2001 Ford F-150 Rotor Rust

FORD F-150
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ALFORD150
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2001 Ford F150 V8 5.4L 4x4
My question is about Rust on the outer edges of the Rotor and inside the fins. Would this alone be a cause to replace the Rotors. It's not a pretty site to look at but, does this effect the performance of the braking system at all? The rust is flaking off in 1/4" pcs. about 1mm-2mm thick, down to the next layer of metal, also the fins have obvious build up of flacking inside of them. The braking surface however is alright. I have about 65M on those front rotors and wonder if I can go till the next brake change before I should replace rotors and bearings?
I've included some pictures to view.
Thanks,[img:90c82d469b]http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/53871_Rusty_Rotor_1.jpg[/img:90c82d469b]
[img:90c82d469b]http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/53871_Rusty_Rotor2_1.jpg[/img:90c82d469b]
[img:90c82d469b]http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/53871_Rusty_Rotor3_1.jpg[/img:90c82d469b]
Jan 14, 2007 at 7:04 AM
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COSMO
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Well those don't look tooo bad. The rust on the inner fins for the most part will not cause a noticable drop in performance on a passenger vehicle.

However I was wondering if you recently replaced your brake pads? If so did you have the rotor's resurfaced? NOT resurfacing rotors before replacing pads can effect the braking quality and life of your pads.

Cosmo...Mazda TEch
Jan 14, 2007 at 7:21 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Bearings are a sealed unit, don't worry about them unless they satrt humming or throw an abs code that narrows down to them. If you have rear drum brakes, should make sure they are adjsuted out properly to take some braking off the fronts and extend their life.


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_53871_Rusty_Rotor2_1_1.jpg

Jan 14, 2007 at 7:38 AM

Suggested Repair

Edge and cooling-fin rust alone is not a reason to replace the rotors if the braking surface is sound and braking feels normal. Resurface the rotors when installing new pads. Leave the sealed wheel bearings alone unless they hum or set an ABS code, and adjust rear drum brakes if equipped so they share braking load.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2001 Ford F-150 with about 65,000 miles on the front rotors asked whether flaking rust on the rotor edges and cooling fins requires replacement even though the braking surface looks fine, and whether the bearings should be replaced at the same time. Experts said fin rust should not noticeably affect braking on a passenger vehicle, but rotors should be resurfaced when pads are replaced. Sealed bearings need attention only if they hum or set an ABS code, and rear drums should be adjusted if present.

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