MisterMehoff

I heard that you have to wash the rotors with soap and water before installing them to get some type of non-corrosive type chemicals off it. Is this true? Has anyone heard of this?

I've been thinking about doing a DIY on my front rotors since I've seen this link
TL rotor replacement DIY

4pumpedCL

I've always just whiped them down with brake cleaner first to make sure the pads aren't grinding in any dirt. I could be wrong, but it's always worked well for me.

NiteQwill

I don't see how it could hurt if you do. Sounds like a good idea, but I've never done it in the past, you pads sweep all the crap off anyway.

CleanCL

iTrader: (4)

Well brand new rotors should be clean (mine came in sealed bags inside the box), then I just spray the surface of the rotors with Anti-Squeel spray and put them on, pads do the rest.

MisterMehoff

oh ok. I was looking at "2 Guys' Garage" car show on the SPEED channel or some show on there, and they said something about washing off your new rotors because the new rotors will have some chemical on it that needs to be removed before being installed.

fuzzy02CLS

iTrader: (2)

Use brake cleaner, or some sort of automotive degreaser. NOT soap & water.

CleanCL

iTrader: (4)

yea, i spray down most of the hub and rotor that touches the hub with brake cleaner. the stuff is pretty strong and dries quick. be careful not to spray any rubber or your paint. i would also put a box under whatever you are spraying because if you spray the wheel hub/brake assembly a lot of junk will spray right off on to the ground.

azian21485

don't use soap and water...only thing you ever clean your brakes with is brake cleaner...also yes it's a good idea to wipe them with brake cleaner before installing the rotors..don't forget to brake them as well =)

MisterMehoff

Do mechanics do clean the rotors before mount them? I don't think this mechanic that put my brembo blanks on cleaned them because I basically told him that I got better labor rate from somewhere else so he dropped his rate down to the competitor. but, I can't prove it. All I know is that when I got the car back, the rotors felt no different.

FTM-1

Here is a link that might explain what your talking about.
This is from Pat Goss of the international TV SHOW MOTOR WEEK thats seen on PBS stations & the speed channel. I took a few classes with Pat being the instructor last year.
I remember him saying somehting about this & he knows alot about cars & stuff.
Here is the link.
www.patgosscarworld.com/brakes.htm

Bluto

My Rotora came with instructions to wash with soap and water & Do Not Use Brake Cleaner.

mrsteve

iTrader: (1)

^^ Interesting, i'd follow the Rotora suggestion, and I WILL follow their suggestion when I install my rotors; they were delivered today

blader

I installed my Rotora's and axxis pads .. occassionally they squeal like HELL. I didnt clean them before I put them on. What can I do about it now besides taking it all back apart?

mrsteve

iTrader: (1)

^ At low speeds? When stopping from highway speeds? When coming to a stop? When do you experience squeal? I don't have an answer for you, just for my personal knowledge

blader

All of the above, but on random occassions. I guess more at low speeds though. Braking is MUCH improved without a doubt, the car actually starts slowing down now when you use the brake pedal. No fade whatsoever .. they will feel funky while breaking in, mine still are.

mrsteve

iTrader: (1)

Mine just got delivered today, although it is going to be a month or so before I install them. Waiting for my powder coated calipers

Artwork

What axxis pad do you have? The ultimates or the metal masters?

Just wondering...

blader

Ultimates.

fender4

Ditto here;; also my acura mech does the same,, soap and water only,,,

CleanCL

iTrader: (4)

well to rid the squeel you can head to pepboys or autozone and pick up a spray usually called "Anti-Squeel" lol i used that when i did my brake and rotor change and i got little to no squeeking upon first 200 miles, then it basically is silent after 500 miles

sundance_gold

I was going to chime in, too, about the Rotora instructions saying to use soap and water.

I'm having mine installed on Monday (slotted Rotoras + ultimates). I'll probably wash them at home before I drop off the car.

By the way, will the shop need anything else to do the install? They were fine with me supplying the parts--didn't think to ask if they will need anything other than the rotors and the pads. Will the axxis pads fit into the existing setup?

blader

Yes, everything fits on just like stock.

sundance_gold

Kewl! Thanks!

JakeCL

i didnt wash mine, uh oh

fender4

Don't forget to retrain your braking foot,,, after you drive with these brakes you'll know what I'm talking about.