Disc brakes-storage issue? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

TerryB · 11-13-2005, 10:06 AM

I notice that the disc brake surface rusts a little bit if I don't drive the Boxster for a week or 2. That isn't a problem because it comes right off after applying the brakes a few times.
But what about during storage? I'm getting ready to put her to sleep for about 5 months. Will it rust excessively during that time? Should I apply a lubricant of some kind? Or nothing to worry about?

Brucelee · 11-13-2005, 11:02 AM

In my experience, as long as you put the car in storage in a dry condition and it is reasonably dry where you store it, no issue.

If you are storing outside and it is moist, the rust will fly.

I assume you could coat the disc with a light oil and keep them from rusting but I have never done so.

Good luck.

TerryB · 11-13-2005, 11:11 AM

I will be storing it in an unheated garage with a breathable cover. I'll also be doing other things mentioned in other strings: change oil, fill gas tank, trickle charger, increase inflation of tires, silica gel in interior, plastic sheet under car etc. etc.

I just haven't read anything about the brakes.

11-13-2005, 11:22 AM

TerryB, your brakes will be fine. Just do the stuff you have listed below. Just think...cars sit outside at dealers for months...and the brakes are fine.

Are you going to slightly move the wheels a 1/4 turn each month to prevent any flat spotting, as suggested in the owners manual?

TerryB · 11-13-2005, 01:31 PM

Yes....moving the car is planned...thanks

Adam · 11-13-2005, 05:39 PM

I think it is a bad idea to put any sort of lubricant on the rotors as the metal may soak up some of the oil and lessen brake peformance even after it is washed off.

MNBoxster · 11-13-2005, 09:49 PM

Hi,

Nothing to worry about. Any minor rust which accumulates will be rubbed off in the first couple of stops in the spring.

NEVER use any kind of lubricant around the Rotor or Pads, you'll contaminate the Pads if you do!

Do not apply the Handbrake or put the Car in Gear. Linkages and Handbrake Mechanisms can seize over a storage period and it's better they freeze unactivated if they do. This is because you'll have the Mechanical Advantage of the Handbrake Lever and Shifter to free them if they seize. Apply them, and you may have to disassmble the entire assembly to loosen it. If worried about the Car rolling, place a chock under one Wheel. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

TerryB · 11-14-2005, 03:48 AM

Thanks for the advice.
One other thing: How about the alarm system. Any downside to leaving it on for 5 months? Will the battery maintainer be enough to keep it juiced?

11-14-2005, 04:56 AM

Yes, the battery maintainer will do just fine.

Adam · 11-14-2005, 02:25 PM

It's also a good ideal to put some silicone grease on the weatherstripping every year before storage. Just got mine prepped today for storage so that reminded me. It makes your seals last longer and prevents them from drying out. Here's a link to some.
http://www.tweeks.com/shop?store=8&keywords=silicone%20grease

TerryB · 11-15-2005, 05:22 AM

Adam...I didn't think about the weatherstripping. Thanks.
I wonder if I'm missing anything else.

Brucelee · 11-15-2005, 05:42 AM

This is a very good tip and one that most of us forget!

"Do not apply the Handbrake or put the Car in Gear. Linkages and Handbrake Mechanisms can seize over a storage period and it's better they freeze unactivated if they do. This is because you'll have the Mechanical Advantage of the Handbrake Lever and Shifter to free them if they seize. Apply them, and you may have to disassmble the entire assembly to loosen it"