Removing caliper units from rotors
 

The paintwork and condition of my caliper units has deteriorated and they need a good clean up and repaint. Is it practical or possible to remove them from their positioning on the rotors to clean and repaint them without having to disconnect the brake fluid lines... to avoid having to bleed the whole system? If I do remove them, do I need to ensure that the brake pistons dont push out too far and leak?

Any clues on this would be appreciated

You want to paint the clapiers with the brake lines attached? ..

Its possible to paint and clean the caliper without removing them from the suspension. Personally, if you're going through that effort, take it off, take it apart, and you'll have a much better job. Possibly renew the interior seals as well.

I went the leave it on the car approach, and then when I was done, realized I had a crimped brake line, so I ended up taking it all apart and rebuilding them anyway. While taking it apart, brake fluid spilled on my paint job - didn't get an ideal result.

This would be a perfect opportunity to flush the brake system, as well as refresh the calipers inside and out.

Remove the calipers and flush the system including the clutch. The maintenance interval for hydraulic fluid replacement is two years, and in my estimation is the most neglected maintenance item.

Penalty for ignoring this interval is premature deterioration of brake and clutch components.

Thanks to you all for the good advice on the calliper detailing: I'd been thinking that it was a good opportunity to flush the system ...AND to check the pads and handbrake. So that's the way I'll proceed. Thanks again!

+1

On the caliper refinishing, make should you use a quality paint and clear coat. I would consult an automotive painter. I did it with a spray bomb before, they came out great and it would have been fine if it wasn't brakes. Any drop of brake fluid instantly starts eating the paint, even if you wipe it off quick your rag will be the color of you caliper. After a few bleeds they really looked bad. The second time I had them professionally painted with automotive paint... much better, they hold up like the stock paint now. That also goes for the application. Any spec of fluid or residue of fluid the new paint wont cover, so plug all the holes and clean until your sure none is on the surface.. and then do it agian