Rust on front brake rotor?

M-Oorb · June 2nd, 2009, 04:21 PM

So I got outta class today and while I was taking off my disk lock I realized that there is rust on the inside of most of the drilled holes and some rust on the edges of the disk. I dont really ride in the rain...have done it maybe 4 or 5 times. As far as I know this is not normal, right? Anyway I can remove the rust without messing up the disk or is this somehow a defective disk?

And the title should be brake sorry im an idiot and have only learned english 21 years ago so dont blame me haha

kkim · June 2nd, 2009, 04:22 PM

perfectly normal... ride the bike, most of it will get rubbed off from the brake pads.

M-Oorb · June 2nd, 2009, 04:24 PM

Well its in places where the pads dont touch the rotor...the outter edge and inside the drilled holes but I guess its normal since the pad doesnt touch those areas correct?

kkim · June 2nd, 2009, 04:30 PM

yes. the rotor is made from steel. steel rusts when it is subjected to water/humidity.

just took a close look at mine. there is no rust in the holes... only brake dust. on the outer edges of the disk, where the pads don't touch, it's either shiny or has a coat of black paint around the edge.

perhaps someone used some sort of strong wheel cleaner and took off a protective coating?

M-Oorb · June 2nd, 2009, 04:47 PM

Hmm Ive never done that just washed with reg car soap. I used denatureted alcohol to clean my rims before I polished my lip but I know for a fact that I didn't go anywhere near the break rotor and it was all completly washed off before I moved the bike.

kkim · June 2nd, 2009, 04:49 PM

dunno... salt air maybe?

Banzai · June 3rd, 2009, 05:13 AM

Even here at the beach front, with all the salt air and spray and sand, I don't have issues with rust on anything on the bike except links of the chain on occasions when it's been a while since I lubed it and it got wet.

Is there any rust anywhere else on the bike? The brake rotor is pretty good metal, and shouldn't really rust at all, but unless it's on the contact surface, it's more of a cosmetic issue than anything else. Heck, even car rotors will surface rust in just a few days, and the rust will scrub off the first time you use your brakes.

If you notice that rust starts to creep onto the contact surface, though, being a bike, I think I would ride by the dealer and see what's up.

CodE-E · June 3rd, 2009, 12:13 PM

It rained very heavily over here a few days ago. I had my Ninja covered up, but I didn't pull the cover completely down over the rear wheel, so the bottom of the rear brake disc was exposed to the rain. It stood outside in the rain for a bit over a day, and the bottom of the disc was covered with just. I was also a bit worried about this, but I was very easily able to rub the rust off with just my thumb.

camaroz1985 · June 3rd, 2009, 12:41 PM

Rust on the brake rotor is no problem. Look at the rotors of your car if it sits a few days. That small area of rust is not anything to worry about.

Kolya1981 · June 3rd, 2009, 07:30 PM

Totally normal on cars and bikes. As far as any protective coating on the braking surface goes. Between the heat generated by braking, rain/moisture in the air, and all the crap on the road, the protective coating on the areas that the brake pads don't scrape does not last long. Its only designed to keep the rotor protected when it is brand new.

sombo · June 3rd, 2009, 10:26 PM

Think of it like this. Steel with a higher carbon rating is stronger and withstand heat better. It is also more susceptible to rust because of the higher carbon. Steel will rust faster in higher humidity, and if heated and cooled quickly alot. This is why you see rust on ALL brake rotors made of steel in climates that have moisture in the air (and the more humid it is the worse it is). But as you use the brake and rub it off it all works out. Even if the rust on the edges stays there, before it ever really becomes a problem you'll have to replace the rotors from normal wear anyway.

M-Oorb · June 4th, 2009, 05:45 AM

Ok so basically its ok to have minor rust on the disk where there is NO contact with the pad? I know a cars disk will get surface rust pretty quoick after their wet but once you use them its rubs off. This is not the issue with my bike...the rust is in the areas where the pads don't touch. Ill keep an eye to make sure no rust creeps over the the contact area and stays.
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kkim · June 4th, 2009, 10:40 AM

picture?

sombo · June 4th, 2009, 11:25 AM

That rust is fine. If you ever really got a good look at a car's brake rotor you would find the exact same thing. Disk rotors for cars are more like 2 plates with vent holes between them. If you look down the holes you see rust in them that never goes away because nothing ever contacts them. The rotors are steel, steel rusts, nothing to do but keep using them so the rust doesn't have a chance to grow.

Here's an example of a normal car brake rotor with typical rust:

kkim · June 4th, 2009, 11:28 AM

sorry... I was asking for a picture of his bike's rusted rotor.

sombo · June 4th, 2009, 11:30 AM

I know, that pic wasn't for you, it was for him.

June 2nd, 2009, 04:21 PM	#1
M-Oorb ninjette.org sage Name: Matt Location: South East Florida/Rutgers University Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250r (Fastest Color) Posts: 914	Rust on front brake rotor? So I got outta class today and while I was taking off my disk lock I realized that there is rust on the inside of most of the drilled holes and some rust on the edges of the disk. I dont really ride in the rain...have done it maybe 4 or 5 times. As far as I know this is not normal, right? Anyway I can remove the rust without messing up the disk or is this somehow a defective disk? And the title should be brake sorry im an idiot and have only learned english 21 years ago so dont blame me haha

June 3rd, 2009, 05:13 AM	#7
Banzai Psychic war veteran Name: Thomas Location: Norfolk, VA Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Kawi Green '09 Ninja ZX6R Posts: 663	Even here at the beach front, with all the salt air and spray and sand, I don't have issues with rust on anything on the bike except links of the chain on occasions when it's been a while since I lubed it and it got wet. Is there any rust anywhere else on the bike? The brake rotor is pretty good metal, and shouldn't really rust at all, but unless it's on the contact surface, it's more of a cosmetic issue than anything else. Heck, even car rotors will surface rust in just a few days, and the rust will scrub off the first time you use your brakes. If you notice that rust starts to creep onto the contact surface, though, being a bike, I think I would ride by the dealer and see what's up. __________________________________________________ * If you're arguing with some idiot over the internet, chances are pretty good he's doing the same thing! Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction

June 3rd, 2009, 07:30 PM	#10
Kolya1981 Generic User Title Name: Nick Location: PA, USA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): Green 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R, Slate 2009 Triumph StreetTriple R Posts: 110	Totally normal on cars and bikes. As far as any protective coating on the braking surface goes. Between the heat generated by braking, rain/moisture in the air, and all the crap on the road, the protective coating on the areas that the brake pads don't scrape does not last long. Its only designed to keep the rotor protected when it is brand new. __________________________________________________ 2008 Ninja 250R Kawi Green - Bikelitez Fiberglass Undertail w/LED Turn Signals, Carbon Fiber Tank Protector 2009 Triumph StreetTriple R Matte Graphite - Arrow Titanium Exhaust, Belly Pan

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June 2nd, 2009, 04:22 PM	#2
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	perfectly normal... ride the bike, most of it will get rubbed off from the brake pads.

June 2nd, 2009, 04:24 PM	#3
M-Oorb ninjette.org sage Name: Matt Location: South East Florida/Rutgers University Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250r (Fastest Color) Posts: 914	Well its in places where the pads dont touch the rotor...the outter edge and inside the drilled holes but I guess its normal since the pad doesnt touch those areas correct?

June 2nd, 2009, 04:30 PM	#4
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	yes. the rotor is made from steel. steel rusts when it is subjected to water/humidity. just took a close look at mine. there is no rust in the holes... only brake dust. on the outer edges of the disk, where the pads don't touch, it's either shiny or has a coat of black paint around the edge. perhaps someone used some sort of strong wheel cleaner and took off a protective coating?

June 2nd, 2009, 04:47 PM	#5
M-Oorb ninjette.org sage Name: Matt Location: South East Florida/Rutgers University Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250r (Fastest Color) Posts: 914	Hmm Ive never done that just washed with reg car soap. I used denatureted alcohol to clean my rims before I polished my lip but I know for a fact that I didn't go anywhere near the break rotor and it was all completly washed off before I moved the bike.

June 2nd, 2009, 04:49 PM	#6
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	dunno... salt air maybe?

June 3rd, 2009, 12:13 PM	#8
CodE-E Ninja Newbie Name: Ben Location: Austria Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): EX250K9 Posts: 126	It rained very heavily over here a few days ago. I had my Ninja covered up, but I didn't pull the cover completely down over the rear wheel, so the bottom of the rear brake disc was exposed to the rain. It stood outside in the rain for a bit over a day, and the bottom of the disc was covered with just. I was also a bit worried about this, but I was very easily able to rub the rust off with just my thumb.

June 3rd, 2009, 12:41 PM	#9
camaroz1985 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Ryan Location: Carlisle, PA Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 WR250R, 2006 Ural Raven (Sold), 2009 Versys Green (Sold), 2008 Ninja 250R Green (Sold) Posts: A lot.	Rust on the brake rotor is no problem. Look at the rotors of your car if it sits a few days. That small area of rust is not anything to worry about.

June 3rd, 2009, 10:26 PM	#11
sombo Newb..... on a steeek! :D Name: Mike Location: Windermere, FL Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster Superlow Posts: A lot.	Think of it like this. Steel with a higher carbon rating is stronger and withstand heat better. It is also more susceptible to rust because of the higher carbon. Steel will rust faster in higher humidity, and if heated and cooled quickly alot. This is why you see rust on ALL brake rotors made of steel in climates that have moisture in the air (and the more humid it is the worse it is). But as you use the brake and rub it off it all works out. Even if the rust on the edges stays there, before it ever really becomes a problem you'll have to replace the rotors from normal wear anyway.

June 4th, 2009, 05:45 AM	#12
M-Oorb ninjette.org sage Name: Matt Location: South East Florida/Rutgers University Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250r (Fastest Color) Posts: 914	Ok so basically its ok to have minor rust on the disk where there is NO contact with the pad? I know a cars disk will get surface rust pretty quoick after their wet but once you use them its rubs off. This is not the issue with my bike...the rust is in the areas where the pads don't touch. Ill keep an eye to make sure no rust creeps over the the contact area and stays. Posted via Mobile Device

June 4th, 2009, 10:40 AM	#13
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	picture?

June 4th, 2009, 11:25 AM	#14
sombo Newb..... on a steeek! :D Name: Mike Location: Windermere, FL Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster Superlow Posts: A lot.	That rust is fine. If you ever really got a good look at a car's brake rotor you would find the exact same thing. Disk rotors for cars are more like 2 plates with vent holes between them. If you look down the holes you see rust in them that never goes away because nothing ever contacts them. The rotors are steel, steel rusts, nothing to do but keep using them so the rust doesn't have a chance to grow. Here's an example of a normal car brake rotor with typical rust:

June 4th, 2009, 11:28 AM	#15
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	sorry... I was asking for a picture of his bike's rusted rotor.

June 4th, 2009, 11:30 AM	#16
sombo Newb..... on a steeek! :D Name: Mike Location: Windermere, FL Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster Superlow Posts: A lot.	I know, that pic wasn't for you, it was for him.