can anyone recommend anything to clean the crud off brake calipers? I've bought some 2nd hand and would like to clean them up before putting them on. Not fussed about having them painted or anyting, just cleaned up.

 

ta

I'd say you'll have a hard time with it. If I was going to do it, i'd fit the wire brush attachment to the drill and have a go at it with that.

Yer...wire brush atttachment to the drill will work a treat on the calipers...(as clarky said)

But...

If you want to paint them afterwards...then forget it...the wirebrush drill attachment brings it to a gloss polished finished and paint will just run straight off of them :(

Trust me..I know...ive done it.

Even with the use of brake cleaner...it doesnt work :(

A dip tank is the only way to remove the crud and have a paintable finish at the end.

If your after cleaning the seals then a brake cleaner or use brake fluid to clean em up...then wash off with brake cleaner...

At the end of the day...

I gave up and went for a full recon/upgrade :cool:

thanks guys. as I said not fussed about painting them, just want to clean them up a bit before popping them on.

i used alloy wheel cleaner on mine (Wonder Wheels ) brushed it on left it for 20 mins then cleaned with plenty fresh water worked on mine

or get yourself one of those JML steam genies, its a small bottle steamer gun, i used one of them on mine bfore i used a cleaner fluid, the crap cam off great, its also good for cleaning all the crud from the arms etc while the wheels off, and as for cleaning the alloys they are fantastic, cleaned by steam and not chemicals.

or get yourself one of those JML steam genies, its a small bottle steamer gun, i used one of them on mine bfore i used a cleaner fluid, the crap cam off great, its also good for cleaning all the crud from the arms etc while the wheels off, and as for cleaning the alloys they are fantastic, cleaned by steam and not chemicals.

 

 

how much did this cost and where did you buy it from?

I have used Engine Degreaser on before, and that usually works. But since it is off the car, I would use Hydrochloric acid (if you can egt you hands on some). Dilute that with water 1:4 and leave it in there for a couple of hours then remove and brush with wire brush. I bet that puts it spotless.

 

But be careful with any acid if you use it. Make sure you use it in a ventilated area and wear gloves and more importantly goggles and avoid skin contact.

 

Dave G

Alloy wheel cleaner and then jetwash to get the lumps off - did this with mine and they came up pretty well.

how much did this cost and where did you buy it from?

 

 

jml steam cleaners can be bought at woolworths

 

or online here: http://www.jmldirect.com/product.php?cid=5&pid=56

 

 

forgot to mention its great for cleaning the car carpet and boot carpet also!!