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(I used Auto Zone High Temp Spray paint instead of that $45 caliper paint that's advertised on the Internet)

Note:

If this is your first brake job, swap the old clips onto the new pads right away.  The little tang on the inside of the clip will have to be bent out a little, with a screwdriver, so that it will catch on the new pad - locking it into pace.  If you pull all the clips off at once, you may not remember (like me, sometimes) and forget exactly how they go back on.  The book says to use the other brake as a sample (great idea, cause that's just what I had to do).

The book says to screw-in the brake piston (clock-wise) before you try to reinstall the caliper over the new pads (make sure it is keyed properly, so the slots are vertical - you really need to see the picture on this step).  Don't waste your time trying to use needle-nose pliers, like the book suggests, in place of a brake piston tool!  My pistons wouldn't even budge.  I called Auto Zone, and they loaned me a complete kit with all attachments (for the rear and front pistons).  They don't turn in easily, and on one side I busted some knuckles each time the tool slipped - go slow, they will turn in eventually!  All I had to pay was a security deposit ($36),  and they told me there was no hurry getting it back, at which time they would refund my deposit!  Can't beat that with a stick.

On the first brake, I was impatient, waiting for the high temp paint to dry, and got some dirt marks on the caliper and anchor plate and rubbed some of the paint off, while trying to reset the brake piston, and install them, so I had to remask and do a little touch-up painting.

This took me most of the day (late start : breakfast), but now I am an expert, and plan on getting the front brakes done more easily.   The cleaning and painting take a lot of time!

I didn't disconnect the banjo fittings, so rear brake bleeding wasn't necessary (at this time).

Front Brake Upgrade:  22 May 2003

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Final

Had a hard time getting front rotors off - they were rusted in place.  Hammered on them for an hour or so, using Marvel Mystery Oil.  Finally got myself in the right position and whacked them some more - off they came (they will never be used again)!

Used the old anti-rattle clips (like the book says), and painted the calipers in place (lot of masking).

When I installed the new pads, I messed up the paint again.  Pushing the pistons back in got dirt all over the 'almost dry' paint.   Once the calipers were installed, I had to touch-up the paint (more masking).   Practically ran out of paint - only bought one can.

Didn't do any brake bleeding - left banjo fittings in place.

Well, I'm satisfied with the job ... just wish I had let the paint dry 'hard.'  But, couldn't wait forever.

Total cost:  Approx $393.

20 June, 2004

Here's a photo of the caliper paint job that Chris (Wisconsin) did on his '99 Cobra, after looking at this Web Page.  This was done without removing the calipers.  Great job Chris.

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This Page Created May 21, 2003.

Last Updated:  Nov 14, 2006

Dan Walters