Detailing more than just the wheels

[BillE]

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.

Ding ding ding...WE HAVE A WINNER!

Bill

[BobbyG]

Muffler Bearings: Do not forget to occasionally grease the muffle bearings...

[Audios S6]

The only maintenance that you should be doing to your brakes other than pad/rotor replacement is cleaning and lubricating the caliper slide pins.

I also file the carrier rails that the pad slides on down to a new smooth & level surface and lubricate. Take a look at them next time you do your brakes, they will have a low spot where the pad can get hung-up.

Several manufacturer's also say not to clean your brand new rotors before install. Zimmermann Z-coat is one I can think of off the top of my head.

[Hoytman]

Muffler Bearings: Do not forget to occasionally grease the muffle bearings...

...and don't forget to clean the fuel injected lug nutz...

[vet]

I thought it was manifold bearings and muffler belts! LOL

[FUNX650]

I thought it was manifold bearings and muffler belts! LOL

By far, my biggest "detailing-headache" is proper maintenance/torque specs. for my: High-speed bumper bolts.



Bob

[shoeless89]

I have to run to the store today to pick up some blinker fluid

[BillE]

Don't forget to change out the air in your tires from summer air to winter air and back agin.

Bill

[Setec Astronomy]

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've been wrestling with this. I'm from the old school where if the rotor doesn't look bad you scuff it with some emery to cut the glazing and go, but last time I did this the pads wore all uneven (I think this was actually a lube issue on these Asian brakes since I was used to old-style GM brakes where there really were no sliding surfaces other than the booted pins). So I decided I would never do that again (the scuff trick), and would always cut (yeah I know, shudda done that anyway), then one of my friends told me no one cuts rotors anymore, they are so cheap you just replace them (not to mention how hard it is to find a machine shop anymore).

So do you always replace rotors as a matter of course when you change pads?

[Bunky]

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

My rotors seem to be more self-rusting.