Dodge Ram 1994-Present: How to Paint Your Brake Calipers

This article applies to the Dodge Ram (1994-Present).

A rusty pair of brake calipers might still be in good shape, but they’re ruining the look of your Dodge Ram's shiny wheels. Rather than getting them replaced, a simple solution is to spray paint them a new color. This is not only a great way to update the look of your car, but it also keeps them rust free for longer. The best part is – this is a task that can be performed at home, and it won’t take up an afternoon.

Step 1 – Remove the brake caliper from the wheel

Use a jack on level ground to lift your truck up. Once the truck has been properly hoisted, remove the lug nuts, then remove the tire. You will now be able to access the brake caliper. There are bolts on the back of the caliper on either side. Remove these bolts and put them to the side. Hold the caliper at the top and begin to wiggle it loose—be persistent, but also be careful not to put any stress on the brake line.

Step 2 – Place caliper on bucket

You'll want to paint the brake calipers while they’re still attached to the car to avoid having to bleed the brake line. This will save you not just time, but money too. Take a moment to cover all nearby parts so they don’t get paint on them. A garbage bag will do, but taping newspapers is another solution that will work just fine as well.

Step 3 – Scrape brake caliper with metal brush

Be careful not to scrub the rubber covers located around the brake caliper. Accidental scrubbing of the rubber could lead to unnecessary wear of the protective layer. Now go ahead and spray with Brakleen to clean it all up.

Step 4 – Sand with sandpaper

Spend time going through all the odd angles and bends of the caliper to get rid of all the old rust spots with 230-grit sandpaper. Now move onto 600-grit sandpaper for final sanding of all rough spots so that the surface is even. Hit it with one more spraying of Brakleen for good measure.

Step 5 – Change gloves and clean with alcohol

Your gloves are likely covered with rust, dirt, and metal scrapings; since you will now be giving the calipers a final cleaning before they get painted, you want to ensure nothing gets on the surface at this point. So dispose your current gloves and put on a new pair. Now, using a regular paper towel, soak it with rubbing alcohol and clean the caliper. There will be a lot of stuff that comes off, so you may need to use more than one paper towel.

Step 6 – Spray paint the caliper

Tape up the rubber covers (you probably don’t want to get spray paint on them). Take a moment to check out the instructions on the back of your spray paint can (they differ per manufacturer). Make sure you are spraying within the recommended temperature setting. Also, check to see what they recommend for the spraying distance (how many inches you should be away from your target), and how many coats are necessary.

Remember to allow for a few minutes of dry time between adding coats. Only do one side at a time before rotating caliper. Rotate the caliper to do the other side when the present side is fully dry.

Step 7 – Replace brake caliper

Place the caliper back onto the brake disk in its original placement. Ensure snug fit and then replace the two bolts. Replace the tire and tighten the lug nuts. Lower the car and then test the brakes in an open driving area, driving at slow speeds to ensure proper operation.

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