Seth W

I've just purchased some Folia-Tec caliper laquer online (black) and want to restore my very faded S4 calipers to that new look. Has anyone else done this? Do you need to remove the calipers? Can you remove them without bleeding the brakes? What about the white "Porsche" lettering, does anyone make a sticker etc. that I can use for that trim detail?

Any BTDT is appreciated.

Robert

Here is a link to a page that describes how to repaint your brake calipers. I'm afraid that you probably do have to take them off, although I guess with some careful masking and if the pads are almost new, then you may be able to leave them on and do it. I imagine that it would be easier to clean them when off. More work yes, but in the end... probably easier to get a great finish. Tony (the owner of the site where the page is hosted) even shows you how to get the PORSCHE lettering perfect. It's a great site and has many good tips. Check it out !

<a href="http://members.rennlist.com/v1uhoh/brakerf.htm" target="_blank">Brake caliper refinishing</a>

Dave H.

your Porsche lettering is painted? mine's bare metal with clear coat over the top. of course the whole caliper looks like it's clear coated...

Seth W

Should have looked there first--he's got a lot of good stuff. Hmmm, the red brakes have me thinking now, do I want red or black?

Nicole

What if the calipers only have a couple of ugly spots, but are otherwise still good? Can you touch them up with that paint, like the regular body paint?

Seth W

That is a good question, Nicole. I'm not sure I know the answer--indeed my rear calipers are in very good shape.

I think I am going to do the "whole enchilada" though b/c I really want it to look mint. Also, I am trying to get my feet wet in automotive repair and this would be a good opportunity to learn how to remove brakes. I just purchased the shop manuals.

dr bob

Seth wrote:

[quote] Also, I am trying to get my feet wet in automotive repair and this would be a good opportunity to learn how to remove brakes. I just purchased the shop manuals.<hr></blockquote>

Hi Seth--

The factory manuals tend to focus on things that are specific to the 928, but they leave out a lot of the more generic/basic things that are taught to the dealer-mechanics separately.

Taking the calipers off requires a few tools. You'll want an allen socket that fits your torque wrench. You'll also want the flare-nut wrenches for the crossover line. Get new washers for the banjo fitting for the incoming fluid hose. Buy the Motiv fluid flush unit from DR, or make one if you want. Get new brake fluid, a couple quarts, and plan to flush the whole system after you get all the calipers back on. Get the idea? It isn't stuff that's in the manuals.

I might recommend that brakes are not the ideal place to start learning about auto repair. Get with a friend or neighbor who's got some experience with brakes and you should be fine. There are more than a few folks on this list who have been known to show up at folks' houses for some support activities, so don't be at all shy about letting the group know when you are ready for reassembly and bleeding.

I don't want to rain on your project, just remind you that there's more to keeing the car (and yourself...) alive than the notes in the manuals.


HTH!