Cleaning your brake calipers involves removing rust, dirt, and debris to ensure proper function and longevity. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to do it:
1. Gather Your Supplies
Before you start, make sure you have the following:
- Wire brush (various sizes): For scrubbing away rust and grime.
- Brake cleaner: Specifically formulated to dissolve brake dust and contaminants. Make sure it's safe for rubber components if you plan to use it without disassembling the calipers.
- Sand/bead blaster (optional): For removing heavy rust buildup, only for caliper brackets/guides.
- Shop towels or rags: For wiping surfaces clean.
- Silicone lubricant (e.g., Wagner #F132005): For lubricating guide pins.
- Gloves: To protect your hands.
- Safety glasses: To protect your eyes from debris and chemicals.
- Socket set and wrenches: For removing the calipers (if you plan to disassemble).
- Brake parts cleaner: If disassembling calipers to clean individual parts.
2. Safety First
- Park your vehicle on a level surface.
- Engage the parking brake.
- Use wheel chocks for added safety.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves.
- Work in a well-ventilated area when using brake cleaner.
3. Cleaning Procedure (Without Disassembly)
This method is for a basic cleaning while the calipers are still mounted. It will not be as thorough as disassembly and cleaning.
- Access the Calipers: Remove the wheel to expose the brake caliper.
- Initial Cleaning: Use a wire brush to remove loose rust, dirt, and brake dust from the caliper body.
- Apply Brake Cleaner: Spray brake cleaner generously onto the caliper, focusing on areas with heavy buildup.
- Scrub Again: Use the wire brush to scrub away any remaining residue.
- Wipe Clean: Wipe the caliper with shop towels or rags.
- Clean Brackets and Guides: Pay special attention to the caliper brackets and guides, ensuring they are free of rust and debris. For these areas, a sand/bead blaster can be used if removed from the vehicle and rubber components are protected. Otherwise, a wire brush is suitable.
- Lubricate Guide Pins: If accessible without complete disassembly, lubricate the guide pins with silicone lubricant (like Wagner #F132005) where they contact the rubber boots.
- Repeat: Repeat steps 3-5 as necessary until the caliper is clean.
- Reinstall the Wheel: Carefully reinstall the wheel.
4. Cleaning Procedure (With Disassembly)
This is a more thorough cleaning method. Only proceed if you are comfortable disassembling and reassembling brake calipers. Incorrect reassembly can lead to brake failure.
- Remove the Caliper: Disconnect the brake line (plug the line to prevent fluid loss) and remove the caliper from the vehicle.
- Disassemble the Caliper: Carefully disassemble the caliper, taking note of the order of components. Refer to a repair manual for your vehicle.
- Inspect Components: Inspect all parts for wear or damage. Replace any worn or damaged components (e.g., seals, pistons).
- Clean the Caliper Body: Use brake parts cleaner and a wire brush to clean the caliper body thoroughly.
- Clean or Replace Hardware: Clean or replace attaching hardware.
- Clean the Piston: Carefully clean the piston, being careful not to damage the surface.
- Clean Brackets and Guides: As before, clean using wire brush or sand/bead blasting to remove rust from caliper brackets/guides to achieve a clean, smooth, uniform surface.
- Reassemble the Caliper: Reassemble the caliper with new seals and components as needed. Refer to a repair manual for your vehicle.
- Lubricate: Lubricate metal-to-rubber friction points (guide pins to boots) with silicone lube (Wagner #F132005).
- Reinstall the Caliper: Reconnect the brake line, bleed the brakes, and reinstall the wheel.
Important Considerations:
- Brake Fluid: Brake fluid is corrosive. Clean up any spills immediately.
- Brake Dust: Brake dust can contain asbestos (depending on your brake pads). Avoid breathing it in.
- Repair Manual: Consult a repair manual specific to your vehicle for detailed instructions and torque specifications.
- Professional Help: If you are not comfortable working on your brakes, seek professional assistance.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean your brake calipers and help ensure optimal braking performance. Remember safety is paramount when working on your vehicle's braking system.
