Buy new or use what I have

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DentalDart

DentalDart

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This has been my dellima since I got this car. I should have just bought a kit to begin with, it probably would have been cheaper lol.

I have some rotors that appear to never have been used, bearings pressed in already and there is still grease in the hub. Only problem is they sat for years and weather brought some surface rust, they are still smooth but red in color and probably not as smooth as new. I called around to get them on a lathe but 40-50 bucks no thanks, I can buy new ones from rock auto for 60-80. I'd rather buy from a local parts store since I want the car put back together by next week but they are double the price of RA

Should I use these or buy new ones (73-76 a body or newer diplomat)? If I buy new ones do I need bearings? What bearings and races do I need?

Thanks.

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Besides surface rust, it looks good to go.
I had some disc’s that I thought were a bit rough. I ran my hand wrapped in sand paper. The rust just disappeared really quick. Is probably nothing to worry about. Though I can only see so much on the phone.

When you order the new disc’s, just tell them what year make and model your car is, or what the donor spindles come from. They will have the bearings listed. This is a non issue.

I say, run them.
 
Hey doc,
Assuming the roters have enough meat. I would take some 220 sand paper on a flat board go over the rotor surfaces and pull the grease seal, clean and inspect the bearings, regresse and install new seals.

Regarding replacement parts... Assuming the hub and bearings are a direct bolt on. Always order parts based on the donor car and donor year.
 
Dana67Dart said:
Hey doc,
Assuming the roters have enough meat. I would take some 220 sand paper on a flat board go over the rotor surfaces and pull the grease seal, clean and inspect the bearings, regresse and install new seals.
Click to expand...

New seals? Or the bearing and race? I dislike installing seals as I don't have a tube, puck or socket large enough. Last time I tried I bent the seal and said **** it I got green bearings in the rear let's play. Although I havent gotten to play yet since it's been end of the semester and just barely getting some time to finish putting th car back together.
 
220 grit? Not a higher grit? Having an uneven surface won't be bad for the pads and how the rotors turn. Or will it smooth right out again real quick.
 
Thats just surface rust, no problem. You can hit them with some sandpaper and get the bulk of it off. The rest will come off after a couple applications of the brakes.
 
I would not use bearings that have been exposed to the elements without cleaning and inspecting.

Harbor freight has seal install kits, some parts stores loan kits.

If the bearing has grit in it, it will be distroyed in a few hundred miles.

If the hub has been on the spindle with a dust cap all this time and you have not contaminated the grease taking it off then run it as is, just clean up the brake surface
 
Turned rotors are more uneven than what you could do with 220 your just doing enough to take the big surface rust off, you could use finer if you prefer.
 
Dana67Dart said:
I would not use bearings that have been exposed to the elements without cleaning and inspecting.

Harbor freight has seal install kits, some parts stores loan kits.

If the bearing has grit in it, it will be distroyed in a few hundred miles.

If the hub has been on the spindle with a dust cap all this time and you have not contaminated the grease taking it off then run it as is, just clean up the brake surface
Click to expand...

The hub was on the spindle with dust cap until about a month ago when I took it off. There is a little contamination when taking it off so I guess you are correct. I'll have to try to not **** it up taking it apart and cleaning the insides out.
 
Another vote for sanding them down and running them. However, I’d install new bearings. Better safe than sorry.
 
No need to take the cone out just pop the seal, the bearing will just come right out. Clean good in thinner or your cleaner of choice then re-grease. If you are not comfortable to do it by hand. There are cheap tools you can use with a grease gun and the propper grease
 
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If you replace the bearing then you have to replace the race (Or is it cone) terminology arrrg!
The part that is pressed in
 
The rotors have inner and outer bearings and a seal? Do these usually come installed in new rotors? I only ask because the inner, outer and seals are 50 bucks again getting towards price of new rotors so buying new seems like a logical choice ha
 
What year car? Not sure when you say "bearings are pressed in" ?
 
wet an old towel with vinegar and place it on them for about 2 days, make sure wet is making contact with surface of rotors, remove the towel let what rust is left dry, use a steel brush on them will be like new
 
robert flippo said:
wet an old towel with vinegar and place it on them for about 2 days, make sure wet is making contact with surface of rotors, remove the towel let what rust is left dry, use a steel brush on them will be like new
Click to expand...

Haha I have a bucket of vinegar, well a big tub that i have been soaking multiple pieces in. It's been a great thing to take off the rust :thumbsup:
 
Those rotors will rust right back up just like that if the car sits for a week or so out in the weather. No way would I go to the trouble to remove rust that light. Nonsense.
 
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Shame your not closer. I have my own AAMCO 4000 drum/rotor lathe. I usually charge 15.00 a rotor to turn them each. You need to mic them and see how much material is left over the min thickness. .005 or more run out you will have pulsating brakes. I like to do things once the right way. I would have them turned if there is enough metal on them to turn.
 
RustyRatRod said:
Those rotors will rust right back up just like that if the car sits for a week or so out in the weather. no way would I go to the trouble to remove rust that light. Nonsense.
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Sit outside in the weather? What is this? She has a garage all to herself.
 
Ok popped off the seals and bearing came right out.

So just wipe off as much grease as possible, then what just a degreaser spray? Like simple green or something stronger like acetone? I'm pretty sure this stuff has never been used just purchased then packed then sat for a while. The grease is a little dirty so a good clean should do them well.

I also could get all new bearings and seals tomorrow for 50 at napa. Or my cart is stuffed with bearings and seals on RA for 30 shipped but they won't be here until next weekend 100 if I add rotors.

I'm not paying 50 to turn these, I'll pay 60 for new ones before having them turned.

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I'd run them. Probably better steel than a brand new set. I'd probably hit the rust with a red scotchbrite pad.
 
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