1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

rusty brake drums

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Iggy2018, Dec 8, 2021.

Tags:
  1. Iggy2018

    Iggy2018 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2021
    3
    2
    0
    Location:
    Maine
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius c
    Model:
    One
    The brake drums on my 2018 Prius C seem more rusted than one would expect after less than two years and 15,000 miles -- even in the snowy/salty Northeast. I had a 2008 Prius for ten years (also in New England) that I don't remember having rusted so soon. Also, I've seen posts in this forum from other owners (also in snowy places) who say their Prius with more years and miles than mine haven't had a lot of rust.

    The service director at Toyota told me that the rust is normal and not a problem and that there is nothing to be done about it now, or to prevent future rust. That seems plausible, but I would appreciate anyone weighing in on whether this seems normal/expected; if it's dangerous, and; if there is anything that could/should be done about it.

    The attached photos are from 03/31/21 (1st photo) and 12/02/21. I purchased the car new in August 2018. It is parked uncovered in a driveway. After storms, snow is removed from the driveway within hours. It has been driven minimally in snow, however, there is, of course, salty mush on the roads for days after it snows. I wash it after there's been a lot of snow/salt but not very regularly otherwise (it's dark gray and doesn't need it often).

    Thanks!
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 Iggy2018, Dec 8, 2021
    bisco likes this.
  2. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2018
    7,035
    2,790
    0
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius c
    Model:
    Four
    Absolutely normal.
    Not to worry.

    NOW.....if you REALLY like to worry about things like this, the next time you are in a service shop, ask them to let you see
    the entire underside of your car. You might have a stroke at the sight of all that rust.
     
    #2 sam spade 2, Dec 8, 2021
    Mendel Leisk and Iggy2018 like this.
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,133
    50,049
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    toyota doesn't waste any energy on places rust won't cause a serious problem, but sometimes brakes are a trouble spot. it's usually discs though
     
    #3 bisco, Dec 8, 2021
    Iggy2018 likes this.
  4. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2016
    7,044
    7,587
    0
    Location:
    near Brisbane, Australia
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Huh - Brake Drums - they're all DISKS.
     
    #4 alanclarkeau, Dec 8, 2021
  5. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2008
    24,904
    16,213
    0
    Location:
    Indiana, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Those photos look less disc-like than I might expect.
     
    #5 ChapmanF, Dec 8, 2021
    Mendel Leisk and alanclarkeau like this.
  6. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 19, 2013
    3,901
    1,338
    1
    Location:
    NY
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    Rust on the outside of the drums is normal. rust on the inside of the drum, especially the drum lining where the shoe makes contact is the important part of the drum you want to keep rust free.
    If only worried about appearance, you can always paint the outside of the drums, like many paint their disk brake calipers for appearance. Just don't get paint on the linings, shoes and other working parts around the hubs..
     
    #6 vvillovv, Dec 8, 2021
    Iggy2018 likes this.
  7. dig4dirt

    dig4dirt MoonGlow

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2012
    1,150
    741
    0
    Location:
    Lancaster Co PA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    OP has Prius C, so discs in front, drums in rear. (just saying, posted in wrong subforum)

    Nothing to worry about from the photos.
     
    #7 dig4dirt, Dec 8, 2021
    Iggy2018 likes this.
  8. Iggy2018

    Iggy2018 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2021
    3
    2
    0
    Location:
    Maine
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius c
    Model:
    One
    Thanks a lot for your response. I spent some more time with Google and think that maybe my previous cars had disc brakes and/or more occlusive hubcaps, because I don't remember ever noticing what, I have now learned, is very common.
     
    #8 Iggy2018, Dec 9, 2021
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 9, 2021
    vvillovv likes this.
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    56,671
    39,222
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Just figured it out: OP's mis-posted, has a Prius c.

    For the rusty drums, maybe a super-thin application of anti-seize compound? I use that on hub faces, every time the wheels are off.
     
    #10 Mendel Leisk, Dec 9, 2021
    dig4dirt likes this.
  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    56,671
    39,222
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Your location (Maine) gets abundant road salt I’d think. If rust bugs you, consider raising the car for a look see. I’ve had good results with boiled linseed oil, just brushed on. Even over existing rust, stops it dead.
     
    #10 Mendel Leisk, Dec 9, 2021
    dig4dirt likes this.
  11. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2016
    7,044
    7,587
    0
    Location:
    near Brisbane, Australia
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    It's been moved to "c" now - thanks to the Moderator!!!
     
    #11 alanclarkeau, Dec 9, 2021
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)