Grimy caliper
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Phoenix (Fall/winter/spring); Seattle (summer)
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Grimy caliper
Finally getting time to do some deep cleaning on my 02 coupe, and my calipers are really dirty/grimy/stained. Someday (soon hopefully) I will paint them. But until then, what do you recommend I use? So far Simple Green has cleaned it a little, but they're a long ways from being clean.
Last edited by Harley6; Jun 11, 2016 at 12:03 AM.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 714
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From: Springfield Ohio
Can't really tell from the picture, but a leaky caliper can cause your problem. I'd pull the caliper and inspect for leaks. Replace or rebuild the caliper if it's leaking. No amount of cleaning will last if you don't fix the cause.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Richmond, Ky
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Medford, Oregon
Finally getting time to do some deep cleaning on my 02 coupe, and my calipers are really dirty/grimy/stained. Someday (soon hopefully) I will paint them. But until then, what do you recommend I use? So far Simple Green has cleaned it a little, but they're a long ways from being clean.
... Yuuuuupp, time to roll up the sleeves and get'r done, and inspect the condition of seals, brake hoses, etc. Don't get lazy when it it comes to this safety issue and the welfare of it's occupants. I agree with the other suggestions to use brake cleaner and brushes !!...
....Have a beer and have fun, good luck !!P.S...... Wire brush or wire wheel those hubs where the wheels make contact, can create a irregular contact surface causing pulsation !!
Last edited by 2FAS4UU; Jun 11, 2016 at 02:15 PM.
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You could always do the "exchange" program offered by Centric/Stoptech and/or Cardone....they both offer rebuilt calipers that are already powder-coated.
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When I got ready to paint my calipers, I used a liberal amount of brake cleaner, then used some fine grade steel wool, followed by more brake cleaner. That got all the grime off, then I applied the caliper paint. Many years later, the calipers still look like new.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 234
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From: Phoenix (Fall/winter/spring); Seattle (summer)
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
I didn't see any leaks, so perhaps there was a previous issue that was repaired but not cleaned up well?
I still want to paint the calipers to make them pop more under my Z06-style wheels. What do you think would look cool on a black car? I see a lot of red, but wonder how a black caliper would look.
Thanks to all for your input.
Le Mans Master
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Racer
Joined: May 2016
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From: Lafayette LA
I used Purple Power. That ****'s STRONG. Followed it up with some brake cleaner to get any residual stuff, and then used brake cleaner again a day later just to give it a once over.
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