derekh25

I usually follow the technique of washing the wheels and tires of my TSX before washing the rest of the car, after changing the water of course. I use 2 different brushes, one large and one small for the various hard to reach areas. The problem is, after I wash the car and it's been in the garage for a few hours, I'll take it out to drive. The first 3 or 4 times I hit the brakes it feels as though there is some sort of film or build up on the rotor or brake pad. When braking, it feels like I don't need to press down as hard and it's makes a little bit of noise, but not a squeak. After braking 3-4 times, the sound and the weird feeling is no longer there. Has anyone else experienced this and any ideas on what I'm doing wrong?

Thanks,
Derek

derekh25

Just to add, the odd braking sensation doesn't bother me too much, I just don't want to do any permanent damage to my brakes or rotors.

cmschmie

Are you using a wheel/tire cleaner when you wash them or just the car wash soap? If you do use a certain type of wheel/tire cleaner, don't use it on the next wash and see if it still happens. If it does, it may be hard/soft water. Other than that, not sure what to tell you.

Do your rotors look real "rusty" after you wash it? That happens to mine, but I've never noticed any odd brake sensation.

jwclements1

I get the feeling on my TL after using mothers wheel cleaners. The brakes are more grabby and sometimes scrape for a very short time. I just drive up and down the driveway and it is gone. Never had a problem

derekh25

I use wheel cleaner about every other wash and just car wash soap the other times. Also, yes...my rotors do have an orange rust look.

cmschmie

I guess kind of like jw said above, if it only affects the braking sensation for a few "braking cycles" there is no real need for concern. But I will be on the look out for it myself.

sonicson

You are experiencing the brake pads removing the rust that has formed on your bare metal rotors. After braking a few times the oxidized metal is removed and the rotors return to their shiney metal surface. Nothing to worry about my friend!

SpeedyV6

I think that's it. The other possibility is the brakes are especially "grabby" when the rotors are cold.

derekh25

Thanks for the info.

Street Spirit

Rust.