How to clean brake caliper?

I

impulse001

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Jan 16, 2008

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New Jersey

Oct 18, 2009

#1

• Oct 18, 2009

• #1

I am in the process of changing my brake calipers, and I noticed the caliper is pretty dirty, so I wanted to clean it up a bit. I removed it from the brake line, can I just spray it down with brake cleaner and scrub it, or do I have to take it apart further first?

 

BlownFiveLiter

have car, will race....wait, it doesn't run

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

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Oct 18, 2009

#2

• Oct 18, 2009

• #2

You can scrub it with brake cleaner, but be careful around the seal when you're scrubbing.

 

I

impulse001

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Jan 16, 2008

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Oct 18, 2009

#3

• Oct 18, 2009

• #3

Would I be better off just buying new ones? My local parts store sells them for only $28 each.. Or do you know of a good website to buy better ones? I wont mind spending some more money for better, nicer looking calipers..

 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Mod Dude

Feb 18, 2001

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Oct 18, 2009

#4

• Oct 18, 2009

• #4

diskbrakesrus sells powdercoated versions.

I'd just buy new ones and paint them up. If you prep and use quality paint, it will last a decent amount of time. The duplicolor brush on kits work nicely

 

I

impulse001

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Jan 16, 2008

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Oct 18, 2009

#5

• Oct 18, 2009

• #5

Ok, ill just get the advanced auto parts store ones... Do I have to change the brake fluid as well, or just bleed the brakes?

What about stainless steel brake lines? Since im working on the brakes anyway.. Are these worth it? Do they give you better braking, or is it just for looks?

 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Mod Dude

Feb 18, 2001

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Oct 18, 2009

#6

• Oct 18, 2009

• #6

Yes, SS line work. You'll feel a firmer pedal. I'd suggest replacing the rear body to axle line as well. I wouldn't say they are for looks, because onces installed...you can't see them

Def bleed all 4 brakes. It's one of the easiest things you can do to improve pedal feel. I bleed my brakes yearly, and each time the brakes feel much better.

 

I

impulse001

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Jan 16, 2008

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Oct 18, 2009

#7

• Oct 18, 2009

• #7

Ok, thanks for all the replies... I feel a lot more confident with this now... One last question, if I was to replace the fluid, can I refill it with DOT 5 or 4, or do I have to stick to 3?

 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Mod Dude

Feb 18, 2001

43,265

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Oct 18, 2009

#8

• Oct 18, 2009

• #8

I used this stuff in my cars

 

I

impulse001

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Oct 18, 2009

#9

• Oct 18, 2009

• #9

Looks good, lol.. Thanks again for all the replies..

 

S&B

I hate my CT. :(

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Cheesehead

Oct 18, 2009

#10

• Oct 18, 2009

• #10

I use a steel brush mounted on a high speed drill, they make the brushes to mount in the drill you can get them at home depot or where ever. I use that to clean the caliper real well then use brake clean and a towel to get a good cleap prior to paint. Use a good caliper paint that you is a 2 part apoxy not that spray on crap from vato zone. I have done this to many a car and have never had any issue with the paint comming off to fast. After 10 years you will have to redo it