Painting rear hubs

GrahamR

GrahamR

Member
My rear hubs are rusty, and don't look great when you see them through the alloy wheels. I intend cleaning them up with a wire brush and painting them. Any opinoins on the best type and colour of paint to use? (it looks as though the original colour was grey).
 
I have the very same issue on my A2, however I recently purchased a pair of new Drums (the rusted parts of the rear hubs) and then gave them a coat of Steel silver (2 parts black to one part silver) Hammerite. The colour looks identical to the original steel, so I've also painted my new front disc bell housings and I intend to paint the front calipers as well (if it doesn't rain tomorrow).

I'll post up some pictures as soon as I've done it all (including fitting new brake pads/shoes) :)
 
Much better if you use a paint with a separate hardener that is designed specifically for brake calipers/drums. I've always used Foliatec from Halfords. Whilst Hammerite is OK for disc calipers, the centrifugal forces it's subject to on brake drums can result in it running. The Foliatec sets very hard, very quickly.
 
Hi Graham,

I painted my rear drums last year using Hammerite and at the time the finish was ace. (See link).

http://www.a2oc.net/forum/showthread.php?t=5494&highlight=rusty+rear+drums

To be fair they have worn well, but in less than 12 months, I have now found that they need doing again. The trouble with the Hammerite is that it is similar to kitchen waterproof paint and forms a painted skin surface. Once a blemish suffers water ingress, it is prone to peeling and flakiness.

This said, I still have plenty of the stuff left from my first attempt, so I guess the use of some wet and dry, followed by a reapplication will follow in due course.

It may well be wise to try an alternative suggestion, but whichever way you go, I fear a 12 month recoat will ultimately be necessary anyway.

Hope this helps somewhat.

Cheers,

Darren
 
Thanks for your suggestions. I'll have a look in Halfords and see how I get on. Thanks for the link Darren - I should have searched before creating this post! Did you use brush or spray Hammerite?
 
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I used the good ol' fashioned can of paint and a brush Graham.

It may be worth giving a spray can a go to see if the durability is improved with this method of application. It is far easier with the drum removed though, whichever option you decide is best for you.

Good luck and don't forget to post some before and after piccies.

Cheers,

Darren
 
Painted Drums/Discs/Calipers

Hey Graham, I braved the hail, sleet, snow and crazy strong winds and fitted my new shiny parts.

Drums Before
01-3.jpg

02-3.jpg

Drums after
03-2.jpg

04-2.jpg
 
...cont

Discs before and after (no 'wheel off' shots as it was so bitterly cold and I was shaking to much to take many pictures!)
05-1.jpg

06-1.jpg


The brakes feel gorgeous now, so smooth and solid.
 
Using a trolley jack

I intend painting my hubs this weekend. Is there a specific place or areas where the jack should be placed to prevent causing damage, or am I better to use the normal jack and jacking points?
 
If you want to use a trolley jack, I'd recommend a pair of axel stands too.

The correct jacking points are inline with the places where the standard jack goes in - if you look inboard of the sill by about 6 inches, there;s a plastic circular bung. Put the head of the jack here, preferably with a piece of sacrificial timber to protect the ally from the steel jack.

Cheers,

Mike
 
Just thought I'd add that I've always used engine lacquer for painting things like drums, calipers and the bellhousing of disks. As the paint is heat resistant it survives well in those areas too.
 
A job well done Graham, and a good deal of self satisfaction too no doubt!! :)

I really must re-coat mine in the coming weeks.

Have you recently replaced your rear springs or has there been some good use of soap and water?! They look like new.

Darren
 
Darren C said:
A job well done Graham, and a good deal of self satisfaction too no doubt!! :)

I really must re-coat mine in the coming weeks.

Have you recently replaced your rear springs or has there been some good use of soap and water?! They look like new.

Darren
Click to expand...

Hi Darren,

No, I just took the opportunity to wipe over everything while the paint was drying, between coats. Also gave the alloys a good clean and polish when they were off the car (my wife thinks I'm "sad" - but I'm actually happy!):D
 
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