1992-2025 Toyota Wheel Film for Brake Rotor Rust Prevention

What is this TSB about?

Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0038-24 outlines the use of a specialized wheel film designed to prevent brake rotor rust. This film replaces older cardboard anti-rust covers and is applied to new vehicles during transportation and storage. The primary goal is to shield the disc brake rotor from environmental elements and initial rust formation before the vehicle reaches the customer. This helps maintain the vehicle's aesthetic appeal and component integrity, preventing issues like Toyota Camry brake rotor rust before delivery.

Why this matters

Preventing initial rust on brake rotors is crucial for customer satisfaction and vehicle longevity. Even minor surface rust can be perceived negatively by new car buyers. By using this wheel film, Toyota aims to ensure that vehicles are delivered in pristine condition, free from cosmetic defects on critical components like brake rotors. This proactive measure helps avoid potential customer concerns related to Toyota Camry brake rotor rust or similar issues on other models.

Important Warnings for Dealers and Owners

This bulletin includes several key instructions and warnings to ensure the proper handling and removal of the wheel film:

• "Retain the wheel film on the disc wheel during vehicle display and storage."
• "If the vehicle will be stored after Pre-Delivery Service (PDS), do NOT remove the wheel film right away."
• "Remove the wheel film just prior to the delivery to customers."
• When warming the film for removal, "Do NOT overheat the film and wheel."
• If adhesive residue remains, "Do NOT use thinner to remove the adhesive residue."

Wheel Film Removal Instructions

Removing the wheel film is a straightforward process, but special care is needed, especially in cold conditions. The basic steps are:

1. Firmly hold the outer end of the wheel film.
2. Carefully pull OFF the wheel film.

If the ambient temperature is below 0°C (32°F), the film may tear during removal. To make the process easier and prevent tearing, it is recommended to warm the film above 0°C (32°F) using one of the following methods:

• Splash hot water on the wheel film.
• Warm the wheel film with a cotton cloth soaked in hot water.
• Warm the wheel film with a heat gun, being careful not to overheat the film or wheel.
• Warm the wheel film by an infrared heater (lamp) for paint, again, avoiding overheating.
• Warm the wheel film by a steam car wash.
• Park the vehicle indoors (e.g., in a garage) for an extended period.

If any adhesive residue is found on the disc wheel after removal, it should be cleaned with a soft cloth dipped in ethyl alcohol (ethanol). It is important not to use thinner for this purpose.

Film Disposal Instructions

The polyethylene film used for brake rotor protection should be disposed of according to local regulations. Toyota notes that polyethylene film will not generate harmful gases when burned.

Supersession Information

This Technical Service Bulletin, T-SB-0038-24, issued on April 19, 2024, completely supersedes Service Bulletin No. PD017-04. The previous bulletin is now considered obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. This update ensures that dealers and technicians have the most current information regarding brake rotor rust prevention and wheel film handling for all affected Toyota models, including those that might experience Toyota Camry brake rotor rust.

NHTSA ID 11003592