When you think of your braking system, you probably of the brake pads, or the master cylinder initially. One component that may not come to mind though is the brake rotors or discs. Though they are not the main components in the system, your car would not be able to stop without them. Therefore, if your brake discs or rotors have suffered excessive damage from rusting and corrosion, it is important to get them repaired.
What are brake discs/rotors?
A rusty brake disc.
The disc rotors are what the brake pads clamp down on in order to bring your car to a stop. Without them, the brake pads would be useless. To see more in depth information on how the disc rotors work, go here.
There are two types of brake disc/rotors, drilled and slotted.
Drilled – Drilled rotors have holes in them. There are a few reasons why you might use this type of disc might, all pertaining to being able to release various substances from the brake system. Some of these include to help release heat, gas, and water.
Slotted – The other main type of disc rotor used is slotted which have shallow slots in the metal surface. Unlike the drilled rotors, the slots do not go all the way through the surface. They more so move heat, water and gas than release it.
What causes rusty disc rotors?
Similarly to many other components of the braking system, the brake discs and rotors are made of metal, typically steel, which rusts over time.
With metal parts, there are two culprits responsible for rust and corrosion.
The main factor is moisture. If your car is sitting in a moist environment, it causes a reaction within the iron and oxygen that results in rust. If rust is left to build up and sit for extended periods of time, it will cause the metal to corrode. This means the metal will start to break down. Generally, this will not cause complete failure of the disc rotors, but it does mean the metal’s integrity will decrease, making it less safe.
The second part of corrosion is abrasion. Abrasion will increase the rate at which the metal breaks down once rust has already formed on the brake discs. Abrasion is when a part is rubbed and scraped by materials and debris from the road. The coating then is worn down, exposing the unprotected metal which makes it even more susceptible to breakage.
If your car has been sitting for a very extended period of time and has been exposed to any amount of moisture, rust will likely form.
Why do rusty disc rotors need to be replaced?
It is normal for disc rotors to form a small layer of rust over time. Usually, the brake pads remove rust that forms on this part. However, if your car has been sitting for a long time, and again, has been exposed to moisture, it is possible for more severe rusting to occur. If the brake disc rotors become too heavily corroded and pitted from the rust building in this way, then they will also need to be replaced as this would cause damage to their functionality. Of course, in order for your car to be safe, the brake system needs to be in good condition. Therefore, heavy corrosion can also result in a failed Warrant of Fitness.
There are other causes of damaged brake discs and rotors. See more here.
Brake disc and rotor replacement and repair Hamilton
Have you noticed rusting or corrosion on your brake discs or rotors? If so, we can help! By visiting Grimmer Motors, you can be sure you will receive quick, friendly, and effective service from skilled mechanics. With parts as essential as braking components, you want to have peace of mind that your car is in the right hands. That is why if you have experienced brake disc and rotor or any other issues with your car, you can trust Grimmer Motors to give you the repairs you need. Contact Grimmer Motors today and book a servicing in Hamilton!