Painting the calipers

[X5rolls]

Decided to improve the rusted look of my calipers and will use the G2 kit from Tirerack I purchased.

They had a bunch of colors to choose from but I'm going with red, it's the classic caliper color in my mind.

After removing the wheels, cleaning the calipers I'll be ready to either take the calipers off or just tape off the areas not to be painted. The kit comes with paint, hardener, cleaner, brush and instructions. Should be a very easy upgrade.

G2 Brake Caliper PaintSystem Set

Plus, I'll get to use my new air compressor and will clean the inside of the wheels when they are off as well.

I'll post before and after pictures when I'm done.

I'm also considering replacing the stock rotors with cross drilled ones when they need to be replaced. Does anyone have recommendations on high quality (at least to OEM levels) cross drilled rotors for the 4.8is? Thanks in advance.

[m5james]

I did the spray/rattle can version of paint that you can pickup at your local autoparts store and it came out great. I did the calipers red, then I did the hangers, caliper retainer and the rotor hats in black. I let it cure about 24hrs before I put it all back together, and it came out glossy smooth and very easy to clean. Biggest part of this is prep...lots of degreaser, metal and plastic brushes ruined, painters tape and lots of towels to stop overspray.

Drilled rotors, unfortunately I've got no input there. Short of going to either larger calipers (750iL) or a complete brake (Brembo, etc) upgrade, I can't say one way or the other if drilled rotors are going to make any difference. I think a good pad like Axxis/PBR Metal Masters and a good fluid flush will make a nice improvement on braking with your stock calipers.

[X5rolls]

Originally Posted by m5james

I did the spray/rattle can version of paint that you can pickup at your local autoparts store and it came out great. I did the calipers red, then I did the hangers, caliper retainer and the rotor hats in black. I let it cure about 24hrs before I put it all back together, and it came out glossy smooth and very easy to clean. Biggest part of this is prep...lots of degreaser, metal and plastic brushes ruined, painters tape and lots of towels to stop overspray.

Driller rotors, unfortunately I've got no input there. Short of going to either larger calipers (750iL) or a complete brake (Brembo, etc) upgrade, I can't say one way or the other if drilled rotors are going to make any difference. I think a good pad like Axxis/PBR Metal Masters and a good fluid flush will make a nice improvement on braking with your stock calipers.

Thanks for the feedback above. The drilled rotors are just a cosmetic upgrade for me, I'm happy with the current stopping capabilities. Just figured when the rotors do need to be replaced it would look cool to have those and the red calipers. I'll check out the replacement pads you suggested.

[m5james]

Only problem is that most if all shops won't turn drilled rotors, so they're a one time use. I've got the MM pads on both the X and 7 and they get the job done.

[X5rolls]

Originally Posted by m5james

Only problem is that most if all shops won't turn drilled rotors, so they're a one time use. I've got the MM pads on both the X and 7 and they get the job done.

I've got approx 44k miles on the X5 and have not had to do brakes yet. In other higher end vehicles the procedure calls for replacing rotors, maybe the X5 doesn't require that?

[amacman]

a few forum members have said drilled or grooved rotors could reduce braking efficiency because there is less disc surface for the pad to grip .
some motorcyclists say drilled or grooved rotors improve the initial bite time in wet weather and drilled rotors cool faster in hot conditions but a motorcycle weighs circa 400 lbs whereas the X5 is nearer 5000lbs and the rotors are not so exposed to rain .
I have observed drilled bike rotors cracking under extreme use .

[m5james]

Originally Posted by X5rolls

I've got approx 44k miles on the X5 and have not had to do brakes yet. In other higher end vehicles the procedure calls for replacing rotors, maybe the X5 doesn't require that?

It's not that manufacturers require them to be replaced, it's more the way that rotors are turned on a lathe...they can break the tips of the bits if the rotors are even the slightest bit warped, so most shops instead just won't touch them. Normal rotors, depending on the wear, can be turned 2-3 times...I've got a shop here not too far from mine that only charges me $5 to turn a rotor.

I've also heard what Anacman has said, but there are lots of variables left unanswered...did they put in new fluid (most people are too lazy and/or cheap), pad choice, rotor choice, age of the vehicle in relation to the condition of the lines, master cylinder, etc and how much pedal pressure is being wasted with aging hydraulic parts.

People have mentioned back and forth about better pedal feel by switching the rubber lines to braided stainless, so the possibilities are endless. I know they look cooler, but in the end it really comes down to how you drive the vehicle. If you're driving your X as hard as I drive my M or 7, heavy towing, etc then by all means, get drilled rotors. If it's used for getting groceries and going to dinner, then it's probably going to be a waste of money in the long run when you need to get new pads the next time around. It's not a tough decision, but it's something that really comes down to what you want. Try the drilled rotors for a few a week at most, and if they don't feel good to you, you can still swap in your turned stock rotors since the pads are still so new without worry.

[X5rolls]

Originally Posted by m5james

It's not that manufacturers require them to be replaced, it's more the way that rotors are turned on a lathe...they can break the tips of the bits if the rotors are even the slightest bit warped, so most shops instead just won't touch them. Normal rotors, depending on the wear, can be turned 2-3 times...I've got a shop here not too far from mine that only charges me $5 to turn a rotor.

I've also heard what Anacman has said, but there are lots of variables left unanswered...did they put in new fluid (most people are too lazy and/or cheap), pad choice, rotor choice, age of the vehicle in relation to the condition of the lines, master cylinder, etc and how much pedal pressure is being wasted with aging hydraulic parts.

People have mentioned back and forth about better pedal feel by switching the rubber lines to braided stainless, so the possibilities are endless. I know they look cooler, but in the end it really comes down to how you drive the vehicle. If you're driving your X as hard as I drive my M or 7, heavy towing, etc then by all means, get drilled rotors. If it's used for getting groceries and going to dinner, then it's probably going to be a waste of money in the long run when you need to get new pads the next time around. It's not a tough decision, but it's something that really comes down to what you want. Try the drilled rotors for a few a week at most, and if they don't feel good to you, you can still swap in your turned stock rotors since the pads are still so new without worry.

On occasion I drive the snot out of the X5, I really love it although pushing 5k lbs around turns quickly is still a different kind of experience. Along with the great sound from my Xpipe, I think drilled rotors and the red calipers make a cool set up upgrades. I'm totally happy with the OEM rotors, pads and the rubber brake lines. However, when I do routine maintenance on my vehicles I like to know what the upgrade options are if any.

[X5rolls]

Finished up the little caliper painting project yesterday - I really like the way it turned out. The paint is high quality and if you take your time with the paintbrush you can do a neat job. I did 3 coats (waiting 15 minutes between each coat) for each caliper and still had paint left. The instructions say to wait 24 hours before driving the vehicle so the paint can fully harden.

Before - they were looking pretty rusty and ugly -


Fronts Painted -



Rears painted



Ready to roll (after they finish drying)

[motordavid]

Nice job, looks good!
It's on my TTD list...I may clean and
paint my rotor hubs, too.
GL, mD