I am planning on doing a bit of painting this friday. Calipers, rear drums, and various suspension parts. I already have the paints I am going to use, but does anyone have a few tips for me or something to that would lend a helping hand? Caliper/drum removal? I'm up for any kind of suggestion. Thanks a ton.

 

What color are you painting the parts? Can I advise against painting the drums? It looks kinda cheesy.

 

I have a Camo box so i'm just going straight black on the brakes and glossy on the suspension.

 

Prep, prep, prep! Patience, patience, patience.

Those are the two most vital aspects of painting. Good luck!

 

when you try to get off the rear drum there is two jacking bolts i highly recomend using them it will make the job much easier you can buy them from the dealership or just try some that you have laying around

also when trying to get them off get a wire brush and some PB BLASTER will work wonders and when you put them back on smear some grease around the hub and every time you rotate tires pull the drum off and put it back on just to stop it from seizing up

and if when you get done painting sand the hole a little bit to get the paint off the inside

i just powdercoated mine this weekend they look really good

 

I just have another thing that has been puzzling me since I don't usually mess around with the brakes. If I take the calipers off, but don't disconnect the line, would I still have to bleed the brakes? I'm going to use the same pads and rotors, so I am just curious because i've seen a ton of stuff about it, but nothing answers my questions.

 

You only need to bleed if air enters the system. As long as you don't disconnect the lines, you don't need to bleed.

 

or unless you're emo, then you need to bleed.

You dont need to disconnect everything to paint the calipers and drum. Just clean everything down and wrap up everything, everything. be careful, prep well, and take your time.

 

haha alright. Thanks a ton guys. I just never messed around with my brakes in fear of screwing something up. Poor college kids can't afford labor rates.

 

Doing it yourself is half the fun of xB ownership. What are labor rates???

 

hey I just wanted to make sure of things, I can't afford to pay to get stuff repaired. hahaha.

 

then dont break anything

dont paint on anything rubber...make 100% sure there is no grease on any of the brake parts..rotors/drums'shoes or disc pads...

if you are unsure...do 1 side at a time...that way if you have any doubts..you have the assembled side to look at for comparison..
have fun