Disk Rotors Rusting

gordonr · 01-21-2007, 09:12 PM

This winter when I changed from the OEM tires to the snows, I noticed that there was rust on both front rotors. I'm guessing it's because the front disc brakes aren't used unless you have an emergency stop. Would this be correct?

Would it make sense to do an emergency stop once in a while to clear off the rust?

**efusco** · 01-21-2007, 09:34 PM

They are used, actually, every time you stop, but often not until you are under 7mph and, thus, very little wear.

If you want, occasionally you can get going at a decent speed (55-60?), put the car in neutral then stop that will cancel regenerative braking and allow you to 'polish' the rotors. Repeat that cycle a couple times.

As I understand it from those who know more about brakes than me, this isn't really necessary.

**Tideland Prius** · 01-21-2007, 11:49 PM

Yeah, occasionally the disc surfaces will have rust. They're usually cleaned by my dad who rarely drives the Prius so he tends to brake harder, getting out of regen quicker and thus cleaning the rotors. I do clean them as the doc above describes if my dad hasn't driven the Prius in a while.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Brake Rotors Replaced 0n 2005	anj48	Gen II Prius Main Forum	25	08-02-2007 05:03 PM
TRD Sportivo and new rotors..	JaviNOS	Gen II Prius Modifications	1	07-16-2007 07:40 PM
Crossdrilled and Slotted Rotors	JaviNOS	Private Sales	7	04-29-2007 09:53 AM
Brake System, ROTORS	mrbigh	Gen II Prius Modifications	16	11-13-2006 11:18 PM
Aux vs. disk	kente777	Gen II Prius Audio and Electronics	6	01-20-2006 11:48 AM

01-21-2007, 09:12 PM	#1
gordonr Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 99 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	This winter when I changed from the OEM tires to the snows, I noticed that there was rust on both front rotors. I'm guessing it's because the front disc brakes aren't used unless you have an emergency stop. Would this be correct? Would it make sense to do an emergency stop once in a while to clear off the rust?

01-21-2007, 09:34 PM	#2
efusco Troll Slayer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nixa, MO Posts: 17,239 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 49 Thanked 249 Times in 148 Posts Friends: 37	They are used, actually, every time you stop, but often not until you are under 7mph and, thus, very little wear. If you want, occasionally you can get going at a decent speed (55-60?), put the car in neutral then stop that will cancel regenerative braking and allow you to 'polish' the rotors. Repeat that cycle a couple times. As I understand it from those who know more about brakes than me, this isn't really necessary.

01-21-2007, 11:49 PM	#3
Tideland Prius Moderator of the North Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 19,633 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: N/A Package: Technology Package (Canada) Thanks: 229 Thanked 345 Times in 244 Posts Friends: 23	Yeah, occasionally the disc surfaces will have rust. They're usually cleaned by my dad who rarely drives the Prius so he tends to brake harder, getting out of regen quicker and thus cleaning the rotors. I do clean them as the doc above describes if my dad hasn't driven the Prius in a while.