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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Skim, polish or replace...

Hey all,
The front brake rotors from my 75 midget have a good layer of rust on them, but when the car came off the road 15 years ago they were almost new. Lots of metal still left on them. So...do I take them to a shop for a skim, clean and polish them myself or simply replace?

Thoughts / experiences?

Chris
Chris Elkerton

unless you have a very good deal with a machine shop it's probably cheaper and easier to buy new
David Smith

Definatly replace!!!

The brakes are a poor weak spot on the car already, having the rotors turned will take off metal and that will make the calipers push that much farther out to apply the pad, thus making a 2 pump min. on the pedal a necassity....besides that in the end you may only save $10 if your great friends with the machine shop....ebay is a great source for rotors you can get some slotted/vented rotors for just a few dollars more then standard avg. rotors thur moss or sim.


Prop
Prop

Sorry to pinch the thread, but my drums are in need of a little TLC! The brake surface is not rusty, just dirty. Can i use a wire wheel on them?
Rob McGeown

if dirty not rusty then brake cleaner, petol, celly thinners or carbon tetrachloride should all do the job. Failing that, use fine wet-n-dry, 600 grade or higher.
David Smith

Chris,

If they can be turned, and still be in spec, and it will save a worthwhile amount of money, I would do that.

There is a tendency for that surface rust to turn to a glaze, so I don't think there is much future in cleaning them yourself unless it is just a temporary measure to test the rest of the car.

Don't let Prop scare you with that stuff about having to pump the pedal if the discs are turned. It is not so. The pistons don't have to move any farther in the calipers. They just start at a different point. But, you might want to get his advice on BBQ!

Charley
C R Huff

My advice would bet to NOT skim the discs, they are thin enough to start with. If it is just a layer of rust, clean them up with GLASS paper and NOTHING else....!
Emery based or carburundum papers leave grinding or sanding particles on the disc (or drum) and can machine the surface of the disc and pads.

Mark.
M T Boldry

This thread was discussed on 20/04/2009

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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