Brake caliper refurb

[123hotchef]

Ok so i have just fitted the calipers I refurbed last year time to refurb the ones I took off now.

Whats the quickest and easiest way to strip the crud off them? I was thinking a cooking in caustic soda if it is safe to do so. I cant see why now.

 

[Wallace]

Alloy or steel?

 

[123hotchef]

Alloy or steel?

good question cast steel i think

 

[rtcosic]

Electrolysis is always my first step in caliper refurbishment.

Final step Bilt Hamber De-Ox.

Epoxy coat.

 

[123hotchef]

Electrolysis is always my first step in caliper refurbishment.

Final step Bilt Hamber De-Ox.

Epoxy coat.

That's the way I did it last time still needed blasting aftet

 

[armalites]

I just degrease them and blast them after I've popped the pistons. I don't see the benefit of chemicals if you are going to blast anyway

 

[armalites]

These are some 110 rear callipers that looked like they been dragged up by a trawler when I got them. I had to fit grease nipples to get the pistons out. Pictures showing degreased, blasted and painted with stainless pistons

 

[123hotchef]

I just degrease them and blast them after I've popped the pistons. I don't see the benefit of chemicals if you are going to blast anyway

they look good mate, I was not going to blast them last time but the electrolysis didnt remove all i would have liked so they got blasted anyway. If I boiled them in caustic tomorrow and they come up ok i wouldnt blast them

 

[armalites]

They were a total pain to get the pistons out of,worst I've ever done, all the pistons were thick with rust. I had to pump them full of grease until they popped.I had to use heat and a vibro tool to get the bolts and nipples out without breaking them. I did them for a friend and he had no idea they could ever look like that.

 

[123hotchef]

ill stick mine in the dishwasher for starters!

 

[armalites]

Silly question maybe but are you trying avoid blasting them?

 

[123hotchef]

Silly question maybe but are you trying avoid blasting them?

if i dont have to yes, but if i do have to then i will it dont take long does it

 

[Wallace]

I have found with heavily corroded calipers blasting doesn’t get in the pitting and they start rusting again. Last ones I did, blasted them first then stuck them in the electrolysis tank to highlight and neutralise the pitting then repeated the process until they were clean.

 

[123hotchef]

they are out of the dishwasher now so its either blast them or elecrtolysis tank them then blast them!

 

[rtcosic]

I have found with heavily corroded calipers blasting doesn’t get in the pitting and they start rusting again. Last ones I did, blasted them first then stuck them in the electrolysis tank to highlight and neutralise the pitting then repeated the process until they were clean.

Blasting doesn't get into the smallest pits. It is much better than wire brushing which can just 'polish' the corrosion.

I don't have access to blasting so finish with Bilt Hamber.

If I had a blast cabinet I would:

1. high pressure water jet to remove loose muck (or dishwasher if brave, bachelor or have an old one in the workshop)
   
2. electrolysis
3. water jet to remove the loose black oxide and any loosened 'muck'
   
4. leave to dry
5. blast
6. paint

 

[steviec_lj]

Blasting doesn't get into the smallest pits. It is much better than wire brushing which can just 'polish' the corrosion.

I don't have access to blasting so finish with Bilt Hamber.

If I had a blast cabinet I would:

1. high pressure water jet to remove loose muck (or dishwasher if brave, bachelor or have an old one in the workshop)
   
2. electrolysis
3. water jet to remove the loose black oxide and any loosened 'muck'
   
4. leave to dry
5. blast
6. paint

Have at least a pair of calipers to do, so will try this method, usually, because I’m lazy, I exchange them for new..

 

[123hotchef]

Have at least a pair of calipers to do, so will try this method, usually, because I’m lazy, I exchange them for new..

i cant bring myself to buy new! I got a old set for free from a pal so refurbed them swapped them this week with the ones on the vechile so now I can re furb these.

 

[123hotchef]

Blasting doesn't get into the smallest pits. It is much better than wire brushing which can just 'polish' the corrosion.

I don't have access to blasting so finish with Bilt Hamber.

If I had a blast cabinet I would:

1. high pressure water jet to remove loose muck (or dishwasher if brave, bachelor or have an old one in the workshop)
   
2. electrolysis
3. water jet to remove the loose black oxide and any loosened 'muck'
   
4. leave to dry
5. blast
6. paint

The tank has been cleanned and emptied so i will re fill tonight with fresh water and soda, I must not add too much soda this time the tank drew to many amps last time and killed the PSU

 

[rtcosic]

Have at least a pair of calipers to do, so will try this method, usually, because I’m lazy, I exchange them for new..

This has a familiar ring to it!

I usually play with older vehicles where parts are scarce and/or expensive, so always try refurbishing first.

All my boys have MX-5s and accumulated many spares from dead ones or ones they specifically bought to break.

At one point there where 6 pairs - 3 cars' worth - of calipers in my shed. I thought it would be a good plan to clean them all and other odd small parts and have a painting session.

Spent ages doing so and felt rather chuffed with the end result. Much like @armalites but beige.

No 2 son then pointed to the clearance page of a well known supplier - brand new ones were about £35 each!

 

[rtcosic]

I must not add too much soda this time the tank drew to many amps last time and killed the PSU

Build a lamp box to control the current.

Old bulb holders with 5 or 21 W bulbs in. Re-purposed old switches. Then switch into circuit however many are needed to achieve the current you want.

Or is a small PSU just permanently put the requisite number of bulbs in series with your tank.