Hey all,

Just thought I'd post this because I know a lot of RCF folks get their Brembo calipers custom powder coated...

So we had this ISF in the shop yesterday. Owner had the calipers custom powder coated years ago by a local powder coating shop who apparently is very reputable.

A few weeks ago he had a leak from one of the banjos and had to tighten it. When we looked at it yesterday while doing a brake job, the problem became very obvious, and this is certainly something you all should take notice of if you have had your calipers powder coated.

Bottom line is that the sealing surface to the banjo copper crush gaskets must be masked when coating, or tightening against the powder coat will work.... UNTIL the calipers get really hot (such as doing a track day). At that point the powder coat softens and compresses, and the banjo bolts become loose, creating a potentially serious and life threatening situation!

Pic below shows the depression in the powder coat that develops as the powder coat softens and banjo loosens. All the banjo bolts on this car were totally loose, actual tightening torque might have only been a few ft-lbs!

 

Nice so the best thing to do is let these people coat them and then have a Performance oriented shop or yourself and sand down those areas. Thanks again RR!

 

If you have them coated, just tell them to make sure to mask the banjo bolt area.

And if you already had yours powder coated, inspect it, and if that area is fully powder coated immediately address the problem before it leaks!

Rafi

 

Why not simply paint the calipers and not deal with any risks?

 

As long as the place powder coating your calipers are not boneheads, there really isn't any risk. Critical areas like the pistons and the banjo mating surface must be masked, that's all.

Rafi

 

Powder Coating is more durable versus Paint...Given the area it'll be exposed too...

 

Not if you track the car. Check the Corvette forums for the results of tracked powdercoated calipers. Not pretty at all.