SERVICE 12 · BRAKE CALIPER RESTORATION
Brake caliper restoration in La Línea
We do brake caliper restoration in La Línea de la Concepción, just over the border from Gibraltar. Calipers cleaned, checked and painted, so they work properly and look right behind your wheels.
What caliper restoration involves
The caliper is the part that squeezes the pads against the disc when you brake. It lives in a hard spot: heat, water, salt, brake dust and everything the road throws at it. Over time the paint burns or flakes, rust sets in and, in worse cases, the pistons or slide pins start to stick.
Restoring a caliper isn't just a quick coat of paint over the top. Done properly, it comes off the car, is cleaned back to remove rust and old paint, has its pistons, dust boots and slide pins checked, and is then painted with a finish made to cope with brake temperatures.
A lot of it is about looks, since clean, painted calipers show through almost any wheel, but it's also a good chance to make sure the braking system is healthy. If we spot something that needs replacing, we tell you before we go any further.
Why do it
The most common reasons people have their calipers restored or painted:
- Rusty calipers or flaking paint spoiling the look, especially behind open-spoke wheels.
- New wheels, and you want the calipers to match.
- A particular colour: red, yellow, gloss black or matched to the bodywork.
- Split dust boots or stiff slide pins that are worth sorting before they cause trouble.
- You're restoring a car and want the brakes to the same standard as everything else.
How we do it
STEP 01
Check and photos
With the wheels off, we look at the calipers, discs and pads and photograph their starting condition. You get a quote before anything is stripped.
STEP 02
Removal
The calipers come off the car, the brake lines are sealed and the parts that won't be painted are set aside.
STEP 03
Cleaning and inspection
Rust, grease and old paint are removed until the caliper is clean, and the pistons, dust boots and slide pins are inspected. If anything is worn, we tell you before replacing it.
STEP 04
Paint
The surface is prepared and painted in your chosen colour with a high-temperature paint, built up in coats with proper drying time.
STEP 05
Refit and test
The calipers go back on, the brakes are bled and the car is road tested before you collect it.
Typical cars
It's a popular job on performance cars and anything with thin-spoke wheels where the calipers are on show. Some examples from the marques we work with most:
Typical models
- Volkswagen Golf GTI / R
- Seat León Cupra
- Cupra Formentor
- Audi S3
- Audi RS3
- Mercedes-AMG C 63
- BMW M3
- BMW 3 Series M Sport
- Porsche Cayman
- Jaguar F-Type
Frequently asked questions
Do you paint them on or off the car?
For a finish that lasts, they should come off, be cleaned properly and be painted off the car. Paint over a dirty caliper still fitted to the car tends to flake off once it gets hot.
Can I choose any colour?
Yes, within the paints that can take brake temperatures. Red, yellow, black and grey are the most asked for, but tell us what you're after and we'll see what's possible.
Can you add logos or lettering?
Yes, we can add logos or lettering. If you'd like it, mention it when you ask for a quote.
Is the caliper paint guaranteed?
Yes, the work is guaranteed. If you notice anything afterwards, get in touch and we'll check it over.
Will it improve my braking?
Paint on its own doesn't change how the car brakes. What does help is freeing off seized pistons and slide pins, which can make pads drag or the car pull to one side under braking.
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Get a quote
Tell us what car you have and what it needs. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can, usually on WhatsApp.