Brake Caliper Cleaning

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Apr 16, 2009 | 01:22 AM

Clutch-n-Throttle

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From: So Cal

Brake Caliper Cleaning

When I got my 06 Cayenne S a couple of weeks ago, the silver calipers were black from the brake dust. Apparently the previous owner was a female and did not do any "GUY" maintenance. Suffice it to say, I cleaned the calipers myself using the tried and true method of using spray brake cleaner. Sprayed it on a rag and cleaned off the caliper. I noticed that as I cleaned the calipers where the PORSCHE black lettering were, the black paint began to come off. The brake cleaner is a very 'hot" solution and it began lifting the black paint.

What are you guys doing to clean your calipers? What do you recommend as an alternate method? You guys have any hints, tips or tricks?

Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.

Jose

Last edited by Clutch-n-Throttle; Apr 16, 2009 at 01:23 AM. Reason: spelling

Apr 16, 2009 | 08:33 AM

ltc

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Brake cleaner is a bad idea, except of course on a Cayenne where I would spray brake cleaner and then light it ablaze.

On another vehicle, I would suggest a safe citrus based cleaner, like P21S total auto wash or P21S wheel cleaner.

Apr 16, 2009 | 10:52 AM

C4SJOHN

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From: Huntington Beach CA.

I use Simple Green cleaner and water mixed with a brush with a long handle to clean the brakes, rims and tires then hose them down and no problems and works great...

Apr 16, 2009 | 10:53 AM

ltc

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Be careful of Simple Green with aluminum and clearcoat finishes.

Apr 16, 2009 | 11:01 AM

wilfred

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High pressure washer does the job for me. No brushing, no cleaner/chemical needed.

Apr 16, 2009 | 01:34 PM

Clutch-n-Throttle

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From: So Cal

I've tried the citrus cleaner and Simple Green. This brake dust is almost baked on in some places. Kinda like a dull powder coat which it is essentially. I might try to PS system

Apr 16, 2009 | 03:01 PM

HD2pct

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From: Illinois

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clutch-n-Throttle

I've tried the citrus cleaner and Simple Green. This brake dust is almost baked on in some places. Kinda like a dull powder coat which it is essentially. I might try to PS system

This sounds pretty good and seems like it would work.

Meguiar's Wheel Brightener does a respectable job as well. You can use anywhere from a 25% to a 50% solution of the stuff and it will work well on the calipers as well as the inside surface of the wheel.