Topic: Are my Calipers ruined?

[Kickstart]

So, I got all my parts back from the powder coating place and I was shocked to see that they sandblasted the inside of my brake calipers (some close-up pictures attached).

I complained they ruined my calipers, but was told they do this on all the calipers they receive and they've done thousands.
I'm thinking these are no longer usable... looking for opinions from others.  Will the o-ring seal properly now?

Thanks,
Chris

[72500john]

they are fine. just make sure there is no gunk build up left over in the channel where the seal rides and give them a good flushing with something like alcohol before assembly.

[CycleRanger]

Yeah, it would have been better if they hadn't done that, imo.
I could see that causing the piston to bind.
I'd measure the bores and make sure they're still in spec.
I glass-beaded the outside of my caliper but I covered up the inside before hand.

[72500john]

cycleranger, do the pistons ride on the inside of the bore or just the sealing surface? did i have my thinking of how it worked wrong? sorry if i gave misinfo.

[shinyribs]

That sucks! I'd be pissed,too. They removed the factory coating inside that prevents corrosion ! No,not ruined,but still that was not very professional on their part. I'd give it a good sanding with some very fine sand paper if it were me.Provided you have enough to spare.

Also,that outer o-ring is just a dust seal.It'll be just fine. Although it doesn't look it,powder coat is actually a very thin coating compared to actual paint. It won't interfere with your seal at all.No worries there bud.

[Kickstart]

Thanks for the feedback...

I'm worried about the inner O-ring surface (or the only O-ring on the front caliper).  Since it's responsible for holding in the brake fluid and retracting the piston, I'm pretty sure these are toast.

Hondaman pretty much confirmed this in an email... saying that the surface needs to be very smooth. 

I might try sanding/polishing it up.  But I believe doing that will take it past the acceptable dimensions.  I'm not sure I even want to invest the time to try and make these work.  I might be better off just finding a replacement.

Argh

[CycleRanger]

I complained they ruined my calipers, but was told they do this on all the calipers they receive and they've done thousands.
Thanks,
Chris

Yeah, that sounds like BS to cover their mistake. I'd go back to the shop and tell them you've consulted with an expert and the calipers are toast and negotiate some remediation.