A detection strategy for the rubbing locations in a rotor system based on the super-harmonic responses is developed. Firstly, the dynamics of the rotor system with rubbing fault is investigated based on the theory of nonlinear output frequency response function. Then, the relationship between the super-harmonic components of the vibrations of fault rotor system and the receptance matrix of the fault-free rotor system is established. The detection method is then set up for rubbing location along the rotor. With this approach, the rubbing location can be determined by using super-harmonic responses measured at only two nodes under one case of operating speed. Finally, numerical simulations and experimental observations are carried out to verify the efficiency of the proposed detection method for rubbing location in a rotor system.