Brakes Rusty Disc Brakes

electric · 11th March 2008, 13:56

Why is it that the disks on all Honda cars (not just Civics) get covered in rust every time it rains? I was shocked this morning to see the discs on my new 08 EX all covered in golden brown rust. On a walk around the area it seemed only Honda discs were rusting so badly. Disks on BMW cars also parked overnight were still shiny as were most other makes of car.

I noticed when I collected the car on March 1st all new 08 Hondas' awaiting collection also had rusty discs.

Is it possible to fit hub caps over the alloys as the rust makes even the most polished car look a cheap mess?

NH Dan · 11th March 2008, 14:00

surface oxisdisation is perfectly normal and occurs on all cars with metals discs/pads. a few feet let alone miles of braking and they will be back to their shiny newness!! I can assure you that the all mystical BMW will still suffer the same fate. As for hub caps on the alloys??? you could always get a set of steel rims if you are that concerned.

Krysten CTR · 11th March 2008, 14:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by NH Dan

surface oxisdisation is perfectly normal and occurs on all cars with metals discs/pads. a few feet let alone miles of braking and they will be back to their shiny newness!! I can assure you that the all mystical BMW will still suffer the same fate. As for hub caps on the alloys??? you could always get a set of steel rims if you are that concerned.

Totally agree. Have a look on any forecourt int he land and you'll see rusty brake discs. Absolutely normal.

You could try oiling them. That'll stop the rusting.
ONLY JOKING ABOUT THE OILING!!

TTDegs · 11th March 2008, 14:05

can't recall if it's an urban myth or not, but seem to recall some words of wisdom along the lines that if it is raining when you get home in the car, the dics are more prone to rust than if they had cooled down before it started raining?

I'm not sure why, other than that the discs get hot and so boil the rain off until they cool down - but not sure on the science of why that might make them rust more

But yes, first time you touch the brakes on the next drive it all disappears

electric · 11th March 2008, 14:08

Many thanks Dan. You never stop amazing me how quickly you reply to mine and other peoples posts! Do you also sell cars or does Newton Honda employ you full time just to monitor this forum!

From my experience of dealers I have never ever found any sales exec who even knows how to use a computer. Certainly they never ever ever reply to emails. If only you worked in North London I would buy whatever car you are selling!

Kremmen · 11th March 2008, 15:06

You leave Dan's future location alone - we're claiming him for West London

The surface rust should should burn off once the discs get hot.

Try to avoid greasing them

alanwalne · 11th March 2008, 15:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by electric

Is it possible to fit hub caps over the alloys as the rust makes even the most polished car look a cheap mess?

In America you can get covers for the inside of wheels, but I would not recommend as will scupper brake cooling!

ctrdaveg · 11th March 2008, 15:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by electric

Why is it that the disks on all Honda cars (not just Civics) get covered in rust every time it rains? I was shocked this morning to see the discs on my new 08 EX all covered in golden brown rust. On a walk around the area it seemed only Honda discs were rusting so badly. Disks on BMW cars also parked overnight were still shiny as were most other makes of car.

I noticed when I collected the car on March 1st all new 08 Hondas' awaiting collection also had rusty discs.

Is it possible to fit hub caps over the alloys as the rust makes even the most polished car look a cheap mess?

Look at any car and this is the same. It's not just a honda thing.
It also happens after you have cleaned the car as well. The wheels can seize slightly if you leave it for too long.

dylang652 · 11th March 2008, 16:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by TTDegs

the dics are more prone to rust than if they had cooled down before it started raining

This is probably because as with all chemical reactions (well, I think it's all

) they go faster as the temperature of the reactants goes up

HTH

Koen · 11th March 2008, 17:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by dylang652

This is probably because as with all chemical reactions (well, I think it's all

) they go faster as the temperature of the reactants goes up

Well, not all chemical reactions go faster in a warm environment. There are 2 kinds of chemical reactions: exothermal and endothermal. The first give heat when the reaction takes places, the last ones need heat to take place.

It's got to do with energy: some reactions go to a lower energetic state, and therefor give away energy, mostly in the form of heat. But it can be electricity too; that's how a battery works! Other reactions go to a higher state of energy, and therefor need energy from an external (heat-)source.

Just my 2P of wisdom.

As for the oxidation of brakedisks: I think oxidation of iron goes faster when applied heat, but I'm not to sure. (I'm an electronics engineer, not chemistry.)

K.

NH Dan · 11th March 2008, 17:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kremmen

You leave Dan's future location alone - we're claiming him for West London

The surface rust should should burn off once the discs get hot.

Try to avoid greasing them

As flexible as I am, I am firmly bunkered down in sunny south norwood, se25,where you are all more than welcome to come and see me and my colleagues.....

civicfan · 11th March 2008, 17:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by electric

Why is it that the disks on all Honda cars (not just Civics) get covered in rust every time it rains? I was shocked this morning to see the discs on my new 08 EX all covered in golden brown rust. On a walk around the area it seemed only Honda discs were rusting so badly. Disks on BMW cars also parked overnight were still shiny as were most other makes of car.

I noticed when I collected the car on March 1st all new 08 Hondas' awaiting collection also had rusty discs.

Is it possible to fit hub caps over the alloys as the rust makes even the most polished car look a cheap mess?

Some kinds of steel will be more prone to surface rust than others, and while one could make the discs stainless it would be far too expensive, since their average lifespan is 3-4 years anyway (abrasion). It looks bad, yes... but it does no real harm (unless you leave the car for 3 months and then brake sharply - then you could get grooves in your discs). The ultimate sure is getting ceramic discs, but this is _very_ expensive and AFAIK available only for some "supercars"

TTDegs · 12th March 2008, 17:40

see - I knew there would be clever people in here to give the reasons behind my "I think I remember" stuff!

Homer Simpson · 12th March 2008, 17:45

The higher the iron content in the steel the more prone it is to oxidisation. The good news is though that the higher the iron content the better the disc

lobey dosser · 14th March 2008, 01:11

I had a Honda CB250 motorbike back in the seventies/eighties, with a disc front brake. The disc on that didn't rust because, I believe, there was a high content of chromium in the steel.
Always looked great, but was *useless* as a brake!!!

I'll stick to the rusty ones, thank you!

vivid bluey · 18th March 2008, 23:25

Well more woes!!!!

My Civic went in for it's second service. Went to pick it up & I was told it needs new brake discs !!!!!!!!

WTF!!!!!!!! Car is only 2 years old, done under 10,500 miles !!!!!! What a pile of C**P !!! Honda quality my A**E!!!! It's gonna have to go I'm afraid. Power of Dreams? Nah !!! STUFF OF NIGHTMARES !!!!!!!!

FWH · 19th March 2008, 02:36

Consider getting a second opinion or at least demanding the old discs after they change.

vivid bluey · 19th March 2008, 08:26

Hi FWH. Don't need a second opinion as now they've mentioned it it's plain to see the damage, especially on the rear discs.

The dealer is putting in a warranty claim as he's just as gobsmacked as me !

I haven't noticed this before as I just didn't expect anything like this !!!!

3rd Honda · 19th March 2008, 12:51

Its due to poor quality iron used. Discs are made from castings I believe and cast iron can be had in a number of different versions, some being more expensive that others.

My last two Hondas also rusted very quickly, whereas my BMW and LandRover both stay bright and shiny when parked for several days next door to the Honda that developed rust overnight!

electric · 19th March 2008, 15:59

Well thanks for the confirmation.

I started this post with saying how my new Honda discs went rusty overnight and the BMWs in my area stayed bright and shiny, Dan assured me that the mystical BMW brake discs still suffer the same fate. However I still haven't seen any rusty BMW brake disks despite all the rain we have been having in North London. Rusty Honda brakes are everywhere.

You get what you pay for and the Civic it seems is a cheaper build but hopefully not an inferior one. As long as it remains cheaper than BMWs I won't complain.

11th March 2008, 13:56	#1 (permalink)
electric Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 19th February 2008 Location: London Posts: 148 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Rusty Disc Brakes Why is it that the disks on all Honda cars (not just Civics) get covered in rust every time it rains? I was shocked this morning to see the discs on my new 08 EX all covered in golden brown rust. On a walk around the area it seemed only Honda discs were rusting so badly. Disks on BMW cars also parked overnight were still shiny as were most other makes of car. I noticed when I collected the car on March 1st all new 08 Hondas' awaiting collection also had rusty discs. Is it possible to fit hub caps over the alloys as the rust makes even the most polished car look a cheap mess?

11th March 2008, 15:06	#6 (permalink)
Kremmen Krem de la Krem Civinfo guru Join Date: 7th January 2007 Location: West London Posts: 2,415 Thanks: 3 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	You leave Dan's future location alone - we're claiming him for West London The surface rust should should burn off once the discs get hot. Try to avoid greasing them Last edited by Kremmen; 11th March 2008 at 15:21.

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This thread is about: Rusty Disc Brakes, it's in Wheels, Tyres, Suspension and Brakes at the Honda Civic forum Civinfo; Why is it that the disks on all Honda cars (not just Civics) get covered in rust every time it rains? I was shocked this ...

11th March 2008, 14:00	#2 (permalink)
NH Dan Newton Honda Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 31st January 2008 Location: South London,Uk Posts: 715 Thanks: 9 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	surface oxisdisation is perfectly normal and occurs on all cars with metals discs/pads. a few feet let alone miles of braking and they will be back to their shiny newness!! I can assure you that the all mystical BMW will still suffer the same fate. As for hub caps on the alloys??? you could always get a set of steel rims if you are that concerned.

11th March 2008, 14:05	#4 (permalink)
TTDegs Super Moderator Civinfo master Join Date: 4th August 2006 Location: Cardiff Posts: 5,638 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	can't recall if it's an urban myth or not, but seem to recall some words of wisdom along the lines that if it is raining when you get home in the car, the dics are more prone to rust than if they had cooled down before it started raining? I'm not sure why, other than that the discs get hot and so boil the rain off until they cool down - but not sure on the science of why that might make them rust more But yes, first time you touch the brakes on the next drive it all disappears

11th March 2008, 14:08	#5 (permalink)
electric Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 19th February 2008 Location: London Posts: 148 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Many thanks Dan. You never stop amazing me how quickly you reply to mine and other peoples posts! Do you also sell cars or does Newton Honda employ you full time just to monitor this forum! From my experience of dealers I have never ever found any sales exec who even knows how to use a computer. Certainly they never ever ever reply to emails. If only you worked in North London I would buy whatever car you are selling!

12th March 2008, 17:40	#13 (permalink)
TTDegs Super Moderator Civinfo master Join Date: 4th August 2006 Location: Cardiff Posts: 5,638 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	see - I knew there would be clever people in here to give the reasons behind my "I think I remember" stuff!

12th March 2008, 17:45	#14 (permalink)
Homer Simpson Wheelnut Join Date: 11th November 2007 Location: England Posts: 89 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	The higher the iron content in the steel the more prone it is to oxidisation. The good news is though that the higher the iron content the better the disc

14th March 2008, 01:11	#15 (permalink)
lobey dosser Supporter Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 21st May 2007 Location: Glasgow Posts: 180 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I had a Honda CB250 motorbike back in the seventies/eighties, with a disc front brake. The disc on that didn't rust because, I believe, there was a high content of chromium in the steel. Always looked great, but was useless as a brake!!! I'll stick to the rusty ones, thank you!

18th March 2008, 23:25	#16 (permalink)
vivid bluey Supporter Wheelnut Join Date: 5th January 2008 Location: uk Posts: 57 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Well more woes!!!! My Civic went in for it's second service. Went to pick it up & I was told it needs new brake discs !!!!!!!! WTF!!!!!!!! Car is only 2 years old, done under 10,500 miles !!!!!! What a pile of CP !!! Honda quality my AE!!!! It's gonna have to go I'm afraid. Power of Dreams? Nah !!! STUFF OF NIGHTMARES !!!!!!!!

19th March 2008, 02:36	#17 (permalink)
FWH Super Moderator Civinfo guru Join Date: 3rd June 2007 Location: Sweden Posts: 4,838 Thanks: 3 Thanked 26 Times in 23 Posts	Consider getting a second opinion or at least demanding the old discs after they change.

19th March 2008, 08:26	#18 (permalink)
vivid bluey Supporter Wheelnut Join Date: 5th January 2008 Location: uk Posts: 57 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hi FWH. Don't need a second opinion as now they've mentioned it it's plain to see the damage, especially on the rear discs. The dealer is putting in a warranty claim as he's just as gobsmacked as me ! I haven't noticed this before as I just didn't expect anything like this !!!!

19th March 2008, 12:51	#19 (permalink)
3rd Honda Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 24th July 2006 Location: Tewkesbury Posts: 336 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Its due to poor quality iron used. Discs are made from castings I believe and cast iron can be had in a number of different versions, some being more expensive that others. My last two Hondas also rusted very quickly, whereas my BMW and LandRover both stay bright and shiny when parked for several days next door to the Honda that developed rust overnight!

19th March 2008, 15:59	#20 (permalink)
electric Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 19th February 2008 Location: London Posts: 148 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Well thanks for the confirmation. I started this post with saying how my new Honda discs went rusty overnight and the BMWs in my area stayed bright and shiny, Dan assured me that the mystical BMW brake discs still suffer the same fate. However I still haven't seen any rusty BMW brake disks despite all the rain we have been having in North London. Rusty Honda brakes are everywhere. You get what you pay for and the Civic it seems is a cheaper build but hopefully not an inferior one. As long as it remains cheaper than BMWs I won't complain.