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Refinishing satin black alloy parts
- Thread starter Willholmania
- Start date
I used a caliper paint for mine, but it was more of a gloss. You want something with some resistance to the brake fluid corrosion.
Yes, find some satin black paint. Use the same stuff on the master cylinder, the switchgear, clock bezels, etc. Remove all the corrosion first, and wipe with solvent. You'll have it looking spiffy in no time!
Rustoleum Semi gloss seems to work well, gives the right sheen, with synthetic dot 3-4 valvoline brake fluid paint damage hasn't been an issue. 
Willholmania
XS650 Enthusiast
At the risk of of it all kicking off, I’ll be using silicone brake fluid, so paint damage won’t be a problem. I’ve used it in most of my classic stuff over the years, and never had a problem with it.
Since you're experienced with it, you already know, but for those unfamiliar I'll add this remark. DOT 5 or silicone brake fluid does not strip paint as DOT 3&4 do. DOT 5 does suspend air and can make bleeding a challenge for the less patient. It is also not hygroscopic, so it does not require replacement nearly as often.
Back to paint!
If any one not experienced with DOT 5, you can't just drain the old DOT 3 and fill with DOT 5. The two are not compatible. You need to do a complete tear down and clean. Then you can put in the DOT 5.
Leo
Leo
Willholmania
XS650 Enthusiast
I'm rebuilding the MC and caliper and replacing the brake hoses with braided parts, so I won't have a problem.
BigGeorge
XS650 Addict
Does anyone know if DOT 5 brake fluid attracks moisture like DOT 3&4? It seems I'm having corrosion problems every 2 years in both the master cyl and the caliper of my 79 & 81 XS. I'm considering rebuilding the both brake systems and switching to DOT 5. The DOT 3&4 were new so it wasn't like I was using old contaminated fluid. I did read somewhere where that DOT 3&4 does attract moisture.
DOT 5 is not hygroscopic. It is not compatible with DOT 3 or 4. DOT 5 does suspend air and can be frustrating to bleed. You have to have a new system to switch to DOT 5. All traces of DOT 3 or 4 must be removed AFAIK.
IMHO, your system isn't sealed if you're having corrosion issues. Brake fluid should be replaced every other year. Yes, DOT 3 and DOT 4 are hygroscopic (attract moisture).
IMHO, your system isn't sealed if you're having corrosion issues. Brake fluid should be replaced every other year. Yes, DOT 3 and DOT 4 are hygroscopic (attract moisture).
I don't (haven't) had any issues with brake systems once I've redone them, some going on 10 years of use. Nearly all brakes I do get teflon (stainless) hoses to replace the rubber hose, which seems to be the prime moisture transfer agent. I mostly use Valvoline dot 3-4 synthetic.
https://www.valvoline.com/en-eur/vehicle-maintenance-brake-fluid/
Western New York shouldn't a a particularly nasty moisture issue climate?
https://www.valvoline.com/en-eur/vehicle-maintenance-brake-fluid/
Western New York shouldn't a a particularly nasty moisture issue climate?
Yes, it’s swamp humid. Malaria was a serious problem digging the Erie Canal.
BigGeorge
XS650 Addict
The caliper n the 81 started leaking, seeping actually and when I removed the puck I found corrosion on the puck but not the caliper bore. I've ordered a stainless puck and rebuild kit.
The 79 which didn't get ridden for a year, suddenly the master cyl lever was frozen. I took it apart and found corrosion in the bore. Both bikes had DOT 3 fluid from different bottles. Neither bike is stored outside, both are stored for the winter in my heated garage.
The 79 which didn't get ridden for a year, suddenly the master cyl lever was frozen. I took it apart and found corrosion in the bore. Both bikes had DOT 3 fluid from different bottles. Neither bike is stored outside, both are stored for the winter in my heated garage.
The stock chromed steel pucks DO rust. I use stainless pucks when I replace them.
Though corrosion issues when stainless touches aluminum is a thing. Generally once rebuilt we don't hear much about further problems with brake systems.
Guess I'd redo with a quality brake fluid. Name brands might do a better job on the corrosion inhibitor package.
Though corrosion issues when stainless touches aluminum is a thing. Generally once rebuilt we don't hear much about further problems with brake systems.
Guess I'd redo with a quality brake fluid. Name brands might do a better job on the corrosion inhibitor package.
And replace it periodically.
BigGeorge
XS650 Addict
Thanks gentlemen, I knew I'd get good advice here.
