I recently replaced the stock wheels on my car, which results in a lot more of the rotors and calipers showing. I'm thinking with my black car and black wheels, it'd look a lot nicer with drilled rotors and the calipers painted black. So I'm thinking about trying to do it myself and replace the brake pads at the same time. I've read some of the DIY threads on the forums and read through Robin Yang's site, but I'm still wondering if this is something I can tackle. Do people have any insight or tips? The caliper painting definitely looks easy, but the rotor replacement sounds like it might be more complicated. And I'm especially worried about having to force the rotors off if the car is on jack stands. Here's sort of the process I'm envisioning...

1) Loosen lug nuts

2) Jack car up, place on jack stands (2 in front, 2 in back)

3) Completely remove wheels

4) Remove caliper bolts and tape calipers up

5) Clean calipers with metal brush, degreaser

6) Paint calipers with G2 caliper paint kit, two coats, allow to dry

7) Remove brake pads and replace with ceramic (brand???)

8) Remove rotor screws

9) Remove rotors (potential for banging with rubber hammer)

10) Clean hubs, install new rotors (brand? suggestions???)

11) Reassemble everything

12) Tires back on car, lower from jack stands

Also my car is automatic but it's the Grand Touring that had 18" stock wheels, so I think I need the sport rotors in the front, but I was hoping someone could verify.

And people who have used the Polak RX-8 decals on painted calipers... Do they hold up fine as decals on top with the heat, or am I better painting a white base coat and letting it show through with the RX-8 letters when I do a black top coat?

Any help or insight anyone has would be really appreciated. Including "you sound like an idiot, go to a speed shop."

a neat trick to stop all your brake fluid leaking out is to take off the cap of the reservoir and place a plastic bag over it then screw the lid back on again .

Make sure you have an impact screwdriver on hand to get out the rotor screws .

Oh - you didn't mention bleed the brakes .......

yes you will want to bleed the brakes if you are replacing those pads. you'll have to compress the pistons

you don't need to bleed the brakes replacing brake pads...

you don't need to bleed the brakes replacing brake pads...

If you remove the caliper from the brake line to paint it, you'll need to bleed them. just replacing pads though shouldn't require bleeding the brakes. Replacing pads does not require removing the caliper from the brake lines.

I have also heard, after the install...

go about 15-20 and slam on the brakes to engage the ABS. This will reset the ABS, since the pistons were compressed with the car off during the install. can someone verify this?

I actually wasn't planning on removing the caliper from the brake line to paint and replace the brake pads. Just sort of rotating it upwards using the technique here:

http://www.polakgraphics.com/index2.php?page=cart/caliperinstall.html

I also strongly suggest you apply a coat of clear coat paint when you are done with the G2 paint coats. It protects and gives it a shiny look.

I actually wasn't planning on removing the caliper from the brake line to paint and replace the brake pads. Just sort of rotating it upwards using the technique here:

http://www.polakgraphics.com/index2.php?page=cart/caliperinstall.html


Make sure to cover up your fenders real good. I'd hate to see you get overspray on your fenders.

Good luck!

I've been thinking about doing something like this for quite some time now. Awesome polakgraphics link btw. :icon_tup: Looks wayyy better than stock

I used the method in that link on my grand prix and it held up very well. I used newspaper and covered my whole inner and outer fender area and didn't have any overspray. Do it inside and be damned careful.

You will for sure need the impact screwdriver(at least in 95% of all cases). Also, at least think about painting your dust shields(behind the rotors) black. I did that and I'm happy I did.