Brake Cleaner and Caliper paint - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

**jediknight36** · 09-21-2009, 06:59 AM

Ok, didnt know if this should go in mods or maintenance so dont flame da Jedi.

I have painted calipers and drums, but no dust shields yet. Last couple of times I have tried to clean my wheels at the car wash, I cant effectively remove the dust on the painted calipers. I was thinking of taking my wheels off and spraying brake cleaner on them and cleaning them that way, but I am afraid that may be over kill and eat the paint off. Any suggestions, until I get dust shields?

Turbo42 · 09-21-2009, 07:07 AM

I usually just reach through the wheel with a damp cloth and wash them. Hope this helps for you!

Padawan · 09-21-2009, 07:43 AM

Just use a degreaser/cleaner like Simple Green, a toothbrush, and some water. Brake cleaner isn't really meant for "cleaning", but rather for use when changing out brake components.

sato7 · 09-21-2009, 07:58 AM

the brake cleaner will eat your caliper paint... trust me on this one! I used it on mine to prep for the caliper paint and it really prepped it well! it took of the gray paint that the stock drum comes with, I was left with gooey bits of gray and raw and shiny metal showing through... on the plus side it made me have to clean off the gray paint and have a good metal finish to start painting over!

**jediknight36** · 09-21-2009, 08:05 AM

Honestl, that's what I thought. I get in there with my hands but the tire cleaner and a rag won't touch it. That's why I thought brake cleaner. Is simple green like a niddle of the road cleaner? I've ised it before, but just household stuff.

High Side · 09-21-2009, 08:33 AM

I want to paint my calipers and drum covers red. Of course I have not idea how to take off calipers and put them back. I use simple green to clean the inside part of my wheels.

jetfuel · 09-21-2009, 09:39 AM

...grease lightning ... nuff said...
jetfuel

sato7 · 09-21-2009, 09:39 AM

High side, you dont need to remove the drums or the calipers. As for the calipers just tape off any part you dont want paint on.. the caliper paint is brush on anyways so it is easier NOT to make a mistake with it. The drums are really simple to paint and come out really nice. Remember though that you will need to leave the car on stilts for a good 24 hours or more for the paint to harden or else you might get the drums stuck to your wheels. Its not the end of the world but it is a pain in the putukus!

JohnnyM · 09-21-2009, 02:40 PM

There are several brands of spray on wheel cleaners available at your auto parts store. Usually just spray on and let sit, then hose off. Some minor wiping may be needed to get off the stubborn brake dust. I even use wheel cleaner on the bikes wheels for brake dust.

The ceramic brake pads that are now available most likely will take care of the dusting problem on the wheels. No need for those dust shields or extra scrubbing.

**jediknight36** · 09-21-2009, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyM

There are several brands of spray on wheel cleaners available at your auto parts store. Usually just spray on and let sit, then hose off. Some minor wiping may be needed to get off the stubborn brake dust. I even use wheel cleaner on the bikes wheels for brake dust.

The ceramic brake pads that are now available most likely will take care of the dusting problem on the wheels. No need for those dust shields or extra scrubbing.

Yea, but aren't they something like $100/wheel?