2023-2025 Toyota Wheel Film for Brake Rotor Rust

Why This Matters: Preventing Toyota Brake Rotor Rust

Toyota has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) T-SB-0038-24 to address the prevention of brake rotor rust on new vehicles during their journey from the factory to the dealership and eventually to the customer. This TSB outlines a new method using a specialized wheel film to protect brake rotors from environmental exposure.

This change is significant because it impacts how vehicles are prepared for delivery and ensures that the brake components remain in optimal condition. The goal is to deliver vehicles with pristine brake rotors, free from the initial rust that can form during transit and storage.

What is the Wheel Film for Brake Rotor Rust Prevention?

Instead of the traditional cardboard anti-rust covers, Toyota is now utilizing a wheel film. This film is designed to shield the disc brake rotor from various weather elements and prevent initial rust formation. The primary purpose of this film is to maintain the quality and appearance of the brake components until the vehicle is handed over to the customer.

For this reason, the film is intended to remain on the wheel for as long as possible, including during vehicle display and storage at the dealership. This ensures continuous protection against the elements that could cause Toyota brake rotor rust.

Important Warnings and Instructions for Dealers (and Owners)

Toyota provides specific guidelines regarding the handling and removal of this wheel film:

• Retain the wheel film on the disc wheel during vehicle display and storage. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the brake rotors.
• If the vehicle will be stored after Pre-Delivery Service (PDS), do NOT remove the wheel film right away. The film offers ongoing protection.
• Remove the wheel film just prior to the delivery to customers. This ensures the customer receives the vehicle with the film removed, but only after it has served its protective purpose.
• Do NOT overheat the film and wheel when using a heat gun or infrared heater for removal in cold conditions.
• Do NOT use paint thinner to remove the adhesive residue. Using incorrect chemicals can damage the wheel finish.

Wheel Film Removal Process

When it's time to remove the wheel film, the process is straightforward, but special considerations apply for cold weather conditions. The general 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 facilitate easier removal in cold conditions, the film should be warmed above 0°C (32°F) using methods such as splashing hot water, warming with a hot water-soaked cotton cloth, using a heat gun (without overheating), an infrared heater (without overheating), a steam car wash, or parking the vehicle indoors for an extended period.

Adhesive Residue Cleanup

In some cases, adhesive residue might remain on the disc wheel after the film is removed. If this occurs, it should be cleaned properly. The TSB specifies that any adhesive residue should be removed with a soft cloth dipped in ethyl alcohol (ethanol). It is important to reiterate the warning: Do NOT use paint thinner to remove the adhesive residue, as this could cause damage.

Bulletin History and Revisions

This Technical Service Bulletin, T-SB-0038-24 Rev2, was issued on April 19, 2024, with its latest revision dated December 06, 2024. This revision updated the applicability to include 2025 model year RAV4 PHV vehicles. An earlier revision (Rev1, July 12, 2024) updated applicability for 2025 4Runner Hybrid and Crown Signia vehicles.

This bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. PD017-04, which is now considered obsolete. Any previous printed versions of PD017-04 should be discarded, as the information in T-SB-0038-24 is the most current guidance for preventing Toyota brake rotor rust.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11012743