Cleaning Powdercoated Calipers

[North Coast Cab]

Is ther ea trick? Brake cleaner does little and a fair amount of elbow grease didn't help much either.
They are factory red powdercoated calipers that have black brake dust covering 755 of the caliper.

TIA, John

[DW SD]

Try some wheel cleaner which uses a mild acid. leave it on too long and it will etch, though.
OR
If they are removed from the car, try a clay bar on the flat surfaces.

Doug

[JeremyD]

I use simply green and a hard bristle nylon brush - just don't leave it on too long

[gshiwota]

I wouldn't use brake cleaner or anything strong on powder coated parts. Powder coating is strong but it DOES break down under harsh chemicals (ie MEK, Acetone are used to remove powder coatings). Brake cleaner and wheel cleaner isn't as strong as MEK or Acetone, but it is strong stuff and is likely to permanently cloud the finish.

Simple Green or an orange based degreaser and nylon brush would be the best IMHO. If this doesn't work the brake dust may be permanently embedded into the coating. I had a set of OEM BMW wheels that wouldn't clean up because the brake dust permanently etched the powder coating (most factory wheels are powder coated clear). This is a harsh environment for powder coatings given the high heat, rapid and frequent temperature changes and harsh chemicals in brake dust.

Gabe


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'82 911 SC Targa
'61 356B Karmann Notchback