Bobbo
1980 633 CSi Cypress Green/Pearl Beige
2017 X5 M Sport Xdrive 35i Carbon Black/Ivory White
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Re: What can I do to "clean up" the rust on my rotors :(
Cast blast. !! Takes heat and a great grey color. Did my calipers with it and am very happy.
81 Euro 635 M90 with motronic. Currently under a complete nut and bolt restoration. Pictures at
flickr.com/photos/bertsphotos.
flickr.com/photos/bertsphotos.
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Re: What can I do to "clean up" the rust on my rotors :(
Ok, this job is now complete, takes forever to get things delivered these days
I did have black POR-15, but opted for silver, to sorta match the appearance of the portion of the rotors that are swept by the brake pads
This stuff is so shiny that you can see the reflection of the cross drilled holes in the rotors in the finish
I didn't bother with the faces, which won't be seen once the wheels are installed
Glad this is done, please check out my thread regarding the Throwing Star wheel redo in the "Wheels and Tires" forum
I did have black POR-15, but opted for silver, to sorta match the appearance of the portion of the rotors that are swept by the brake pads
This stuff is so shiny that you can see the reflection of the cross drilled holes in the rotors in the finish
I didn't bother with the faces, which won't be seen once the wheels are installed
Glad this is done, please check out my thread regarding the Throwing Star wheel redo in the "Wheels and Tires" forum
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Bobbo
1980 633 CSi Cypress Green/Pearl Beige
2017 X5 M Sport Xdrive 35i Carbon Black/Ivory White
2005 330 Ci ZHP Cabrio Imola Red/Bone/Black
Re: What can I do to "clean up" the rust on my rotors :(
They look good. You're quite right not to paint the wheel mating surface, although it is important that this is spotlessly clean and free of corrosion or dirt, both in order to give the best possible connection between hub and wheel, and also to take away any possibility of causing unwanted disc runout. Having done the cleaning, I generally smear a very small amount of copper grease over the surface to make it less likely that wheel and hub might subsequently bond themselves together due to galvanic corrosion.
Phil
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Re: What can I do to "clean up" the rust on my rotors :(
Thanks Phil, good points but while they do appear to have some rust on them, I don't have to deal with the corrosion issues here in California like you guys do in the UK
Done deal for now, don't think I'll have the wheels back off anytime soon
Done deal for now, don't think I'll have the wheels back off anytime soon
Bobbo
1980 633 CSi Cypress Green/Pearl Beige
2017 X5 M Sport Xdrive 35i Carbon Black/Ivory White
2005 330 Ci ZHP Cabrio Imola Red/Bone/Black