First off, I'm not sure what the correct name of the brake is---I'm a dentist not a mechanic. I am looking at my wheels and behind the rim there is a large round disc that seems to have a tarnishy-rusty appearance. How to clean???
That's the brake rotor. If any surface rust forms on it from sitting without being driven much, simply driving it will clean them off. The hub portion can be painted with a product from Eastwood made for rotors. I don't remember the name of it but you should be able to find it on their website.
That's your rotor and it is made iron and is prone to rust easily...not a bad thing, makes a great heat sink for all that braking. Best way to clean them is drive the car and the braking will get rid of the rust. You can also buy rotors that have been treated with zinc or other coatings that will reduce this tendency but it is not affect performance.
Not sure if you mean the surface of the rotor where the brake pads grab or the rotor *hat* where your wheel studs come through. You can clean either with sand paper or emery cloth to remove the rust. Best way to clean the rotor after sanding is with Brake Cleaner and a clean rag. You can get it in an aerosol can at any auto parts store. Don't get the brake cleaner on wheels, paint, or brake caliper seals. As mentioned, you can paint the hats with a high temp paint.
brake rotors are metal and come in contact with brake pads that have small metal particles. When the exposed metal of the rotor is exposed to water or acids, it will discolor. Usually one or two uses of the brakes and its gone. You dont want to polish these areas.
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Best way to clean brake discs/rotors????
