6 replies to this topic

[coopedup1980]

I want to tidy up the calipers and break drum....nice spot of red.

Questions

Can they be painted with out removing? Never removed breaks before so feel a little uncomfortable medaling with something so important.

Cleaning them...Can I use engine cleaner rather than caliper cleaner?

The all important debate...VHT or regular aerosol paint?
Cheers,
Neil

[col7778]

I use aerosol brake cleaner, then have used smoothrite.

[v21ash]

If you don't plan to remove them the best you can do is remove as much rust/crud as possible, and give them a good wire brush. DO NOT use degreasers etc as they will contaminate the pads, only use brake/clutch cleaner as it will evaporate.

I've use normal spray paints before and not had a problem, some normal paints like industrial plasticote say on the tin they are good for 200oC (only some do though)

[Pete93]

I would remove any surface rust ect... with a wire brush (being very careful around the seals) then a quick spray over with brake cleaner to remove any brake dust and other contaminants.

I wouldn't advise using engine degreaser and yes they can be painted while still on the car.

The paint would probably be best to apply with a brush rather than spray it on if your keeping the callipers on the car

Edited by Pete93, 12 June 2011 - 06:05 PM.

[coopedup1980]

If you don't plan to remove them the best you can do is remove as much rust/crud as possible, and give them a good wire brush. DO NOT use degreasers etc as they will contaminate the pads, only use brake/clutch cleaner as it will evaporate.

I've use normal spray paints before and not had a problem, some normal paints like industrial plasticote say on the tin they are good for 200oC (only some do though)

Can I use WD40 to help remove the brake dust then clean with a washing up liquid? I think painting them will be my preference. A lot more control and not much chance of horrid over spray.

If I did remove the brake calipers do the brakes need bleeding or anything special done after? Maybe a stupid question but never attempted it before.

THanks all.
Neil

[v21ash]

If you don't plan to remove them the best you can do is remove as much rust/crud as possible, and give them a good wire brush. DO NOT use degreasers etc as they will contaminate the pads, only use brake/clutch cleaner as it will evaporate.

I've use normal spray paints before and not had a problem, some normal paints like industrial plasticote say on the tin they are good for 200oC (only some do though)

Can I use WD40 to help remove the brake dust then clean with a washing up liquid? I think painting them will be my preference. A lot more control and not much chance of horrid over spray.

If I did remove the brake calipers do the brakes need bleeding or anything special done after? Maybe a stupid question but never attempted it before.

THanks all.
Neil

WD40 wouldn't be ideal as the cast steel is porous so would soak it up which means the paint won't stick even when cleaned with washing up liquid, avoid any oil based products.

Yes brush painting them is better, even some of the brush paints still state they are good for high temps even when they aren't high temp paint.

If you remove the brake lines you will need to bleed them, although you could take the calipers off but leave the brake lines connected and just rest them on something to make them easier to clean/paint.

[Pete93]

Brake cleaner will be much more effective than wd40 and like v12ash said paint won't stick well to a even slightly oily surface and if you get any wd40 on the brake discs it ideally needs cleaning off with brake cleaner anyway.