Cleaning never before cleaned brake calipers

[Kyiv]

I know that many of you clean and repaint calipers. I've started with used SL600 front calipers from eBay that had a multi layered, multi year crust of brake dust on them.



I've used several cans of chlorinated brake cleaner with a steel brush, Sonax wheel cleaner that turns purple and more steel brush, high pressure water stream with yet more steel brush, a few more cans of brake cleaner with a steel brush.... Yet, although the caliper is now much better than when I started with it, I can't get to at least an A- condition, despite a 2 hour time investment.



What am I don't wrong? What is the correct process? Thanks

 

[LWB250]

At this point about all that's left is a good bead or media blast. Take them somewhere and have it done. Can't be that expensive, I would think. They'll come back looking like new.

Dan

 

[sheward]

Steel brush is my go to for calipers. Bits of folded 80 grit sandpaper around the crevisis. As Dan said, there's not much outside of blasting that will completely clean a casting. What were you planning on , painting them? If so, I would be happy with the way you have them. I also completely understand the desire to have them looking new.

drew

 

[gsxr]

Ditto... to go beyond this point you need media blasting.

Next question is, rattle-can paint, G2 brush-on paint, or powder coat?

 

[nocfn]

How does all that stop the car more efficiently?

I guess I forgot to add this:

 

[MB V8]

At this point about all that's left is a good bead or media blast. Take them somewhere and have it done. Can't be that expensive, I would think. They'll come back looking like new.

Dan

2X........call a powdercoat company and tell them you just want your calipers bead/media blasted. It's cheap. If you don't have one in Northeast Ohio DM me and I can help.

 

[JC220]

If you already have a decent air compressor then a small shot blast cabinet of your own is excellent for small jobs like these!

I have my own small blast cabinet and it does get regular use. The best thing is being able to turn it around myself same day VS listening to lies and excuses from tradesmen holding things up!

 

[Vinnie]

I know that many of you clean and repaint calipers. I've started with used SL600 front calipers from eBay that had a multi layered, multi year crust of brake dust on them.

View attachment 129411

I've used several cans of chlorinated brake cleaner with a steel brush, Sonax wheel cleaner that turns purple and more steel brush, high pressure water stream with yet more steel brush, a few more cans of brake cleaner with a steel brush.... Yet, although the caliper is now much better than when I started with it, I can't get to at least an A- condition, despite a 2 hour time investment.
View attachment 129413View attachment 129417


What am I don't wrong? What is the correct process? Thanks

Does anyone knows what is the factory color of those calipers? Isn't it black? What I suppose, is that together with dirt, the paint has been removed, and that may be the reason why so much effort was needed, and that not all has been removed using the steel brush.

The second question is: what is the silver color which has been revealed? Is it zinc plating?