Need more details on removing brake calipers and brackets

[zhaninsx]

I've read through all the various threads here on removing the front and rear brake calipers so that they can be painted but none of them appear to go into specific detail on how difficult this task is (the caliper removal, not the painting) and what tools are needed. Before I attempt this task, I would like to know:

1) Are any specialized tools needed other than a decent workshop set of wrenches.
2) Is there a specific order to undoing the various nuts and bolts holding the calipers and brackets on.
3) Will I need to disconnect any fluid lines, such as the brake line etc
4) Will I need to remove the brake pads for painting, and if so, what does this involve?
5) Any other hints on suggestions of things to be aware of.

I'm an engineer and have basic car maintenance knowledge and can probably figure all the above out by trial and error but I'd like to save some time on this task by getting as much information ahead of time as I can. I will post some photos specific to the above task in return once I do the job.

Thanks - Kevin.

 

[coil222]

I've not touched NSX brakes yet but I've done plenty on other hondas yet, so I'll jump in since no one else has answered yet. This is all assuming you're painting them by just covering what you don't want painted (suspension, splash guard, the NSX body panels, etc), not actually removing them and having them painted while they're off the car.

1. you shouldnt need any thing special to get the caliper/bracket off the car.
2. i cant see why there would be

3. no

4. Yes, they should be very easy to remove when the caliper is free from the rotor, just note how they look before you take them out so you don't get them mixed up.

5. aside from cleaning the calipers first not really, this should be very straightforward and simple.

 

[NSXclear]

If you plan to just spray paint them, I wouldn't bother spend the extra time removing the brake calipers/bracket. Just cover the rotors/splash shield/brake pad/etc. with newspaper and painters tape.

- Spray the area down with brake cleaner first. Place a pan underneath to garage floor clean.
- Brush the area to remove dirt and loose debris.
- Spray the area again with brake cleaner.
- Let area dry
- Use a Hi-temp spray paint.
- Use nail polish to paint the "NSX" on the calipers.


If you are going to powder coat them, then you will need to remove them.

 

[zhaninsx]

If you plan to just spray paint them, I wouldn't bother spend the extra time removing the brake calipers/bracket.

I'm planning to spray paint them and had thought that taking them off would give the best result. There seems to be a stainless steel strip between the caliper and bracket which I don't particularly want to paint since I think it would make it look like a cheap job if it were painted. It seems that this part (the stainless bit) would be difficult to mask. Also, accessing the part of the caliper facing the wheel well would also appear to be difficult, meaning that a good spray job could not be done here. Does any one have some in site on this? I'm still convinced that taking the calipers off to paint them is the best approach.

 

[NSXclear]

I went through the same thought process when I did my calipers. The first time I did it, I took the extra time to remove the calipers and "do it right".

Realistically, it was just a waste of time and more potential for things to go wrong. Those brake lines can be trick sometimes and can easily get stripped.

The second time I had to do it on another car, I took the shortcut and just masked the area. It looked just as good.

It's going to get dirty from the brake dust and road dirt anyways. No one is going to look that carefully and appreciate the extra work it took to "do it the right" way. As long as it looks good with the wheels on, your good to go.

If your worried about masking certain areas, use tin foil wrap. It works very well and forms to almost anything.

 

[pgilliam1]

There's no simpler system on this car than the brake system (with the exception of the ABS - which you won't be touching). A good high-temp, brush on paint works just as well if you're worried about overspray. Just keep the paint off the rubber pin boots and the rubber around the pistons. The stainless steel parts you are referencing hold the brake pads in place and I wouldn't paint those either. Try not to handle or get anything on your rotors. The lines are fairly stout but they're rubber too so don't paint them. Take extreme care! This is your brake system, and if you don't know what you're doing (sounds like your first attempt at disassembly) it wouldn't hurt to have someone there that has some experience with disc brake systems.
Good Luck and Happy Motoring!

 

[warrenw]

I took the time to clean and mask everything right on the car.
Cleaned with brake cleaner and a good fine wire brush. Then cleaned again with brake cleaner. Let dry.

Painted right on the car as well.
after the paint was dry, I put a coat of engine enamel clear coat.

Did all this after the pads were replaced.

 

[zhaninsx]

The stainless steel parts you are referencing hold the brake pads in place and I wouldn't paint those either.

How did you avoid painting the stainless steel parts? Did you attempt to mask them off or just paint around them using a brush? I'm still aiming to use spray paint at this point.

Kevin

 

[pgilliam1]

How did you avoid painting the stainless steel parts? Did you attempt to mask them off or just paint around them using a brush? I'm still aiming to use spray paint at this point.

Kevin

I used a brush with ceramic paint. I don't suggest using ceramic paint because mine chips badly. It looks like glass when applied, but I have to touch the chips up regularly. I used RED, and one track day dusted and dulled the shine. Maybe black would have been a better choice.
Happy Motoring!

 

[ChopsJazz]

It's not such a big job to take them off, just a couple 17mm bolts and the brake line. But you'll have to bleed the system if you remove the calipers.

I recommend brushing them with a 2-part caliper paint. If you're careful you can do it without the dis-assembly and you'll get a better finished product than with a rattle can.

my .02

 

[I_M_Legend]

I took the time to clean and mask everything right on the car.
Cleaned with brake cleaner and a good fine wire brush. Then cleaned again with brake cleaner. Let dry.

Painted right on the car as well.
after the paint was dry, I put a coat of engine enamel clear coat.

Did all this after the pads were replaced.

How did you do the red NSX lettering so nicely?

 

[warrenw]

How did you do the red NSX lettering so nicely?

Free hand.. the letters are raised, it isn't that hard.

 

[I_M_Legend]

Free hand.. the letters are raised, it isn't that hard.

Just red caliper paint?

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