Since no one has answered this, I need to ask again.
Even though my brake issue might very well be the proportioning valve, I have gotten the recall kit for the rears. Why are the new pistons painted? It seems most likely to prevent rusting while it sits on a shelf at the parts warehouse, so how the heck do I get the stuff off? Under the paint, the metal appears to have the proper finish. I have not as yet tried fuel, brake fluid, or lacquer thinner, but have tried turpentine, alcohol, acetone, Noxon. The kit came from WWW.GMPartsDirect.com.

Thank You

Seth

 

Brake parts cleaner??

Ed

 

Sounds so right, that it may just be the ticket. Next stop- AutoZone. Or Twilight Zone.

Will let you know. Thanks.

Seth

 

I also have one of the recall kits and although I haven't looked at it closely, I'd probably leave the stuff on them unless they don't want to go into the piston bore. I take it that the coating you describe is a type of corrosion inhibitor.

Ed

 

Ed,

If the coating had been applied more evenly, it possibly could stay. I had a Triumph TR-7, and the brake pistons were polished-chrome over cast iron. This is why I want to clean them up. It seems to be the right thing to do.
I just came back from AutoZone, and will try the cleaner later. I went to several places, looking for that red rubber lubricant used for brake rebuilding. Couldn't find it, so I may use brake fluid for assembly. Since I am in no hurry, I might look further for some. I have been told that Valvoline RED wheel bearing grease is the same product.

Thanks

Seth

 

That's funny, the pistons in the recall kits I've seen were all bare metal. I always just used brake fluid to lubricate them during reassembly.

 

I haven't taken a poll, so I have no clue if my kit is the only one.
Brake cleaner, fuel, brake fluid have no effect. I have begun to polish one of the new pistons with Nevr-Dull. It is a polish-impregnated cotton wadding that comes in a tin. The little bit that I have struggled to polish is much smoother to the touch, as the paint coat is matt in finish. Even coated with brake fluid, the matte finish of the paint can be felt. The hand-polishing seems to alleviate the problem. As far as I know, the seals need to see a smooth surface, or they will wear fast.

Seth