Brake loss at high speeds

cre · 10-19-2009, 06:28 AM

A light surface rust is common in humid climate due to the soft, cast steel from which rotors are made. Especially in humid weather. It wipes off pretty much immediately and is of no concern. In addition to the surface rust some pads have iron and other materials in them which contribute to brown and reddish dust on the brake components. You're likely to see what you describe on any rotor... I don't think you've got anything to worry about there.

Definitely take care of the broken line and you might want to consider upgrading your brake fluid while you're at it. DOT 4 is far superior to the DOT 3 which came in our cars. Air in your system from the broken line is really the most likely culprit for all of the issues you're having with the brake system; changing the fluid is unavoidable since you'll be removing hoses, but it's advisable regardless. As for the rotors and pads, I'd clean them up with some sandpaper and see how everything feels with the fresh fluid and leak taken care of... if that takes care of it then you've got just that much more money to put into other upgrades.

Also, if the calipers didn't just slide off easily then the guides may be pitted or the grease may have emulsified. Clean the old grease off the guides and out of the caliper's holes for them and inspect them for pitting. If they're heavily pitted you'll need to replace them, otherwise just buff them with some 600 or higher grit sandpaper and regrease them liberally with the appropriate type of grease. You really should do this any time you take the caliper off (inspect and regrease) it's easy and cheap insurance.

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10-19-2009, 06:28 AM	#1
cre Toyota Racing Development Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 5,038	A light surface rust is common in humid climate due to the soft, cast steel from which rotors are made. Especially in humid weather. It wipes off pretty much immediately and is of no concern. In addition to the surface rust some pads have iron and other materials in them which contribute to brown and reddish dust on the brake components. You're likely to see what you describe on any rotor... I don't think you've got anything to worry about there. Definitely take care of the broken line and you might want to consider upgrading your brake fluid while you're at it. DOT 4 is far superior to the DOT 3 which came in our cars. Air in your system from the broken line is really the most likely culprit for all of the issues you're having with the brake system; changing the fluid is unavoidable since you'll be removing hoses, but it's advisable regardless. As for the rotors and pads, I'd clean them up with some sandpaper and see how everything feels with the fresh fluid and leak taken care of... if that takes care of it then you've got just that much more money to put into other upgrades. Also, if the calipers didn't just slide off easily then the guides may be pitted or the grease may have emulsified. Clean the old grease off the guides and out of the caliper's holes for them and inspect them for pitting. If they're heavily pitted you'll need to replace them, otherwise just buff them with some 600 or higher grit sandpaper and regrease them liberally with the appropriate type of grease. You really should do this any time you take the caliper off (inspect and regrease) it's easy and cheap insurance.