autogeekonline car wax, car care and auto detailing forum Autogeek on TV
car wax, car care and auto detailing forumAutogeekonline autogeekonline car wax, car care and auto detailing forum HomeForumBlogAutogeek.net StoreDetailing Classes with Mike PhillipsGalleryDetailing How To's
 
Thanks Thanks:  0
Likes Likes:  0
Dislikes Dislikes:  0
Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 23
  1. #1
    Junior Member dtbernstein87's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Posts
    31
    Post Thanks / Like

    Detailing more than just the wheels

    Hey all - another question (since everyone is so helpful): A buddy of mine recommended I consistently clean my rotors to prevent any sort of build up/oxidation/whatever over time. I read a little about this and people seemed to have pretty mixed feelings on potential damaging effects of using different cleaners. I figured I'd open up a thread to see what people here had to say (perhaps from experience)?

  2. #2
    Super Member Flash Gordon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Memphis, TN ~ USA 1
    Posts
    10,450
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Detailing more than just the wheels

    Your freind is sicker then we are...
    “Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.”

  3. #3
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Posts
    30
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Detailing more than just the wheels

    when replacing rotors you need to clean the oil off them but other then that never heard of cleaning them im sure every time you hit the brakes the pads are doing the cleaning for you. now if the car sits a long time the rotors will rust and if real bad then you can take them in to get turned. I think cleaning them with anything might effect how they work and could potentially be dangerous but lets see if there is a certified mechanic who knows for sure.

  4. #4
    Super Member M0nk3y's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Dayton/Cleveland
    Posts
    241
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Detailing more than just the wheels

    Only thing I clean is the hub rotor where the wheel actually sits. If you run cars in winter with salt, it can become a PITA to change wheels because the wheel basically sticks to the hub
    2007 BMW Z4M Coupe

  5. #5
    Super Member RTexasF's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    North TX
    Posts
    2,582
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Detailing more than just the wheels

    Leave them alone but do machine polish the spark plugs to a glowing white finish .
    Rick....now in North Texas

  6. #6
    Super Member FUNX650's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Ohio, USA
    Posts
    21,057
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Detailing more than just the wheels

    What does your buddy clean his rotors with, I wonder??

    So many types of rotors.

    -Metallic, Semi-Metallic, Composite Carbon-Fiber, Ceramic, etc.

    -Zinc-Plated, Cadmium-Plated, etc.

    -Flat Disc, Drilled, Slotted, Combo Drilled/Slotted, Vanes (directional/straight), etc.

    -One-Piece, Two-Piece, "Floating", Hub/Rotor Assembly, etc.

    As has been mentioned:

    -Clean any anti-corrosive films, including cosmoline, oil/phosphate-based, off new/replacement rotors...I've used IPA, and non-chlorinated brake cleaners like Brakleen's NC for their removal. Or rust-removal for vehicles hardly driven and have probably been setting outside/moist conditions.

    -Most brake rotors are "self-cleaning" while driving/stopping.

    -Won't harm brake pads/rotors/calipers if you get some car wash shampoo on them.

    -Don't spray brake cleaners, and most other "cleaners" directly on rotors/calipers/brake pads, even if the wheels have been removed. Spray some on a soft cloth and gently rub the rotor, if you feel it's necessary. I don't.

    -Many types of rotors can't be re-surfaced.

    -Also some "cleaners" will wreak havoc on hub seals.

    -Be very careful using "chemicals" around your brake systems..."The life you save, just may not be just your own"!!!



    Bob
    "Be wary of the man who urges an action in which he himself incurs no risk."
    ~Joaquin de Setanti

  7. #7
    Super Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Southern Kalifornia
    Posts
    301
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Detailing more than just the wheels

    This same friend may soon mention the need to clean/replace your piston return springs. Make sure you give them the same care as your rotors.

  8. #8
    Junior Member dtbernstein87's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Posts
    31
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Detailing more than just the wheels

    Good thing I decided to ignore his opinion? Lol...

  9. #9
    Super Member tw33k2514's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Chicago, IL
    Posts
    2,298
    Post Thanks / Like
    The only maintenance that you should be doing to your brakes other than pad/rotor replacement is cleaning and lubricating the caliper slide pins.

    You should also change your brake fluid every couple years. Moisture gets into the system over time.

    Also, rotors have now become a replace rather than turn part. This is do to the decreased thickness from the factory, and cheap Chinese steel.

    I could go on about indexing rotors, runout, and the proper use of a dial indicator... But I digress.

  10. #10
    Super Member FUNX650's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Ohio, USA
    Posts
    21,057
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Detailing more than just the wheels

    Quote Originally Posted by tw33k2514 View Post
    The only maintenance that you should be doing to your brakes other than pad/rotor replacement is cleaning and lubricating the caliper slide pins.

    You should also change your brake fluid every couple years. Moisture gets into the system over time.

    Also, rotors have now become a replace rather than turn part. This is do to the decreased thickness from the factory, and cheap Chinese steel.

    I could go on about indexing rotors, runout, and the proper use of a dial indicator... But I digress.
    ^^^^^^

    I'd like to add the "balancing" factor, also, if I may.



    Bob
    "Be wary of the man who urges an action in which he himself incurs no risk."
    ~Joaquin de Setanti

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Wheels off detailing
    By kevincwelch in forum Auto Detailing 101
    Replies: 49
    Last Post: 02-04-2020, 12:17 PM
  2. A detailing bench now with wheels..
    By Bunky in forum Tricks, Tips and Techniques
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 06-28-2015, 09:31 AM
  3. New mag wheels for detailing van
    By Calendyr in forum Auto Detailing 101
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 04-16-2015, 01:19 PM
  4. PRE-detailing new wheels?
    By sethr in forum Ask your detailing questions!
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 07-21-2014, 11:04 AM
  5. Detailing Volk Wheels
    By MJ23FE in forum Auto Detailing 101
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 04-10-2011, 10:15 PM

Members who have read this thread: 0

There are no members to list at the moment.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

» March 2024

S M T W T F S
2526272829 1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31 123456