Brake Caliper Clean-Up

One of the most noticable, yet neglected part of a car is often the brake and wheel arch area.

This car is a 1991 model GTS4, the brake calipers are obviously in need of a good clean and a repaint to get them back up to a reasonable condition.

All that is required is that you remove the wheels and repaint them carefully, put the wheel back on and let the paint dry. After that you sand back the 'Nissan' badge and give them a wipe.

For this you will need a good heat proof paint. VHT is very good, In this example a glossy black colour is used to fit in with the black paint job. Since the calipers are going to painted, you might aswell repaint the wheel arches also. Pictured on the left are cans of sound deadening underbody paint.

 

This quietens the road sound and looks great when the car is viewed from the side.

Once wheel has been removed and car is jacked up safely. Clean the wheel arch and brake caliper area with a scrubbing brush. (Take this oppurtunity to replace your dish brush and get in there with a good soapy scrubbing agent. Carwash wil do!) Once area is cleaned, rinsed and dryed cover the whole brake are with a plastic bag.

 

Paint the wheel arch with desired colour and allow to dry for 20-30 minutes. (or as long as possible)

When arch is dry, cover wheel area (above left) with a common shopping bag. Leave brake caliper exposed. Tie bag tight enough to cover all of the brake disk, and mask brake pad area with tape so that disk and pads don't get paint on them.

 

Paint brake caliper and dry, allow as long as possible when drying between coats, and before driving. Replace wheel and move onto next wheel until all are done.

When caliper paint has dryed and hardened (allow 2 or more days), remove each wheel and sand back the Nissan insignia back to metal. You can use sand paper, steel wool or even a grinder.
Give the caliper a good wipe and replace the wheel.
This gives a cared for impression and helps accentuate your mags. Besides that, it gives a great oppturtunity to know what condition your brakes are in.

The total cost of the paint could be between $25 and $50. The benefit is huge!