Remove wheel hub rust
Best ways to remove wheel hub rust
Rust on the wheel hub prevents a perfectly parallel fit between the rotor and the hub, which induces lateral runout resulting in disc thickness variation and brake pedal pulsation. I’ll show you the best ways to remove wheel hub rust to prevent brake pedal pulsation.
Why is rust removal so important?
The wheel hub shown here has rust buildup. 
When a new rotor was installed on this hub, the lateral runout measured .014”. The maximum lateral runout specification from the carmaker is .002”. If you install a new rotor on this rusty hub, you will automatically induce disc thickness variation, which causes uneven brake pad deposits on the rotor and you’ll wind up with brake pedal pulsation within 3,000 miles. At that point, you’ll have to do the job all over again.
Remove wheel hub rust with rotary sanding discs
Several companies make rotary sanding discs referred to a “Roloc” pads. Roloc is a trademark of 3M. The round pad screws onto a mandrel that chucks into your drill. These pads do a decent job of removing rust between the studs but can’t reach the areas directly around the stud.
Remove wheel hub rust with hub resurfacing tools
These tools have a hollow center with an abrasive wheel on the end. Simply chuck the tool into your drill, slide it over the wheel stud and hit the trigger to remove rust at the base of the wheel stud.
Remove rust with a needle scaler
A needle scaler is the fastest way to remove 
wheel hub rust but requires an air compressor. Simply hold the scaler tool about ½” away from the surface and hit the trigger. The hardened steel needles chip away at the rust scale, leaving a level surface.
Treat the cleaned wheel hub with a rust reducer
Apply a light film of moly grease to the surface of the wheel hub, avoiding getting it on the studs, to slow down the formation of rust.
©, 2020 Rick Muscoplat