cleaning caliper bores

[merc-blue]

I am trying to clean some brake caliper bores before rebuilding them,
They have been blasted and repainted so blasting them again isnt a option, im thinking of using scoch brite, i need to clean out some very fine overspray and a dryed/baked gunk than woundnt budge with brake cleaner.

I was thinking of just using brake fluid and scotch brite?

[twentyEight]

I wouldn't go with the Brake Fluid and Scotch Brite as this will most likely get on the paint (I'm not referring to the overspray), and remove it, so you may as well have reblasted them again...

I'd go with some Brake Cleaner and Scotch Brite possibly...

If you can get your hands on the Grey Scotch Brite, use this as this will be a little less abrasive... I think the standard (Green) Scotch Brite may be overkill for what you want...

[merc-blue]

I will be using red scoch brite, which is pretty soft.
The paint im using is meant to be a chemical/heat resistant paint. if brake fluid takes it off i will be getting a new paint anyway

reason i wanted to use brake fluid is it will help lubricate the cutting surface of the scotch brite where as brake cleaner or similar will evaporate super quick

[oldcorollas]

is it alloy or steel/cast iron?

if it is steel/cast iron, just use a razor blade.

if it is alloy... scotchbrite will likely remove metal as well as the paint anyway.. but you run chance of nicking the surface with a blade.. unless you are careful

[merc-blue]

steel.
I will try a razor problem is getting it in there, as they have a taper right at the bottom

[wilbo666]

I'd try some 2000 wet and dry, I also suggest that scotchbrite will be too harsh!

Cheers
Wilbo

[merc-blue]

wow i thought scoch brite (red) would be perfect, use it all the time for cleaning delicate parts.

will have a look at some fine wet and dry

[twentyEight]

Scotch Brite Grey + lubrication (ie, grinding paste, water, soapy water) = less harsh than 2000 Wet & Dry, which is why I use to use Scotch Brite and blending paste (very similar to grinding paste) to scuff the clear for where a blend would be applied when painting an Automobile...

[thechuckster]

you could also try WD40 with the 2000grit

[GA61XX]

Scotch Brite white + lubrication (ie, kero & oil)
Or just hone the bores ....

[merc-blue]

i was going to hone them but its the taper and face that also need cleanign which a hone wouldnt touch, not sure weather a hone actuually benefits this type of caliper

[allencr]

i was going to hone them but its the taper and face that also need cleanign which a hone wouldnt touch, not sure weather a hone actuually benefits this type of caliper

What taper? What face? I
How's the groove? Is there any buildup, corrosion pitting, rust or old seal left in it or the outer groove if there is one, then the outer doesn't have to be very smooth & clean for a dust boot or wiper to seal. Piston/s very smooth?
Just clean it. It is not like an engine cylinder that has something moving in it at hundreds of meters per minute - it barely moves & only has some side load because of those mickeymouse shims.
Assembly grease!

[merc-blue]

the face was referring to the back of it, the piston is like a mirror finish, its all pretty clean but i would prefer to have it all immaculate to make sure nothing contaminates the brakefluid

[allencr]

And 'taper'?
Anything on the bottom of the caliper bore that is resistant to brake fluid and doesn't come off when rubbed with something or wire brushed, isn't going to come loose & bother it. The O-ring grove has got to be good and a mirror might be necessary to really check it out. The old O-rings will be indented if there are corrosion/rust spots in the groove.
It's a nice sliding fit with out seals, and unless you're cleaning it out with sand and a hammer, it'll be OK.

I think it should be assembled(without dust boot if equipped) and then popped open again to check that the seal hasn't been pinched or rolled.
Assembly lube?

[jimmmayyy]

we clean stuff like this all the time at work, just use a soft scotchbrite or wet and dry with a bit of lubrication. it'll come off no prob.

[30psi 4agte]

What he said /\/\/\/\/\

I dont think you need to be to scared on what to use....... It will take a fair amount of work to damage the bore with even the harshes scotch bright..

Just go the red like you suggested or some 2000 grit if you have it.. ( worn 1200 will be good too.)

The only thing i wouldnt do is use brake fluid... id just use water

[rolleraction]

worn 1200 + kero ftw