I'm all set for a DIY brake pad replacement. Any worry about spraying brake cleaner on or near the caliper painted areas? I figure while I'm in there, I'll clean everything out really nicely?

 

Most, if not al,l caliper paint kits include an aerosol can of cleaner for prep. The stuff I used didn't affect paint other than clean it.

 

It's safe. Just clean away!! Remember to put a bunch of newspaper or a pan under or the dirty stuff will mess up your floor.

 

May I ask what you use?

I have had a bad experience a few years ago when I was cleaning the calipers on my 996. On one caliper, the paint started coming off. Nothing major, I dried it immediately, and kept the cleaner away.

Perhaps I'm gun shy, or I purchased the wrong stuff (I don't remember what it was), but I haven't touched calipers since then. But now on my current car, they look like crap, and I'd like to fix them.

 

It was included in a Duplicolor paint kit - I believe it was this:

http://www.duplicolor.com/products/greaseWaxRemover/

 

you shouldnt use any chemical parts cleaner on any paint. It can fade the paint. You should only use fantastic, 409 , simple green, citric acid cleaners, thats all you need. If there is baked on brake dust, etc, use mag wheel cleaner, which is a fairly mild chemical that breaks down the brake dust. But mostly using detergent and alot of rubbing will get it off. NEVER USE ANYTHING ON THE BRALE PARTS WHEN THEY ARE HOT