2ndof2

Ah yes, the saga continues.....haven't given up yet.

The process of removing paint from the calipers is a joy words simply can't describe. Love that burning feeling when a paint shaving with some of the remover chemical gets on my skin. You should try it some time...Big fun!

I keep flip-flopping back n' forth about using a can of spray-on or pay to have them powder coated. None of the powder coaters I've spoken with does media blasting or piston removal so I'm on my own there and my mechanic has taken an all or nothing stance on the project, so having him do the piston removal is not an option.

I think depending on how difficult pulling and replacing the pistons may be, this will ultimately be the deciding factor.

If anyone has some pix of the piston removal process this would be a tremendous help.

techno99

Removing the piston is easy. Just force some compressed air through the bleeder hole. I usually put a block of wood in there just so it doesn't come out so far. It comes out fast. Putting the piston back together takes a bit of practice. You might want to get a caliper rebuild kit while you're doing it.

AOW162435

Contact Chris Walrod. I know in the past he rebuilt and powdercoated a few calipers. If properly masked, I believe the pistons can remain in place during the media blasting.


Andreas

2ndof2

That may be true, but what about the seals ability to stand up to the heat of the oven after powdercoating?

2ndof2

Where can I find a rebuild kit?

MarkD

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/...BRKhyd_pg3.htm
but I would check prices at Sunset since these are Porsche parts.

Also, when powdercoating they "cook off" the pieces bfore coating to get out any impurities. Pistons definitely need to come out.

bill930p

Do you have to remove the piston to paint or powder coat the calipers? I've only seen it done a few times, but each time they only taped them.

MarkD

ya know, good question. Powdercoating cure temps can be close to 400F... not sure what the rubber can take. I know others have been there/done this.

Also, one method of cleaning the part is to cook off impurities. I am not sure what temp that is done. There needs to be a conversation with the powder coater about what they will do and how.
For example, I have a set of wheels I am goign to get PC'd and the shop knows to be careful of the temps when prepping them.

2Many Cars

These are brake calipers after all, I suspect they're pretty heat tolerant.

John H

I would guess that your pistons and fluid probably reach temps in excess of 400 degrees under heavy braking.

axl911

It's super easy to remove the piston in my old M3. Just take the caliper off. Before undoing the brake lines, just press the brake pedal. Press slowly and lightly otherwise, the piston would shoot out.

MarkD

that was my guess too. but just a guess. Never checked temps to know for sure. Also not sure of peak or sustained temps.

It is a good chance to rebuild them anyhow. My .02c

chris walrod

Brembo states the caliper seals are good to 415F -- and will survive to 500F. In other words, their working temperature range is up to 415F but we all know higher temps are possible. After all, I have turned rotors blue before. That said, caliper core temperatures are typically less, much less than rotor temps. Same goes for baking caliper during powdercoating -- surface temps only need to be 385 - 400 F for the powder to cure. Core temps of these castings would be less than that since the cure is only 15 minutes in the oven.

http://www.zeckhausen.com/ is a great place to get seals. Great guy to deal with as well!!

2ndof2

Thanks Chris. Per PM, email sent.