removing calipers

[jamesthomas404]

ive got a polo sport and i want to remove all the calipers to paint them, i need to change the fluid any way as i dont think its been done yet, how should i go about doing it?
thanks, James

[RUM4MO]

Personnaly I'd treat these as two jobs, to change the fluid you just flush the old through with new fluid - maybe using a vac system - Myti-vac or the Gunson pressure bleeder. Normally 1.0>2.0 (or maybe only 0.5>1.0) litres is enough bleed short runs then longer runs. To paint the calipers, I'd clean them up as much as possible and locate them near where they should be mounted in a way to avoid stressing the flexi pipes - and paint them - maybe use stiff wire through a bolt hole and hang them from a convenient point.

[jamesthomas404]

would it do any damage if i left the braking system with no fluid in while i removed and painted the calipers then filled it back up again once id fitted all the calipers

[RUM4MO]

The thing is, why give yourself this extra grief - you might wreck a pipe removing the calipers, as I said, if I was to paint mine, I'd try to make it as easy as possible and leaving the fluid lines intact is in my mind the easiest way to do this.

[jamesthomas404]

ill just do that then. cheers for your help!

[david burton]

If you paint, use brush paint. the surface of a caliper is too rough to bother using a spray can, and with brush paint you will cause less mess and it'll be a lot easier to control without overspray ruining discs, pads etc.