Font brake rotor paint peeling off - normal?

[Scooby]

I just rotated my tires for the first time last night and noticed that both rotors have paint peeling off of them - looks like maybe due to heat? I have an auto but take it easy on the brakes... (I don't race to the next light by any means)

Is this normal?

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'01 2500 SLT+, QC, LWB, 4X4, 3. 54s, AT, SPA guages, Alpha Liner,DTT VB, SnugTop XV shell with BedRug, Grovers, Roadmasters... every option but running lights!

'98 DUCATI ST2 "Bombed" 944CC with Ducati Performance Carbon Fiber Exhaust, F. I. M. Chip, K&N and "modified" air box.

 

[NVR FNSH]

uh? Paint peeling from the rotor? Since when are the rotors painted?

Brian

 

[jqram35]

Mine is doing it too. I think it may be rust flaking off. It is pretty thick to be just paint.

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2001/3500(ETC/DGP)6X6/4. 10 LSD//K&N/MUFFLER & RESONATOR MISSING

 

[Scooby]

Brian,

The rotor surface where the pads make contact are obviously not painted... I'm talking about the horizontal portion from the outer edge of the "rotor" -where the pads contact to the edge of the wheel hub.

Sorry if I didn't describe it well - brain's dead - friday night!

 

[Big-D]

Scooby,

Better to look a little closer to make sure the painted surface that is "peeling off" is not being caused by heat. I understand you are easy on the brakes, but trust me, they get pretty hot even under light applications and good driving practices.

If you feel the paint is flaking because of rust or poor preparation, then you know what to do to fix the situation. On the other hand, if its being caused by heat, you might want to think about the bearings a little.
Dave

 

[Timinator]

If you can get one of those infrared thermometers, check the temperatures on both the left and right at the same time. (after you stop driving) This might show a sticking caliper or stuck pins. No matter how easy you are on the brakes, they do get very warm.

 

[Newf Limo]

I don't think there is any cause for alarm. That material is very prone to rust. The outside edge will rust pretty fast and does tend to flake off. When I turned rotors(years ago) I used to take a small ball/peen hammer and tap the flakey stuff off before turning them. I can see how it would be alarming if you never saw it before. If your brakes were getting that hot, your rotors would be blue, like a thin gun barrel blue. That would be a bad thing. A hung caliper tends to just leave one rotor blue and you would typically feel a pull in the steering in that direction. They tend to warp fairly rapidly at that temp. also so you would eventually feel a shimmy in the brake pedal and in the steering (not in the steering for a rear caliper if so equipped ofcourse). Brake rotors are raw steel. They operate at such high temps. so often that any paint that manufacturers put on the non-surfaced areas quickly burn off. They just don't want to provide you with a rusty rotor as a new product. If in doubt, have a REPUTABLE brake shop or dealer look at it.

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2001 ETH 6spd 4X4 SLT

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Nothin' could be sweeter than "Rammin' With My Newfys!!"

 

[Scooby]

Thanks for the replies. Both the left and right look the same - and I don't have excessive brake dust nor pulling - and the rotors aren't blue... I guess its normal, but I'll have it checked soon.

 

[illflem]

Scooby,have them checked as long as you don't have to pay. It's probably just rust you are seeing,but if it is indeed paint I can see how it wouldn't stay,the rotors get very hot. I checked mine with a infrared thermometer after a couple of hard stops and they were over 300°,enough to cook most paints. What you are seeing is normal.

 

[Scooby]

Thanks illflem!

(I'm still chuckling about your vaccuum cleaner warning) #ad