We have surface rust from winter storage and age on the inner and outer edges of the brake rotors on our 2008 Mustang that I would like to remove without painting. I am not talking about the contact surfaces. We are preparing this car for the upcoming National MCA show in Indianapolis. Any ideas? Has anyone tackled this problem? Will wire brushing make scratches? Will naval jelly dissolve it and remove it? Thanks

 

I tried priming and painting them with Rustoleum and that didn't work. The orange rust still bleeds from the cooling fins between the inner and outer contact surfaces. That rust and brake dust also coats the inside of our wheels. I also look forward to suggestions how to cure the rust problem on OEM rotors. As much as I hate to replace new rotors, I'll probably switch to a brand that is corrosion resistent or stainless.

 

Get them resurfaced. Clean up the sides with a small buffing wheel. Tape off the contact area and prime the rest. About the only thing you can do without replacing the rotors.

 

scotch brite pads

 

Jack car, use stands, remove wheels, then using goggles, gloves, cup brush attached to a 4 or 4-1/2" angle grinder .... did I mention goggles and gloves? ..... rotate rotor as you work on most comfortable surfaces and don't allow the spinning brush to wedge the machine in tight .... use goggles and a firm hand hold.

Then clean with a paint prep soaked wrag and prime and paint ..... or just paint if looking for temp.

 

but use goggles ...ok

 

Why he no say dust mask??

Did I mention dust mask??

 

+100 on the dust mask... not only is there rust but brake dust, you don't want to breathe that crap in!

 

I ended up using the wire cup method on a drill. I don't want to paint them because there may be a day when I want to enter concours competition. I meant to try naval jelly but wasn't patient enough and went straight to the wire cup. Plus one on the mask and safety glasses!