How to tell if disk brakes are stainless?

[daleatskiworldorlando]

Hi all, anybody have any ideas on how to tell if the disk brakes on a new trailer are stainless steel?<br /><br />On marine hardware I have found I can use a strong magnet but what about the disk brakes. Because of the heat there has to be more iron in the alloy, correct? I did try using my strong magnet and it really stuck to the rotor. Does that sound right or should the rotors have had much less magnetism then plain iron?<br /><br />Thanks for any help, Dale

 

[craze1cars]

Re: How to tell if disk brakes are stainless?

Not sure about the magnet thing. Off the wall suggestion...maybe spray them with a salt water solution & see if they show rust an hour later??? Quite seriously, most non-stainless rotors will show signs of rust haze on the non-brakepad surfaces within DAYS of being exposed to normal humidity in the atmosphere.

 

[Major Woods]

Re: How to tell if disk brakes are stainless?

What's the manufacture of the brake unit?<br /><br />Depending on the grade of stainless steel it could be magnetic or non-magnetic.

 

[daleatskiworldorlando]

Re: How to tell if disk brakes are stainless?

Hi Major Woods and the group. I don't see anything to ID the brakes other then Kodiak 225 cast into the caliper. I might try a little salt water on a wad of paper towel and wet a spot on the disk and see what happens after a few days.<br /><br />Thanks, Dale