WRX --> LGT Brake Redux
04-01-2013, 11:08 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
iTrader: (14)
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Kahaluu, Oahu
Posts: 2,399
Car Info: 07 Sti
WRX --> LGT Brake Redux
Something that has always bothered me since I first put non-stock wheels on the car was the gaping spaces between my brakes and my wheels. At first I started this so I could get rid of that space, but now I also really need the extra stopping power. I wanted to change calipers and rotors once and have them be good enough to use for just about anything I need them for here on island. Tiny brakes inside nice wheels just don't look right:
I didn't need them immediately, so I figured why not take some time and fix them up a bit. I know painted calipers are a little cheezy, but I think the way I'm going about it they will look nice. Also, while I'm at it, full rebuilds are the front and rear calipers (dust boots, seals, and grease) should provide a like-new braking experience.
05 LGT Brakes (uses WRX pads)
316mm Front Rotors (22mm wider, 6mm thicker than stock WRX)
290mm Rear Rotors (24mm wider, 8mm thicker than stock WRX)
The first part of this refresh was very dirty, noisy, and no place to bring a phone out and take pics, so sorry.
Angle grinder to take down the roughness of the stock front calipers, also smoothed out some areas I felt could look a little better. Followed that up with some 320 grit sandpaper wheels and finally a wetsand with 500 grit. I only smoothed the faces that you would be able to see, as doing the whole caliper would have taken many man hours I simply didn't have. After I was happy with the visible surfaces, I took them down to Mr. Sandman to have all 4 calipers sandblasted, removing all of the caked on brake dust and rust that had accumulated. When I received them back, I broke them down and this is what we are left with:
Smooth Surfaces, none of that bumpy look after paint:
Ready to rebuild.
Dust Boots, Seals, Grease, and a pick to help the process:
First set of front's done:
Dust Boots replaced:
Masking for paint:
All pau bra:
I'l post again for the paint process, using engine enamel primer, and a low-gloss black with a few coats of clear on all four. All high temp paint so it should be durable.
I didn't need them immediately, so I figured why not take some time and fix them up a bit. I know painted calipers are a little cheezy, but I think the way I'm going about it they will look nice. Also, while I'm at it, full rebuilds are the front and rear calipers (dust boots, seals, and grease) should provide a like-new braking experience.
05 LGT Brakes (uses WRX pads)
316mm Front Rotors (22mm wider, 6mm thicker than stock WRX)
290mm Rear Rotors (24mm wider, 8mm thicker than stock WRX)
The first part of this refresh was very dirty, noisy, and no place to bring a phone out and take pics, so sorry.
Angle grinder to take down the roughness of the stock front calipers, also smoothed out some areas I felt could look a little better. Followed that up with some 320 grit sandpaper wheels and finally a wetsand with 500 grit. I only smoothed the faces that you would be able to see, as doing the whole caliper would have taken many man hours I simply didn't have. After I was happy with the visible surfaces, I took them down to Mr. Sandman to have all 4 calipers sandblasted, removing all of the caked on brake dust and rust that had accumulated. When I received them back, I broke them down and this is what we are left with:
Smooth Surfaces, none of that bumpy look after paint:
Ready to rebuild.
Dust Boots, Seals, Grease, and a pick to help the process:
First set of front's done:
Dust Boots replaced:
Masking for paint:
All pau bra:
I'l post again for the paint process, using engine enamel primer, and a low-gloss black with a few coats of clear on all four. All high temp paint so it should be durable.
04-02-2013, 12:49 PM
#6
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iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 491
Car Info: 04 WRX Wagon, 06 Forester XT, 99 Legacy Sedan
I will warn you now that the VHT high temp clear coat, both the caliper paint and engine enamel versions, will darken the base color considerably when you bake to cure the clear coat.
Not sure if you have read through this yet but this was my FULL rebuild of the 4/2 pot calipers.
https://www.i-club.com/forums/suspen...d-pics-236053/
Especially post number 12.
I dont have before and after photos but the ones that I cured the clearcoat up to 550 came out slighly darker red than the ones that I only cured to 400.
I could tell it was the clear-coat because the white lettering was now BARELY off white/dirty white. meaning the transparency of the clear-coat diminished slightly with the higher heat.
I would also suggest installing speed bleeders in each caliper so that you can bleed the system by yourself instead of needing a second person.
Not sure if you have read through this yet but this was my FULL rebuild of the 4/2 pot calipers.
https://www.i-club.com/forums/suspen...d-pics-236053/
Especially post number 12.
I dont have before and after photos but the ones that I cured the clearcoat up to 550 came out slighly darker red than the ones that I only cured to 400.
I could tell it was the clear-coat because the white lettering was now BARELY off white/dirty white. meaning the transparency of the clear-coat diminished slightly with the higher heat.
I would also suggest installing speed bleeders in each caliper so that you can bleed the system by yourself instead of needing a second person.
04-02-2013, 04:21 PM
#7
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iTrader: (66)
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Windward, Oahu
Posts: 3,615
Car Info: 3 Sleepers: 05 LGT, 05 FXT, 02 WRX
05 LGT Fronts
I have a set of 05 LGT front rotors and calipers I'll be installing on my son's 05 FXT soon...have a few other small projects I need to finish before...I won't be planning on painting mine though...it's being built as a sleeper...
04-02-2013, 05:10 PM
#9
Registered User
iTrader: (66)
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Windward, Oahu
Posts: 3,615
Car Info: 3 Sleepers: 05 LGT, 05 FXT, 02 WRX
@TheTruth...I pm'd you.
Sorry, thought you were in Kaneohe...just let me know when and where in Ewa...I'll swing by.
I can head out tonight if it works for you.
thanks.
Sorry, thought you were in Kaneohe...just let me know when and where in Ewa...I'll swing by.
I can head out tonight if it works for you.
thanks.
Last edited by Island Style; 04-02-2013 at 05:15 PM.
04-02-2013, 05:34 PM
#10
Registered User
Thread Starter
iTrader: (14)
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Kahaluu, Oahu
Posts: 2,399
Car Info: 07 Sti
The GR Front Rotors are the same size as my stock WRX rotors. The rears are 286mm (20mm larger than stock WRX rotors)
EXTREMELY useful brake information here:
Compiled brake information - NASIOC
EXTREMELY useful brake information here:
Compiled brake information - NASIOC
Last edited by Krang; 04-02-2013 at 05:37 PM.
04-02-2013, 08:40 PM
#11
Krang, I forgot to mention that I have GR STi Brembos front and rear if you are interested. I think the backs will need an adapter braket but this will definitely stop you. And they are black!
