Cleaning caliper pistons

Should be able to use any good brake cleaner. BrakeKleen etc.

When I was working as a mechanic many years ago, we'd use a wire wheel on a grinder to polish them up. You could also put a wire wheel on a drill to do it.

I've wire-wheeled them. Was thinking a Scotch-Brite Pad would work too. Even FINE steel wool. With that you could use brake fluid as a lubricant. But if they're pitted on the sealing surface, you need new pistons.
Did you order rebuild kits for F-700?

curious? is all the work worth it? seems you could buy new .after you buy the kit and the work, compared to new ones ready to install.

midnightsadie wrote:
curious? is all the work worth it? seems you could buy new .after you buy the kit and the work, compared to new ones ready to install.

As long as you say your time is free, then yes it's worth it. Only problem is when you do the work and then they leak, then it's a kick in the shorts.

The pistons are polished chrome on most I've seen. If brake cleaner won't clean it I would replace them. That's just me. I wouldn't use carburator cleaner in a machine. It might cause chrome to flake???
The brake caliper mf probably has some recomendations; maybe online.

down home wrote:
The pistons are polished chrome on most I've seen. If brake cleaner won't clean it I would replace them. That's just me. I wouldn't use carburator cleaner in a machine. It might cause chrome to flake???
The brake caliper mf probably has some recomendations; maybe online.

me too, I would just hit the local auto parts store and get rebuilds.

midnightsadie wrote:
curious? is all the work worth it? seems you could buy new .after you buy the kit and the work, compared to new ones ready to install.

Thanks all for feedback. Rebuild kit is $14 compared to near $100 for a rebuilt caliper. Times four it adds up to over $300.

There are cylinder hones available for smaller hydraulic cylinders. If it is just the usual debris, a solvent and some emery paper should remove the tarnish.

I bought on ebay this caliper for less than 75 each delivered loaded.
that's new pads.
since I have seen for sale for as cheap as 30 delivered.

just new pistons and seals are more than that.