I have a relatively new RX-8 (1100 miles in 2 weeks).

I've noticed some rust on the brake rotors. It's on the part of the rotors that the brake shoes don't grip (duh!).

The rust isn't uniform; it's kind of blotchy. I'm wondering if rotors weren't plated correctly or something like that.

(Since the car is in Houston, I can rule out road salt as the cause.)

Next time you're walking around your 8 (glancing at it lovingly), take a look at the rotors and see if you've got the same condition. I'm going to mention it to the service guy next time I take it in, but I'd like to have some backup when I do.

It makes an ugly background behind those beautiful wheels...

mine has it too believe it is very common. Some have painted that part.

Mine came coated with some sort of white paint that's held up for 3,000 miles (six weeks). I don't think it's going to be an issue for me. Some guy did a picture-post, giving a step-by-step procedure for coating your own rotors. It looked fairly straightforward and highly effective. Houston here but my 8 came from Bastrop.

MrBill,
I had the same issue and I painted the rotors with high temp paint. here is the thread with step by step. http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17529&highlight=brake+rust+fix

It's a common condition that a mechanic won't consider an issue. If you decide to paint, DO NOT paint the hub face where the wheel mates to the hub. Uneven paint thickness can lead to excessive wheel runout.
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LovelyWendie99 (http://www.lovelywendie99.com/)