Brake Caliper Corrosion Protection

Steelgard Cast Iron Rust Protection S8703DD 100

A Harry Miller Corp Customer remanufactures various automotive components. As part of that process, some parts are coated with a water-soluble rust preventive that is applied after sandblasting of cast steel parts. In this round of testing, uncoated disassembled brake calipers were submitted by the customer, fresh off the process line prior to the coating step. Steelgard 8703 was then applied at the Harry Miller Corp Laboratory. One uncoated caliper was tested as received to determine the speed and pattern of the corrosion process.

Two different varieties of calipers were submitted for testing. Four of the calipers were identical and cast with TRW and Chrysler Pentastar logos on them. One of each caliper was dip coated in Steelgard 8703-DD. The other two calipers differed slightly but there was no discernible manufacturer. The dip coated calipers were allowed to drip drain in the lab atmosphere over a weekend period. The calipers were then placed in the Singleton humidity cabinet at 100°F and 100% relative humidity and checked periodically for rust and/or stain.

Brake calipers placed in the Singleton Humidity Cabinet.

The initial evaluation was at four hours humidity exposure. At that time the uncoated casting exhibited considerable rust and was removed from the test.

Front of uncoated part after 4 hours in the humidity cabinet

Back of uncoated part after 4 hours in the humidity cabinet

The calipers coated in Steelgard 8703-DD were left in the humidity cabinet for a total testing time of 100 hours. At the conclusion of the testing, the calipers coated in Steelgard 8703-DD exhibited no corrosion.

Front of casting coated with Steelgard 8703-D after 100 hours of exposure

Back of casting coated with Steelgard 8703-D after 100 hours of exposure

Steelgard 8703-DD provided excellent corrosion protection on the brake calipers under the severe testing conditions. Under ambient, indoor conditions, Steelgard 8703-DD can provide up to 24 months of corrosion protection. Other advantages include the light color, dry film that will not stain parts or leave oily residue.