Rust on Wheel Hubs

XxThe_RemedyXx · 09-15-2017, 06:49 PM

Hi Friends -

Anyone have a good method for removing rust on wheel hubs? I am super meticulous when it comes to my car. I will spend hours washing, polishing and waxing but these damn wheels kill the effort. My front wheels have some sort of caps that cover the hubs but my rears are bare and have rust on them. Anyone else have these covers on a 335? If so, where can I buy a set for the rear?

Billfitz · 09-15-2017, 09:56 PM

The best way to remove rust is with a wire brush mounted on a drill. Then repaint the hub with caliper paint. This shows the process:

I don't paint the entire rotor surface as shown in the video. I make a cardboard shield that goes over most of the surface where the pads contact the rotor. You don't have to completely shield it, 90% will do, the pads will scrape away any excess paint in no time at all.

HighlandPete · 09-16-2017, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XxThe_RemedyXx

Hi Friends -

My front wheels have some sort of caps that cover the hubs but my rears are bare and have rust on them. Anyone else have these covers on a 335? If so, where can I buy a set for the rear?

Your pictures are showing two different disc designs. The front is the lighter weight composite two-piece with the alloy hub. It is a riveted assembly, not some sort of cover.

Have the rears been changed to a cheaper one-piece at replacement time?

XxThe_RemedyXx · 09-16-2017, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

Quote:

Originally Posted by XxThe_RemedyXx

Hi Friends -

My front wheels have some sort of caps that cover the hubs but my rears are bare and have rust on them. Anyone else have these covers on a 335? If so, where can I buy a set for the rear?

Your pictures are showing two different disc designs. The front is the lighter weight composite two-piece with the alloy hub. It is a riveted assembly, not some sort of cover.

Have the rears been changed to a cheaper one-piece at replacement time?

Actually scratch that, the CARFAX shows that the FRONT brakes were serviced and I just confirmed with the dealer. So they replaced the front rotors and brakes with the ones you see in the picture (the clean ones with the alloy cover).

kpgray · 09-16-2017, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

The best way to remove rust is with a wire brush mounted on a drill. Then repaint the hub with caliper paint....
....I don't paint the entire rotor surface as shown in the video. I make a cardboard shield that goes over most of the surface where the pads contact the rotor. You don't have to completely shield it, 90% will do, the pads will scrape away any excess paint in no time at all.

I suggest using the 2 part ceramic paint from Eastwood (link) for your rear rotors and clear coat for the front cover, I used this coating on my calipers and used the excess on the rear rotors. After three Michigan years, still no rust.

etinifni · 09-16-2017, 09:23 AM

Will aftermarket rotors (non-BBK) rust as well? Next time mine are in need of replacement I?d like to get get some that don?t.

Billfitz · 09-16-2017, 09:58 AM

All rotors are made of cast iron, so all rotors will rust unless the portion not contacted by the pads is coated with an impermeable paint or other coating.

etinifni · 09-16-2017, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

All rotors are made of cast iron, so all rotors will rust unless the portion not contacted by the pads is coated with an impermeable paint or other coating.

I guess I am actually just looking for recommendations for quality front & rear standard discs. I had Zimmermann x-drilled rotors on my e36 for years and never had any issues but it doesn?t look like they offer them for f30?s.

wilbur_the_goose · 09-18-2017, 03:38 PM

I wouldn't worry about it, to be honest.

Calvin36 · 09-19-2017, 01:22 AM

I believe if it's zinc covered then it wouldn't rust.

Billfitz · 09-19-2017, 06:50 AM

Zinc coatings don't last indefinitely.

Calvin36 · 09-19-2017, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Zinc coatings don't last indefinitely.

Ohh gotcha! Just read on forums that it helps with it but I guess not long term. Thanks for the info!

dsc888 · 09-19-2017, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calvin36

Ohh gotcha! Just read on forums that it helps with it but I guess not long term. Thanks for the info!

Yup. I traded in a 2 year old F30 Luxury Line and there was rust on all the hats. It's just the nature of the beast especially here in New England (rust belt).

scottva · 09-19-2017, 01:49 PM

I used the lazy mans method and did not remove the hubs. I used a wire brush wheel on my cordless drill to clean off the rust. Then using a folded paper towel rubbed in a very thin layer of Permatex 80078 Anti-Seize just on the hat part of the hub, taking care to not get any on the part the pads engage of course. A little anti seize goes a long way and the color closely matches the original silver paint of the hub. It also serves as a rust inhibitor and lasted about two years before I had to repeat the treatment. Probably spent less than ten minutes per wheel so it goes pretty fast.

09-15-2017, 06:49 PM	#1
XxThe_RemedyXx Colonel 967 Rep 2,655 Posts Drives: 2016 340i xDrive Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Westchester, NY iTrader: (0)	Hi Friends - Anyone have a good method for removing rust on wheel hubs? I am super meticulous when it comes to my car. I will spend hours washing, polishing and waxing but these damn wheels kill the effort. My front wheels have some sort of caps that cover the hubs but my rears are bare and have rust on them. Anyone else have these covers on a 335? If so, where can I buy a set for the rear? Attached Images __________________ 2016 340i xDrive - BM3 Stage 2 93 OTS - xHP Transmission Tune Stage 2 - B58TU HPFP - Bilstein B14 - VRSF Catless DP - Kyostar CAI
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09-15-2017, 09:56 PM	#2
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8264 Rep 16,111 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	The best way to remove rust is with a wire brush mounted on a drill. Then repaint the hub with caliper paint. This shows the process: I don't paint the entire rotor surface as shown in the video. I make a cardboard shield that goes over most of the surface where the pads contact the rotor. You don't have to completely shield it, 90% will do, the pads will scrape away any excess paint in no time at all.
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09-16-2017, 09:23 AM	#6
etinifni Captain 203 Rep 943 Posts Drives: 2012 328i Modern Line Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: NC iTrader: (4) Garage List 2012 BMW 328i Moder ... [0.00]	Will aftermarket rotors (non-BBK) rust as well? Next time mine are in need of replacement I?d like to get get some that don?t. __________________ :wave:
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09-16-2017, 09:58 AM	#7
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8264 Rep 16,111 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	All rotors are made of cast iron, so all rotors will rust unless the portion not contacted by the pads is coated with an impermeable paint or other coating.
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09-18-2017, 03:38 PM	#9
wilbur_the_goose Major 353 Rep 1,245 Posts Drives: 2018 330ix Gran Turismo Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Metro Philly iTrader: (0)	I wouldn't worry about it, to be honest.
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09-19-2017, 01:22 AM	#10
Calvin36 Lieutenant Colonel 1062 Rep 1,876 Posts Drives: F30 335i M Sport Join Date: May 2017 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (2)	I believe if it's zinc covered then it wouldn't rust. __________________ Mine: BSM F30 335i M Sport Hers: AW F30 328i M Sport
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09-19-2017, 06:50 AM	#11
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8264 Rep 16,111 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Zinc coatings don't last indefinitely.
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09-19-2017, 01:49 PM	#14
scottva Old guy 2 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 2011 335i Join Date: May 2014 Location: Fairfax Station iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW 435i M Sport [0.00]	I used the lazy mans method and did not remove the hubs. I used a wire brush wheel on my cordless drill to clean off the rust. Then using a folded paper towel rubbed in a very thin layer of Permatex 80078 Anti-Seize just on the hat part of the hub, taking care to not get any on the part the pads engage of course. A little anti seize goes a long way and the color closely matches the original silver paint of the hub. It also serves as a rust inhibitor and lasted about two years before I had to repeat the treatment. Probably spent less than ten minutes per wheel so it goes pretty fast.
	Appreciate 0 Quote