Don't put those 4runners away wet!

Depends on the rust depth. The washing after getting muck on it is interesting. I try and keep the BMW washed and clean and washed, but doing that is taking its toll on the electrical connections that are rusting out and will no doubt, cause worse problems down the way.

It's almost like they planned it this way. Don't wash and there are "these" problems. You wash it and then there are these "other" problems.

Fwiw, I've seen some pretty badly rusted rotors still out there on the road. The only issue I have is where the rotor is warped and the thing shakes like crazy when I stop. Then I do a rotor switch. You may have been had, but who knows. Cannot hurt having new ones - other than to your pocketbook. Maybe the "oldest" mechanic knows best - or was seeking a fast buck, Grasshopper.

B~

Some dealerships used advanced production methods like TEAMS to dispatch and perform work, and others use more traditional dispatch and production methods. BTW, most Toyota dealers employ technicians, not mechanics. Mechanics are familiar with the mechanical parts of the vehicle; technicians are familar with the entire vehicle, including the electronic systems that control a large portion of modern vehicles.

Routine maintenance is not technically demanding, an apprentice should be able to do quality work on the vehicle, especially if it is just replacing fluids and repacking wheel bearings.

When the pads were replaced 18 months ago, were the rotors resurfaced or replaced? Were OEM or aftermarket parts used? It is normal for some surface rust to build up on rotors after car washes and after rain or snow, and driving the vehicle and applying the brakes removes the surface rust. If you leave the vehicle parked for a long time, then the rust will accumulate.

Do dealers use aftermarket? They replaced pads but no service on the rotors. I'm picking up the old rotors so i can examine them.

Generally not, unless the customer specifies aftermarket parts or the vehicle being serviced is not the brand the dealership has the franchise for. If it was serviced at a Toyota dealership and there is no specific notation of aftermarket parts or brands, you can assume that the parts are OEM.

Let us know what you find.

being serviced is not the brand the dealership has

specific notation of aftermarket parts or brands,

Do they salt the roads were you drive?

But even if you parked in the ocean and had barnacles growing on toasted rotors using the brakes would have to take it right off the surface before they could do there job.

Dan

My buddy with a leased 2000 Toyota Avalon that was previously a demo had a related issue. He had aluminum wheels and you could see thru the spokes that the paint on the hubs peeled off and metal rusted and looked like garbage. He was turning it in soon at the end of the lease so he ignored it.