Calipers rusting?

[haux]

Not too long ago I replaced my calipers with remanufactured Raybestos. Shortly after, parts of both calipers are starting to turn a goldish/rust color. I don't think my original calipers ever even did this. Is it normal, or were they just very poorly painted/coated?

[LynchburgCSI]

it's normal. it happened when i did my es300 rear disc brake upgrade. just paint over it with caliper paint. that's what i did.

[haux]

Originally Posted by LynchburgCSI

it's normal. it happened when i did my es300 rear disc brake upgrade. just paint over it with caliper paint. that's what i did.

I assume I'd have to disassemble the calipers entirely for that? Hm.

[LynchburgCSI]

nahhhhh...just the wheel.

[haux]

Originally Posted by LynchburgCSI

nahhhhh...just the wheel.

I was thinking that taking the calipers apart might ensure that only the necessary part gets painted. But I guess taping everything else off would accomplish the same task.

I'm wondering now... when people paint rotors, how do they tape off the part that touches the pads? Is there a round template that can be used? ...since masking tape isn't curved.

[carsrus]

Originally Posted by haux

I was thinking that taking the calipers apart might ensure that only the necessary part gets painted. But I guess taping everything else off would accomplish the same task.

I'm wondering now... when people paint rotors, how do they tape off the part that touches the pads? Is there a round template that can be used? ...since masking tape isn't curved.

Just rip off smaller pieces of tape and go around it. If your rotors arent to rusty the paint will stick, if theyve got a healthy layer of rust itll just get eaten away by the salt and ice.

[fenixus]

caliper paint ? hmmmm, might be a a nice Spring project
my OEM ones are rusty, tried cleaning them once, but lost patience hehe.

wondering if it makes any sense to clean and paint rear drums as well ?

rusty drums are the most shitty part of my car, especially that you can see them through stock alloy wheels.

[carsrus]

Painting the drums can be done easily. I know someone who painted his red. Looks ehh sorta ricerish, but thats my opinion. When im painting mine ill probally just hit them up with some black caliper paint to make them just not look rusty.

Its easy to do. Just wire brush the crap out of the drum and get as much of the rust off. If you have acess to a sand blaster that would be the easiest and best way, but they hold up fine with some wirebrushing, maybe even a drill powered cup brush.

[fenixus]

thanks bro. i was thinking about black paint too on both rear drums and front calipers.
no sandblasers, just wire brush and disc brake cleaner. glad to know some people do it and it's OK

I think they don't need to be perfectly cleaned off rust to be painted, aren't they ? what i mean this caliper paint should stop rusting process anyways, right ?

[JohnGD]

Rust like this?

http://www.g2ic.com/tegtips/brakesus/brakef3.jpg

If so, it's normal.

[fenixus]

Originally Posted by JohnGD

Rust like this?

http://www.g2ic.com/tegtips/brakesus/brakef3.jpg

If so, it's normal.

yup, that's how mine look
i know it's normal, just ugly, so during some lovely Spring weekend I plan cleaning them (and rear drums as well) and painting with G2 caliper/drum paint (black). i hope rust will stay back for a while longer then and car would look nicer (you can see it through my stock alloy wheels).

[haux]

Originally Posted by JohnGD

Rust like this?

http://www.g2ic.com/tegtips/brakesus/brakef3.jpg

If so, it's normal.

Well, those look dirty and old. Mine are brand new remans so the gray coating is still clearly visible... just now with areas of goldish rust. But I'd say that's about right. I'll take a picture tomorrow anyway!

[JohnGD]

Actually I think some of that may be iron oxide from the brake rotor?

Try a steel wire brush if needed. Do stay awaaaaay from the rubber. I personally wouldn't worry about it.

Of course, some people love to paint the calipers red. Makes others think they have a set of Brembo calipers on there. On a Camry!

Now seriously, over spary is probably not a problem if you tape well. That way you don't need to open up the hydraulic system. Some just like to paint when they rebuild the caliper with new rubber seals/boots.

Just various rebuild/paint DIYs. They're different makes, but same idea:

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2467408
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...php?p=10628442
http://forums.lr4x4.com/index.php?showtopic=2851

Originally Posted by fenixus

yup, that's how mine look
i know it's normal, just ugly, so during some lovely Spring weekend I plan cleaning them (and rear drums as well) and painting with G2 caliper/drum paint (black). i hope rust will stay back for a while longer then and car would look nicer (you can see it through my stock alloy wheels).

[Kenny_McCormic]

Any paint you get on a rotor will disappear the first time you use the brakes.

[haux]

Originally Posted by Kenny_McCormic

Any paint you get on a rotor will disappear the first time you use the brakes.

You don't actually paint the braking surface... just the central part that the lug studs go through.