I've had my MY99 RB5 for about 5 months now, but I've noticed the Brake Calipers have lost some of their black paint and appear to be turning a funny shade of green

Has anyone else noticed this before ?

Is it worthwile making a warranty claim ?

 

Yeah I've noticed the same thing on my car. Dunno the reason for it (maybe a chemical reaction between the paint and the brake dust or maybe something to do with the heat). Can't really advise you about a warranty claim either (gee this is a useful post) as I've got an import. If you can claim, however, I'd wait until it's almost out of warranty as the problem isn't going to go away and that way at least you'll get as long AFTER warranty with clean calipers as possible.

Does anyone else know exatcly what causes it? Maybe repainting the caliper with an aftermarket paint might fix it?

 

The same has happened to my MY99 car - the dealer says that they all do that. I'll push a bit more at the next service though.

 

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll ask my Dealer at the next servive purely out of curiousity.

I agree with Richard about the warranty although if I have to make several claims for the same fault that's Subaru problem not mine

At least I'm a bit less worried now that it appears to be another common Impreza trait.

Cheers,
Stefan

 

Ozzy,

The same has happened with my RB5, also rust has appeared on the outside of all wheel hubs.
I think this is due to the wheel cleaner I use which is wonder wheels. Damn good stuff but maybe too much acid content for the calipers and hubs???

Rob.

 

Hi Rob,

Have you spoken to the makers of Wonder Wheels. Personally, I'd be looking for compensation if this happened to my car.

Stefan

 

I to have noticed rust appearing on the outside of the rear wheel hubs on a MY99. The only thing that has been on the wheels is autoglym shampoo. Is this common or should I be concerned?

Thanks Andy

 

Hi Drew,

My previous car was a 4 year old Golf GTi. The alloys never showed signs of rust, but the hubs and and brake discs did even though I never used products like Wonder Wheels. I'd certainly ask for some advice from your Dealer - I know I'm going to.

If our cars where 3 years old, I'd expect some, but not after 5 months. I know if you don't use the car for a few days, rust does develop on the surface of the brake discs. A good stop certainly gets rid of it, but I'd be a bit worried about the hubs.

Let me know how you get on with your Dealer if you ask.

Stefan

 

Hi..

I think you will find that the hubs are rusting because the very thin plating cant cope with the punishment (heat, expansion, contraction, water, stones) they are exposed to. The hubs wont rust through.. And personally I think a warranty claim will be rejected. The surface rust doesnt stop the car from braking.

The only solution is to have them powder coated...or enamelled.

Mine are rusty... and my back cast calipers... *shrugs*

J.

 

Oh well, as long as my wheels aren't going to fall off

This is only the second car I've ever owned, the others were all company cars, so I didn't give a stuff.

I suppose I'm just a little bit picky - it is my pride and joy after all

 

I just visited my dealer today in regards of the hubs and calipers, and they said they will look at it next week.
I'll let you know what happens.

Rob.