The 2002 996TT I just purchased has 48000 on it and the front brake calipers are looking pretty bad. The powder coating looks like it's bubbling with some surface peeling of what appears to be a clear coat. I wonder if this is the resulta prior attempt ata cosmetic repair or if this is just how the powder coating looks as it gets old, hot, and subjected to exposure to brake fluid. A couple of pics are posted here for your observation and comments. thanks

 

Thats how it looks when people bleed the brakes and dont clean up the brake fluid that they spill on the calipers.

 

thanks Doc...replace or repair?

my car isn't a show piece but is for driving. I do think these calipers are an eyesore though....

 

It doesn't affect the function of the brakes in any way, it is purely cosmetic. With a new set (4) of calipers probably running over $1500, I don't think I would bother replacing them.

 

my brother suggested trying some xylene to remove the clear that is peeling, clean them up with brake fluid cleaner to remove the xylene and residual brake fluid, and shoot them with clear. This may clean them up a bit and save the 750 (the rears are like new) for something more important.

I like the plan and it's something that can done carefully without removing the calipers.

 

all of the steps above except it took some 320 and 600 wetsanding to get thepeeling and edgesoff.

they look great now.

 

Doug,

My 2001 996T has the exact same problem.The front two caliperslook ugly and I want to repair it. Where did you buy the xylene and how did you wetsand it? Could you elaborate in more detail. Thanks in advance.

 

Xylene is sold at Home Depot, Lowes, or Ace.

I used 600 grit although I think 1000 is better. Soak the sandpaper in water for 15 minutes and go to work on the bad areas after they've been thoroughly cleaned. Avoid the edges if you can. If you can't you can touch up the edges with some red caliper paint.

Mask and protect EVERYTHING that you don't want clearcoat on. Shoot the whole surfacr of the caliper so you don't get any edges and you'll be good to go.

Oh yes...make sure you shoot that clearcoat from side to side in sweeping motions and apply very sparingly. If you over do it and get a run just wipe it off, clean again, and start over.

Good luck!