Rusted Silverado brakes

[maples]

I have a 2001 Silverado w/ 36k miles. All 4 pads and rotors are badly rusted. I live in the South (no road salt), and I haven't towed anything. My mechanic has never seen this. Anybody encountered this?

[Gooseneck]

Do you use the truck for farming, just thinking maybe fertilizer.

[desertmike1]

surface rust isn't going to hurt anything, unless it makes it's way into the sliding pins, and then you can have very expensive problems down the road.

[tidalcock]

Are you the only owner? Any chance they were exposed to salt water? Here in Charleston, salt sater frequently puddles in the streets at high tide. Most drivers don't know to avoid these corrosive pools.

[JWhite8055]

Salt exists in all soil to be sure, and salt will accelerate oxidation. Condensation is the likely culprit here, but unless it invades the guide pins as noted, it really isn't a big problem.

If your mechanic "has never seen this" I'd find a new mechanic before you go broke.

[radioralph]

have you been using any chemical cleaners to clean your wheels or tires..certain cleaners will react with metal if not completely rinsed off.