Hey folks,

I was just out adjusting my bike cover the other day (the wind has been NUTS around here lately) and I noticed that the rear brake rotor has become discolored.  I have to assume its rust.  Brownish color.. looks a bit like tarnish on silver.  Is there anything I can do to clean it up?  Is sanding/polishing a good/bad idea?  anyway, it seems to have developed only recently... at least I only noticed it recently.

peace.

OK, these aren't the best pics in the world to show what I'm talking about, but as you can see, its nothing major... but the rear-rotor (right) looks a bit nastier than the front rotor (left).  This is just to give you an idea of what I'm talking about.. nothing really scary.. there aren't rust-chunks falling off of it or anything... just thought the bike would look nicer with nice, shiny rotors.  

Is it possible I'm only looking at break dust?  I haven't even tried wiping them off with a damp sponge yet, so maybe I'm gettin' all bent out of shape for nothing.

my front looked like you back one,. i rode mine w/o front brakes for a month or so, (     ), but when i but the lever and fluid on the bike, and used the brakes, it went away, so i dont know if it was rust or dust, not sure if brake cleaner would work or not. was your bike sitting for a while, if not did it get wet, do you live in a coastal climate? try hitting it with a paper towel, and see if any of it comes off.

Just ride it slightly depressing the brake lever for a few yards at the beginning, it will be brushed away by the pads. It is normal for rotors to have some surface rust.

like the others said - disc brake cleaner & try to do some stoppies to clean it off.  Even if you don't get the rust off, people won't notice as much b/c they will be admiring your stoppies  

you may not use your rear as much as you think. Just keep riding and use both brakes. The rust/corrosion will wear off.

Yeah, I definitely use both brakes.  In fact, if I'm guilty of anything, its not using the front brakes enough.  I engine brake alot and tap the rear brakes to activate my brake-lights.  Usually the bike is parked in a covered spot, but this week I'm visiting the 'rents... so its been rained on a bit.  I've had a cover on it, but he high winds blow it up enough to expose the wheels.

I'll be sure to check after applying the brakes a few times... its lookin good today.. i might just go for a spin  

thanks

Yeah, it'll go away after you use the brakes a couple times. Go have a look at the brake discs on the cars at a new car lot. The ones that have been sitting there a while can have quite a bit of that rust on em.

John

You can use some real fine steel wool to clean them up or the brake pads will clean them as you use them.

Rotors differ in their composition, according to what you want from them and how much you can afford to pay.  

If unsprung weight is not a problem, then plain iron/steel is a good choice as it gives good grip and dissipates heat well, cheap too, but it rusts quickly.  

If looks are your main priority, then chromed rotors are the ones to go for, but grip is poor, though the surface is hard and they will consequently last a long time.  A bit more expensive than plain iron/steel too.  

If you want minimum unsprung weight and super heat performance under heavy braking then go for carbon fibre, but they will wear really fast, and cost an absolute fortune!