Refurbishing Calipers

[sprinta]

I am in the process of restoring a Kawasaki Z900A4. Both calipers need re-painting and on stripping I find that both have hardened brake fluid in the seal groove and also in the machined step where the dust seal securing ring sits at the front edge.

What is the best way to clean and remove these deposits? Is it safe to have them vapor cleaned?

[martin_uk]

The deposits are usually corrosion from water that is absorbed into brake fluid.

The corrosion in the seal groove is the main cause of pistons not retracting as pressure is taken off when brake released.

I usually use an a shaped tool to scrape out and finish off with 3m type abrasive pad, cut to allow it to be pushed into grove as you turn.

Make sure you clean carefully blow out with compressed air then with brake cleaner and paper towel, then brake fluid on internal areas and use special brake rubber grease on seal as petroleom based grease will swell the seals.

[UK Pete]

Exactly what i do martin, great minds think alike Ha ha
pete

[sprinta]

Thanks for the replies and advice.

I take it that you do not recommend masking off the the lower part of the piston area and vapor blasting the groove which is how the paint will probably be removed?