Brake Rotor Has Greese On The Surface

Brake Rotor Grease: A Dangerous Oversight

Grease on your brake rotor is a serious issue that can significantly compromise your braking performance and even lead to accidents. This article will explore the causes, consequences, and solutions for this dangerous problem, helping you understand how to identify and rectify it. Ignoring grease on your brake rotor is dangerous and should be addressed immediately.

Why is Grease on a Brake Rotor a Problem?

Brake rotors rely on friction between the rotor surface and the brake pads to slow and stop your vehicle. Grease, being a lubricant, drastically reduces this friction. This leads to:

Reduced braking power: Your braking distance will increase significantly, leaving you vulnerable in emergency situations.
Increased stopping distance: This is a direct consequence of reduced braking power, putting you and others at risk.
Brake fade: The grease can overheat and break down, further reducing braking efficiency, especially during prolonged or heavy braking.
Uneven brake pad wear: Grease can cause inconsistent braking pressure, leading to premature and uneven wear on your brake pads.
Damaged brake pads: The grease can contaminate the brake pads, rendering them less effective and requiring replacement.
Vibrations and pulsations: Uneven braking can cause vibrations in the steering wheel or brake pedal.

What Causes Grease on Brake Rotors?

Several factors can contribute to grease contamination on brake rotors:

Improper installation: During brake pad or caliper servicing, mechanics might accidentally apply grease to the rotor surface. This is a major cause of this problem.
Damaged seals: Leaking seals in wheel bearings or calipers can allow grease to seep onto the rotor.
Over-lubrication: Excess lubrication during maintenance can lead to spillage onto the rotor.
External contamination: Grease or other contaminants might splash onto the rotor from the road or other sources.

How to Identify Grease on Your Brake Rotors

Regular brake inspections are crucial. Look for:

Visible grease: Clearly visible grease is an obvious sign of a problem.
Shiny or oily patches: Even subtle discoloration or sheen can indicate grease contamination.
Reduced braking performance: Noticeably increased stopping distance or a spongy brake pedal could be a sign.
Brake vibration: Vibrations or pulsations during braking are often related to uneven friction.

Cleaning and Repairing a Greasy Brake Rotor

Do not attempt to drive your vehicle with grease on the brake rotors. This is extremely dangerous. Instead:

Thorough Cleaning: Use a brake cleaner specifically designed for this purpose. Apply it liberally, allowing it to penetrate and dissolve the grease. Use a clean, lint-free cloth or brake cleaning brush to scrub the surface and remove any remaining residue. Ensure the rotor is completely dry before reinstalling.
Inspect for Further Damage: Carefully check for any damaged seals or components that might be causing the grease leakage. If any damage is found, address this before reassembling.
Professional Assistance: If you're unsure about any aspect of the cleaning or repair process, it's best to consult a qualified mechanic. They have the expertise and tools to properly diagnose and resolve the problem.

Prevention is Key: Always ensure that mechanics use appropriate techniques and lubricants when servicing your brakes. Regular brake inspections and maintenance will help prevent this dangerous situation. Remember, your safety depends on it.