Just as the title states, I have some light surface rust on the sides of my rotors. Problem is, the bearings in them are good and have been measured. I dont want to soak em in brake cleen and screw the rotor bearings up. Any suggestions on how to clean this rust off without hurting the bearings?

I was thinkin of just using some carb cleaner and a toothbrush, any other suggestions would help.

 

u could use some like 220 grit sand paper on them ( saw it in a rebuild video)

 

Naval jelly. Just keep it off the bearings.

 

Are they on the car or off? If they're stiil on, just drive it around a bit and use the brakes a lot. If the rust is, as you say, just light surface rust, it will most likely come right off in just a few minutes of driving. Often, the rotors will rust just from sitting if the car isn't used much, from moisture in the air. Mine does it all the time, as I only use it once or twice a month.

 

holy hell, some people are talking about engine internals and others are talking about stoping power....

 

^lol

 

The BRAKE rotors are just hats hence they have no bearings. You can buy new ones for $25 or so each.

The engine rotors have bearings that will be damaged by the harsher cleaners.
If these are the rotors you are speaking of you may be able to clean them up with just a scotch bright pad.

 

Thanks for the input guys. ITs the engine rotors not brake rotors.