I just bought a set of cross drilled slotted summit brand rotors for my 87. I figured I could just bolt them in but a know it all at work told me theres a film on them that needs to be removed before they'll work properly or I'll damage the rotor and pads. Whats he talking about? If its there how do I prep the rotors for installation?

 

There's usually a thin film of grease or oil on them to keep them from rusting in the box. A little squirt of brake cleaner will clean that off. Even if you don't, I've never heard of it causing damage to the rotors or pads. The first time you use the brakes it'll burn it off.

 

wut he said

 

I usually just wash them in hot water with Dawn. Works great, no risk.

 

I scrub new rotors with gritty hand cleaner. Then rinse with hot water. On some pita rotors I use brake clean but washing with hand cleaner and hot water works better. Some rotors are coated in cosmoline which is much tougher to get off that oil.

 

I have used brake cleaner, or carb spray. Its just a coating to prevent rust while they sit on the shelf waiting to be bought.

 

if you want to be really fussy (i am) you can take them & have them trued . the last set i installed were .005 (total both sides) out of true , the second one not so much but none the less not perfect . these were "new in box" , the same holds true for brake drums . more likely than not you would not feel any difference in your brakes . but , thats just me . i don't like to do things twice . ( most things anyway ) hell at my age (71) i might not be around/able to . yes i still do my own wrenching with help sometimes from nephew & son . they know not to help unless i ask . just my thoughts , most machine shops will hot-tank them before work . anyway "brake cleaner" . good luck .

 

Thanks guys that was helpful. I was embarassed to ask for a second but glad I did.

 

dufussman , the only dumb/stupid question is the one that is not asked . that statement should be carved in stone . good luck .