Painting brake calipers

Discussion and technical advice the SW20 MR2. 3S-GTE, 3S-GE, 3S-FE etc
Anything and everything to do with maintenance, modifications and electrical is in here for the Mk2.

Moderators: IMOC Moderators, IMOC Committee Members

Post Reply
n52
Posts: 158
Joined: Tue Jan 07, 2014 4:03 pm

Painting brake calipers

Post by n52 »

Hi,

I want to paint my brake calipers in Red. Are they hard to get off and paint or is it a half hour jobby?

Also what type of paint do you guys reccomend?
Draven
Posts: 14968
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2006 8:34 am
Location: One of the Hamptons.
Contact:

Re: Painting brake calipers

Post by Draven »

I removed mine. The process isn't too bad you'll want to make sure you've got a bolt and nut with some washers so you can seal the brake lines so they don't leak everywhere..

I had mine shot blasted and powder coated. Looking back now i'd rather have just sent them to Biggred and had them completely refurb them.
david123
Posts: 181
Joined: Mon Sep 16, 2013 8:01 am
Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne

Re: Painting brake calipers

Post by david123 »

If you have to ask the question then id leave anything to do with the brakes well alone.

However, in answer to your questions its 4 bolts and you can buy dedicated caliper paint in most colours
n52
Posts: 158
Joined: Tue Jan 07, 2014 4:03 pm

Re: Painting brake calipers

Post by n52 »

david123 wrote:If you have to ask the question then id leave anything to do with the brakes well alone.

However, in answer to your questions its 4 bolts and you can buy dedicated caliper paint in most colours


I've got to ask so I can learn how to do it? :-s

I was hoping there might be a guide somewhere.
Draven
Posts: 14968
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2006 8:34 am
Location: One of the Hamptons.
Contact:

Re: Painting brake calipers

Post by Draven »

http://www.imoc.co.uk/forums/kb.php?mode=article&k=143

here you go.. this is how to fix sticky calipers but it gives a basic explanation of how to do it.

I would recommend taking care when dealing with brake related things. They are the MOST important thing on the car.
Draven
Posts: 14968
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2006 8:34 am
Location: One of the Hamptons.
Contact:

Re: Painting brake calipers

Post by Draven »

from that point all you need to do is undo the brakeline and the caliper will come off. I'd rub it down thoroughly and degrease it then paint with your chosen color.
n52
Posts: 158
Joined: Tue Jan 07, 2014 4:03 pm

Re: Painting brake calipers

Post by n52 »

Draven wrote:from that point all you need to do is undo the brakeline and the caliper will come off. I'd rub it down thoroughly and degrease it then paint with your chosen color.



Thank you sir \:D/
Draven
Posts: 14968
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2006 8:34 am
Location: One of the Hamptons.
Contact:

Re: Painting brake calipers

Post by Draven »

n52 wrote:
Draven wrote:from that point all you need to do is undo the brakeline and the caliper will come off. I'd rub it down thoroughly and degrease it then paint with your chosen color.



Thank you sir \:D/


Don't forget the bolt and washers on the brake line.. Else the entire contents of your brake fluid will come out and you'll have to get it refilled. Or like happened to me have to replace your master cylinder.
Gullzter
Posts: 2844
Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2013 1:04 am
Location: Glasgow

Re: Painting brake calipers

Post by Gullzter »

david123 wrote:If you have to ask the question then id leave anything to do with the brakes well alone.

However, in answer to your questions its 4 bolts and you can buy dedicated caliper paint in most colours


Thats what this forum is for , if you dont ask and try yourself you will never learn new things =;
Draven
Posts: 14968
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2006 8:34 am
Location: One of the Hamptons.
Contact:

Re: Painting brake calipers

Post by Draven »

Gullzter wrote:
david123 wrote:If you have to ask the question then id leave anything to do with the brakes well alone.

However, in answer to your questions its 4 bolts and you can buy dedicated caliper paint in most colours


Thats what this forum is for , if you dont ask and try yourself you will never learn new things =;


Aye :thumleft:
JackDaniels73
Posts: 43
Joined: Tue Nov 19, 2013 12:14 am
Location: Norfolk

Re: Painting brake calipers

Post by JackDaniels73 »

I did all my breaks not so long ago. Does take some work if your planning to remove and refurbish them properly, but if all you are looking to do is give them a nice coat of paint as I think was your question......then follow the basic guide to unbolt the caliper and remove pads and the slider, hang the caliber by a bungee from the suspension and mask of the area (especially the piston!) then off you go. I gave mine a good 4 or 5 coats. I also painted the sliders while off the car.

Paint wise there is a whole range out there. I plumped for v.h temp RED from the well known auction site, was less than £15 I think?

Image

Bottom line, depends what your trying to achieve. I would agree that if the callipers have issues then worth taking off and sending to BIGRED for refurb and get them powder coated while your at it.

I just fancied giving it a go and sorted the slider pins myself and gave them a DIY paint job while at it....no regrets so far :thumleft:
markstevieandmads
Posts: 2025
Joined: Mon Aug 05, 2013 8:18 pm
Location: Swindon, Wilts

Re: Painting brake calipers

Post by markstevieandmads »

I just tarted mine up. Took off wheels and left brakes as they were. Small brush and red hammerite. Took 10mins per caliper. Not concors but does the job for now.
JeffD
Posts: 3575
Joined: Sat Feb 05, 2005 8:38 pm
Location: North West

Re: Painting brake calipers

Post by JeffD »

Just one thing to note - I used Halfords caliper paint which is cheap and does give a nice finish. However, its not impervious to brake fluid - DOH!!!

So, if your intending to disconnect the caliper be careful what type of paint you use. Personally, I would leave them connected and just paint in situ but with the pads out etc.

With regard to paint I painted the carriers with black por-15 which does resist brake fluid so if I was doing it again I'd do the calipers in that too.

Image
Post Reply

Return to “MR2 MK2 1990 - 1999 NA & Turbo”