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Coating of brake discs when they come from the factory


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Kavi
New User

May 9, 2021, 1:53 AM

Post #1 of 9 (1134 views)
Coating of brake discs when they come from the factory Sign In

I was an auto mechanic for a time in the early 1970's. I remember that metal parts like brake discs came from the factory with a chemical treatment that had to be washed off with solvent before installation. I have been trying to remember the name of the chemical used but can't for the life of me. Does anybody know what the name of the substance that was used back then?


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

May 9, 2021, 3:13 AM

Post #2 of 9 (1123 views)
Re: Coating of brake discs when they come from the factory Sign In

THE solvent by brand you may be thinking of is Brakleen by CRC now. Any would do or where I am that coating is supposed to be water soluble. Others come so shrink wrapped there nothing on them.


Advantage of the brand mentioned if important to you is it is NOT flammable - any are NOT to inhale - duh!
Pic here if it shows >



T



(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on May 9, 2021, 3:18 AM)


Kavi
New User

May 9, 2021, 5:04 AM

Post #3 of 9 (1101 views)
Re: Coating of brake discs when they come from the factory Sign In

What I am inquiring about is not the solvent but rather the chemical protective coating itself for parts like disc rotors. I remember discs, for example, coated with a brownish substance that had to be removed before installation by cleaning with a solvent.

Thanks!


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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May 9, 2021, 5:17 AM

Post #4 of 9 (1085 views)
Re: Coating of brake discs when they come from the factory Sign In

I totally recall that goo just as you describe it. It isn't done anymore with anything so now IDK what that was.

If you did leave it somehow brakes worked but was meant to remove - without doubt.

That was a fast way to keep "bare" metal from even "gun rusting" before you got it or installed it.

If you want now to know what it was IDK.

Other note on the Brakleen: There are about 6 different formulas for just that brand name. Why? For some who may need to a non-toxic or less for fumes is available in a green can.

I will only use that outdoors if using cleaners like it no matter what as my shop is tight and insulated as they go enough yuk in the air without adding to it any more than mandatory,

Tom



Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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May 9, 2021, 6:12 AM

Post #5 of 9 (1053 views)
Re: Coating of brake discs when they come from the factory Sign In

Most of the rotors you buy these days are just coated with a mist of an oily substance. Any degreaser type substance will clean that off. Many manufacturers recommend using soap and water on those. I just spray them with brakleen and wipe them off with a clean rag.

Some of the higher quality rotors come with a silver finish that appears painted on. This treatment should not be washed off. The pads will scrub it off.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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May 9, 2021, 8:12 AM

Post #6 of 9 (1038 views)
Re: Coating of brake discs when they come from the factory Sign In

I personally still want a solvent that 100% evaporates quickly. If by mistake it's easy to get grease that doesn't belong on a friction surface so want that GONE.
Almost nothing now is turned yet I did within a year or so still spray off particles, would rather not use water. Those fine dust particles of metal can rust in the disc pads as does lack of use these parts rust pads only take so much of that.
OP said worked this in early 70's. So was I OMG more than 1/2 the cars I worked on had even all four drum brakes better or worse for what it's for including trailers - you can buy wheel cylinders that don't work if backing uphill what a problem! Those were "inertia" brakes yet same idea,


T



Double J
Veteran / Moderator
Double J profile image

May 9, 2021, 3:33 PM

Post #7 of 9 (1019 views)
Re: Coating of brake discs when they come from the factory Sign In

 "Cosmoline"


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

May 9, 2021, 4:33 PM

Post #8 of 9 (1008 views)
Re: Coating of brake discs when they come from the factory Sign In

I don't think China can afford that stuff.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Kavi
New User

May 10, 2021, 1:38 AM

Post #9 of 9 (989 views)
Re: Coating of brake discs when they come from the factory Sign In

Yes, that's it.
Thanks!






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