Front Brake calipers.
Thread Starter
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Front Brake calipers.
While I have the brake system drained to replace the lines, I was thinking of removing the calipers, clean them and add some paint.
What can I do or not do to clean them?? What should I use? Brake parts cleaner, kerosene, gasoline, parts cleaner? Can I degrease them and pressure wash safely? Should I be concerned about moisture getting to the internals?
Calipers might have 88,000 miles on them. Any way to tell if they've been replaced--or not original equipment?
They don't look too bad and I think they have Moraine stamped on them.
What can I do or not do to clean them?? What should I use? Brake parts cleaner, kerosene, gasoline, parts cleaner? Can I degrease them and pressure wash safely? Should I be concerned about moisture getting to the internals?
Calipers might have 88,000 miles on them. Any way to tell if they've been replaced--or not original equipment?
They don't look too bad and I think they have Moraine stamped on them.
Last edited by Jughead; Sep 3, 2004 at 07:32 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Connecticut, USA
Some of the aftermarket caliper rebuilders stamp their name or initials on the caliper on top by the pin hole. Other then that, the only other way of knowing would be to open them up to see if they're sleeved. If they are functioning ok then leave them alone. As for painting them they're just cast iron, you can clean them with simple green, soap and water,etc. You have to watch you don't pop out the pistons & seals. Use a piece of wood,sockets,etc to hold the pistons in place. Remember if you remove the front hose replace the copper washer with a new one.
Gary
Gary
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: I can walk to MA
I wouldn't use a pressure washer - unless you completely
disassemble and rebuild. Kits from VBP (Oring) aren't too
expensive. If they are sleeved, that's all you should need.
I'm convinced that the pressure washer is the reason that I had
water damage in my rear wheel bearing assemblies (10k miles).
POR15 will hold up to brake fluid - unless you use silicone - then
regular paint is OK. Wait - they are already painted, so you'd
need to strip them to use POR. I guess just scrub them clean
and pick your favorite spray paint.
disassemble and rebuild. Kits from VBP (Oring) aren't too
expensive. If they are sleeved, that's all you should need.
I'm convinced that the pressure washer is the reason that I had
water damage in my rear wheel bearing assemblies (10k miles).
POR15 will hold up to brake fluid - unless you use silicone - then
regular paint is OK. Wait - they are already painted, so you'd
need to strip them to use POR. I guess just scrub them clean
and pick your favorite spray paint.
