shot blasting callipers

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Al2O3

Al2O3

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How do you seal off the cylinders? or do you leave the pistons in?
I saw an episode of wheeler dealers when they shot blast some callipers, I'm sure they pushed the pistons out first, but can't remember how they prepped them for shot blasting.
 
You could either leave the old ones in or make plugs to fit in the holes. If your going to get someone to shot blast them for you then surely it would be cheaper to buy some new ones if you consider the cost of shot blasting, new pistons and seals. Of course if your doing it yourself that would be fine.
 
Yeah, I pulled out the dust seals and retaining rings but left the main seals in and the pistons almost fully out.
Hydraulic lines plugged too.
Blasted all then fitted new pistons and all seals.
 
You could either leave the old ones in or make plugs to fit in the holes. If your going to get someone to shot blast them for you then surely it would be cheaper to buy some new ones if you consider the cost of shot blasting, new pistons and seals. Of course if your doing it yourself that would be fine.
Click to expand...

That's a good point. I don't know how much it will cost to get them shot blast yet. Just popped the first 4 pistons out this afternoon and thought, surely it would be better to leave them in until after blasting. I'll ring for shot blast quotes tomorrow and see how the options compare.
 
Definitely get a quote first - callipers are so cheap now...

When I did the rear callipers on my Saab, i left the calliper whole, with the piston retracted, but did block off the hydraulic pipe opening.

The thinking here was that I will be changing the seals anyway, but really didn't want any grit getting in, and didn't want the piston or bore being attacked by the shot blast. So I "sacrificed" the old rubbers.

When I collected them, all the rubbers were still intact, and some grit hat congregated around the outer rubber, but the bore was untouched, so all I had to do was extract the pistons, paint and rebuild.
 
captainbeaky said:
Definitely get a quote first - callipers are so cheap now...

When I did the rear callipers on my Saab, i left the calliper whole, with the piston retracted, but did block off the hydraulic pipe opening.

The thinking here was that I will be changing the seals anyway, but really didn't want any grit getting in, and didn't want the piston or bore being attacked by the shot blast. So I "sacrificed" the old rubbers.

When I collected them, all the rubbers were still intact, and some grit hat congregated around the outer rubber, but the bore was untouched, so all I had to do was extract the pistons, paint and rebuild.
Click to expand...

Cheap calipers, where? with the part nos i have im looking at over £300 for aftermarket ones from paddocks for my 95 300tdi:eek:
 
Yeah, just looked at Paddocks myself. Prices vary a lot for calipers, but looks like you could easily spend £300 on a full set. Stainless pistons are £8.40 each (inc VAT), That's £100.80p for 12.
 
Recently had mine shot blasted and powder coated black £40
Purchased all new stainless pistons and seals £60
 
mick the builder said:
Cheap calipers, where? with the part nos i have im looking at over £300 for aftermarket ones from paddocks for my 95 300tdi:eek:
Click to expand...

Mick - £37 - £40 per corner

Check lrdirect or totalparts

Part numbers have changed to:

SEB500450
SEB500440
SMC500110
SMC500240

For some reason when searching Paddocks site witth the old STC part numbers they only show the genuine part:eek:
 
I'm going to give electrolysis a go costs next to nothing to make the kit and the results seem pretty good, here's an example, not mine
 
Recently had mine shot blasted and powder coated black £40
Purchased all new stainless pistons and seals £60
Click to expand...

Was that £40 per corner?

I've just got a quote for £120+Vat for all 4, that includes powder coating.

Where did you buy the stainless pistons and seals for £60 :eek:
 
cowasaki said:
The before shot looks pretty good to me. I don't think I would choose to colour them a mucky brown colour :D
Click to expand...

Thats the reverse process for making your chelsea tractor look like its done more off roading than a grass verge :)
 
Does anyone have long term experience of stainless pistons? How much longer do they last?

Like greyhair I have got my shotblast and powder coat costs down to £40. But, with the stainless pistons and seals costing £60 its close to buying two new ones (front) for about £132.00 the pair.

What would you do?
 
Al2O3 said:
Does anyone have long term experience of stainless pistons? How much longer do they last?

Like greyhair I have got my shotblast and powder coat costs down to £40. But, with the stainless pistons and seals costing £60 its close to buying two new ones (front) for about £132.00 the pair.

What would you do?
Click to expand...

if you have a half decent compressor you can make your own shot blaster n box for a few quid then just spray them your self in any colour you want. good as new job done
 
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