Maya Ellison
Brake caliper covers are an easy way to add some colour and style to your vehicle. They are an alternative to painting your calipers, which can be time-consuming and may not withstand the heat generated during braking. Caliper covers are vehicle-specific, designed to fit over your existing brakes without impairing performance or causing damage. They are also easy to install, and can be done at home with standard car tools. The process typically involves removing the wheel, cleaning the caliper, test-fitting the cover, applying adhesive or fasteners, and allowing the assembly to dry or cure before reinstalling the wheel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Installation time | 1 hour |
| Installation difficulty | Easy |
| Installation tools | Standard car tools |
| Installation preparation | Park your vehicle on a level surface, engage the Emergency Brake, put on Safety Glasses, and raise the vehicle per the manufacturer’s instructions |
| Installation steps | 1. Remove the wheel and clean the caliper. 2. Test for the best position. 3. Cut the unnecessary edge of the cover. 4. Apply the auto glass 3M glue to the caliper cover. 5. Install the cover on the caliper. 6. Apply masking tape to the cover. 7. Allow the sealant to dry for at least 2-3 hours. 8. Place the front caliper cover on top of the brake caliper and slide the mounting clip on while keeping the caliper cover centered. 9. Slide the top of the clip underneath the fastening lock nut and the bottom side of the clip between the rotor and the caliper bracket. 10. Repeat the clip installation on the other side. 11. Hand tighten the lock nuts. 12. Tighten down the lock nuts with a 3/8-inch wrench to 25 inch-pounds. 13. Verify clearance between the brake rotor and fastening clip using a .013mm paper feeler gauge. 14. Reinstall the rear wheel, being careful not to damage the caliper cover. 15. Verify that the wheel clears the caliper cover before lowering the vehicle. 16. Tighten lug nuts per manufacturer’s specifications using a torque wrench. 17. Repeat for the opposite side if necessary. |
| Advantages | Improved appearance, decreased brake dust, ease of installation, no need for painting calipers |
| Considerations | Ensure a minimum clearance of 1/8" between the wheel and the caliper before installing caliper covers, select the correct rim size, consider using a professional installation service |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your vehicle
Preparing your vehicle for the installation of plastic brake caliper covers is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to ensure a safe and effective outcome. Here are the steps you should follow:
Firstly, park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the emergency brake. This is a crucial step to ensure your vehicle remains stationary and stable throughout the installation process. Put on your safety glasses to protect your eyes from any debris or foreign objects.
Next, you'll need to raise the vehicle according to the manufacturer's instructions. Each vehicle has specific guidelines for this, so refer to your owner's manual or seek guidance from the manufacturer. It is imperative that you place jack stands under the vehicle for support. Safety should always come first, so ensure you follow all workshop safety practices, including the proper use of a floor jack and torqueing of wheel nuts/bolts.
Before proceeding, it is important to measure the clearance between the wheel and the caliper. Ensure there is a minimum of 1/8" clearance for the caliper covers to fit correctly. If your brake pads have retaining wires, these may need to be adjusted or flattened to avoid any clearance issues during installation. You can use a pair of pliers for this step, carefully bending the wires without affecting brake operation.
Now you're ready to begin the installation process. Remove the wheel and clean the caliper thoroughly. This step ensures that the surface is free of any dirt or debris that could interfere with the adhesion of the caliper cover. It is important to work on a clean surface to achieve the best results.
Finally, test for the best position of the caliper cover. This may involve minor modifications, such as cutting any unnecessary edges on the cover to ensure a precise fit. Some vehicles may require slight adjustments to ensure the cover aligns perfectly with the caliper.
By following these steps, you'll have successfully prepared your vehicle for the installation of plastic brake caliper covers, ensuring a safe and effective enhancement to your brakes and vehicle aesthetics.
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Remove the wheel and clean the caliper
Installing plastic brake caliper covers requires removing the wheel and cleaning the caliper. This process is essential for ensuring the covers fit correctly and function optimally. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Remove the wheel:
Before starting, ensure your car is parked on a flat surface and engage the parking brake for safety. Place wheel chocks—wooden blocks or similar—behind the wheels to prevent accidental rolling. You will need to raise the vehicle using a jack to access the wheels. Place the jack under the car, following the manufacturer's instructions for the correct placement points. Once the car is securely lifted, remove the wheel by unscrewing the lug nuts and taking the wheel off the hub.
Clean the caliper:
With the wheel removed, you now have access to the brake caliper for cleaning. Brake calipers can accumulate dust, grime, and rust over time, so a thorough cleaning is necessary. Firstly, use a wire brush or sandblasting to remove any rust buildup from the caliper. This process ensures a clean and smooth surface. You can also use iron remover or a product like P&S Iron Buster to address any rust or iron deposits. Be cautious when using heavy-duty cleaners, as they can damage paintwork. A non-chlorinated brake cleaner spray can effectively remove dirt and grime from the caliper. Ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and wear appropriate protective gear when using any cleaning chemicals. It is also important to clean the inside of the wheels and the mounting points of the caliper. A thorough cleaning will enhance the appearance of your brakes and improve their performance by reducing noise and premature wear.
Remember, it is always recommended to consult a certified technician or mechanic if you have any questions or concerns during this process.
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Test for the best position
Before you begin, make sure you have the correct rim size and that there is a minimum of 1/8" clearance between the wheel and the caliper for the caliper covers to fit. Place the caliper cover on top of the brake caliper, ensuring that it is centred. The brackets attached to the cover piece should align with the corner areas of the caliper bracket.
Slide the mounting clip on while keeping the caliper cover centred and snug against the face of the brake caliper. The top of the clip should go underneath the fastening lock nut, and the bottom side of the clip should slide in between the rotor and the caliper bracket. Repeat the clip installation on the other side.
Check that the caliper cover is centred and hand-tighten the lock nuts. Tighten the lock nuts with a 3/8 inch wrench to 25 inch-pounds (about 1/2 turn past finger-tight). Verify that there is adequate clearance between the brake rotor and fastening clip using a .013mm paper feeler gauge. The feeler gauge should be able to slide in and out without obstruction.
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Attach the cover
Attaching the cover is a straightforward process. Firstly, place the caliper cover on top of the brake caliper, ensuring it is centred and snug against the face of the brake caliper. The brackets attached to the cover piece should align with the corner areas of the caliper bracket.
Next, slide the mounting clip onto the cover, ensuring the top of the clip is underneath the fastening lock nut, and the bottom side is between the rotor and the caliper bracket. Repeat this process on the other side. Ensure the cover is still centred, then hand-tighten the lock nuts.
Finally, tighten the lock nuts with a 3/8-inch wrench to 25 inch-pounds (about half a turn past finger-tight). It is important not to overtighten the lock nuts, as this could damage the caliper cover.
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Verify clearance and tighten
After tightening the lock nuts, it is crucial to verify clearance and tighten the assembly further to ensure a secure fit for the plastic brake caliper covers. Here are the detailed steps for this critical process:
Verify Clearance:
Use the provided .013mm paper feeler gauge to check the clearance between the brake rotor and the fastening clip. This step is essential to ensure that the brake rotor can rotate freely without any obstruction. Insert the feeler gauge between the rotor and the fastening clip, and it should slide in and out smoothly without any resistance. Ensure that the caliper cover is centred and snug against the face of the brake caliper to maintain proper clearance.
Spin the Brake Rotor:
Grab the brake rotor and spin it by hand to double-check that it does not come into contact with the caliper cover, clips, or any other part of the assembly. This step ensures that the brake rotor has sufficient clearance and will not rub against the caliper cover during vehicle operation. It is vital to verify this clearance to prevent any damage or interference with the braking system.
Verify Wheel Clearance:
Before lowering the vehicle, carefully check that the wheel clears the caliper cover. This step is crucial to ensure that the caliper cover does not interfere with the wheel's rotation or cause any damage to the cover or wheel. Ensure that the wheel can rotate freely without any obstruction from the caliper cover.
Tighten Lug Nuts:
Using a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts according to the manufacturer's specifications. Refer to the vehicle's service manual or the manufacturer's instructions to determine the correct torque value for the lug nuts. This step secures the wheel assembly, including the brake caliper and caliper cover, in place.
Repeat for Opposite Side:
If your vehicle has a similar brake caliper assembly on the opposite side, repeat the entire process, including verifying clearance and tightening. Ensure that all lock nuts and lug nuts are tightened to the specified torque values for a secure and safe installation.
Remember, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take all necessary safety precautions when installing plastic brake caliper covers. This process ensures that your brake system functions optimally and maintains the cosmetic enhancements provided by the caliper covers.
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