Metal finishing.

[sprocket]

sprocket

Hello everyone I need your help.

I'm refurbishing some XJS wheel Hubs and brake Calipers for my DAX, and wondered if I should have them powdercoated or plated. If plating, what type of plating?

Any information would be helpful.

[bnissel]

When I built my Ram I found it was best to bead blast all the brake bits and then Zinc Plate. This gives you a silver finish like a fastener. If you want a gold finish this is called zinc plate and passivate. The acid used in the plating process removes light rust but not the thick flaky sort. Front and rear hubs and uprights come up like new with zinc plating. The ali rear bearing carriers look great bead blasted and then clear laquered. When bead blasting threads must be protected with old nuts and bolts, bearing locations must be masked or the fit will be ruined. The more you have plated usually the cheaper it is. Nyloc nuts are best replaced with new.

[JimT]

Did you have any problems with the caliper piston cylinder diameter being reduced a very tiny amount due to the plating? Did the piston insert without problems?

Jim.

[VinceGledhill]

I would make sure that I didn't get any plating inside the cylinder. These are machined faces and are a part of the braking system.

This system is more important to your life than anything else on the car. Personally I cleaned mine and painted in hamerite. It won't last for ever. But then nothing will.

Regards
Vince
Time served Auto Electrician
Lucas Leeds 1979-1983

[bnissel]

Pistons are a loose fit in the caliper and plating is so thin that fit is not effected. Talking about the pistons, these are chrome plated to a mirror finish. Any scoring or pitting and they must be rejected and replaced with new. Replace the seals and O rings with new ones. Replace the bleed nipples if worn or rusty. When you have rebuilt braking system to as new keep it that way with Silicone Brake Fluid. Main advantages are it keeps water out, works in higher temperatures, will not damage paint and lasts forever. Worth every pound!

[JimT]

Cheers Bill, looks like I can go ahead with the zinc-plating then.

Jim.

[maxGD059]

Mike
Was this the picture your other half took when you got your head stuck under the diff?

Cheers

Richard
(It'll only be a 5 minute job)

[Miket]

See what you mean Hawk Eye, but NO, the overalls where off at the time.

Or it could have been the other half?

Mike

[bnissel]

News Headlines
A car builder so intent on finishing his Cobra before Winter died today of malnutrition and dehydration. His last words were "OK I will just be a Min"

[Terry GD007]

Hammerite is good and friendly stuff but normal brake fluid just washes it off. I wouldn't use it on calipers if I were you.