Insane Caliper Cleaning
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 198
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From: Dead center of Seoul
Insane Caliper Cleaning
How's this for a fanatic...I spent 2.5 hours cleaning 14 years of brake dust/road grime "build-up" off of 1 caliper yesterday. :D I couldn't believe how dirty those things are. Using Eagle 1's Wheel Cleaning (great stuff), wire brush, and Scotch-Brite pads I ended up with a brand new caliper! I'll post pictures later...need to buy new seals for all 4.
In order to facilitate cleaning in the future I plan on painting the entire caliper...just can't decide on what color: black, aluminum, or red. My '88 is metallic gray with chrome ZR-1 wheels....any suggestions?
Planning on removing the control arms (upper and lower)...desperately need new bushing and cleaning/polishing.
-Dave
In order to facilitate cleaning in the future I plan on painting the entire caliper...just can't decide on what color: black, aluminum, or red. My '88 is metallic gray with chrome ZR-1 wheels....any suggestions?
Planning on removing the control arms (upper and lower)...desperately need new bushing and cleaning/polishing.
-Dave
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 42,935
Likes: 20
From: Sydney, Australia
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-‘17, '22
Re: Insane Caliper Cleaning (Dave's_88)
Aluminium.
In the next few weeks I'll be posting the pics of my freshly polished front a-arms for those interested (just started taking a few pics of how its going back together last night).
I did the same thing (cleaning brake calipers) this weekend...:) :crazy:. Meguiars wheel cleaner for uncoated wheels works well also (couldn't get Eagle One).
In the next few weeks I'll be posting the pics of my freshly polished front a-arms for those interested (just started taking a few pics of how its going back together last night).
I did the same thing (cleaning brake calipers) this weekend...:) :crazy:. Meguiars wheel cleaner for uncoated wheels works well also (couldn't get Eagle One).
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 859
Likes: 17
From: Houston TX
Re: Insane Caliper Cleaning (Dave's_88)
Aluma-Brite would have done the same thing in about 10 seconds.
I believe the main ingredient is phosphoric acid, or some type of acid.
Go to a truck store, cause this stuff is usually sold there. Thats what truckers use to clean their aluminum wheels and saddle tanks.
Mix it in a sprayer, and be careful not to get this stuff on everything or yourself.
Thats how I cleaned up my aluminum stuff. Save your elbow grease for wax on/wax off. :cheers:
I believe the main ingredient is phosphoric acid, or some type of acid.
Go to a truck store, cause this stuff is usually sold there. Thats what truckers use to clean their aluminum wheels and saddle tanks.
Mix it in a sprayer, and be careful not to get this stuff on everything or yourself.
Thats how I cleaned up my aluminum stuff. Save your elbow grease for wax on/wax off. :cheers:
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Advanced
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Re: Insane Caliper Cleaning (Vonstarr)
I was thinking of paintnig my calipers also. Does anyone know if you can get these caliper paint kits at the local auto parts store or do I have to mail order it ? Do you have to clean/prep them with anything special before painting ?Thanks!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 0
From: USA USA
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Insane Caliper Cleaning (Dave's_88)
I left mine aluminum,no paint. I took the caliper on a wire wheel on low speed
and cleaned it up. Can't post pics,but they are easy to clean now. Just hose them off and wipe with a rag. This obtained a very clean (brushed if you will)
smooth finish.
My opinion-------
Do what YOU like!!!
Matt :cheers:
and cleaned it up. Can't post pics,but they are easy to clean now. Just hose them off and wipe with a rag. This obtained a very clean (brushed if you will)
smooth finish.
My opinion-------
Do what YOU like!!!
Matt :cheers:
