SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Quarantine AMG DIY Projects
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Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Wichita
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The matter of imperfections is one reason, I am very picky and frankly he's just better than I am. I feel that I can get a car to probably 9/10, but it's that last little bit that takes a pro. After trying the ceramic on the calipers and wheel barrels I tend to agree with you on application, it goes on super easy. Sounds like the catch is making sure you don't do too large of an area at once, and promptly wiping it after application. My friend said he once missed wiping some excess on a trim panel, and had to use rubbing compound and a buffer several hours later to remove it.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2019
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From: Lincolnshire, IL
2005 SL55 AMG
Understood. Speaking of wheel barrels, any suggestions how to remove years of baked-in brake dust staining? I saw a video on Heidi and Franny’s Garage where they used a DA on their 996, but I don’t know what pad or compound they used. Thinking about having a go at them again this weekend when I bleed the brakes.
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Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Wichita
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I would say mine were moderately bad, I've seen worse but they definitely were not clean. I used Goof Off Pro Strength Remover, the heavy duty stuff in the can. Did a good job of cleaning and removing the road tar. I used a plastic scraper on the chunks, and for a few really bad areas I used a brillo pad. It was mostly just scrubbing, lots and lots of scrubbing. The brake dust is the easy part, it's removing the chunks of tar and old wheel weight adhesive residue that really sucks.
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 280
Likes: 37
From: Lincolnshire, IL
2005 SL55 AMG
I would say mine were moderately bad, I've seen worse but they definitely were not clean. I used Goof Off Pro Strength Remover, the heavy duty stuff in the can. Did a good job of cleaning and removing the road tar. I used a plastic scraper on the chunks, and for a few really bad areas I used a brillo pad. It was mostly just scrubbing, lots and lots of scrubbing. The brake dust is the easy part, it's removing the chunks of tar and old wheel weight adhesive residue that really sucks.
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 280
Likes: 37
From: Lincolnshire, IL
2005 SL55 AMG
Good ideas. I’m waiting for my 83mm UPD pulley, RaceIQ flash tune, and 010 Bosch IC pump. I was told our R230 heat exchangers are better than the E class, so a mod isn’t necessary for “mild” changes.
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: So Cal
07 GL450, 91 NSX, 12 Prius
NiceMy stock pump wasnt working so I replaced it with the 010. wired it always on with ignition. did more "while I was in there". I prob wait another 6 month before pulley mods. Im thinking 77mm fixed pulley
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From: Wichita
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As an experiment when detailing my SL last weekend, I just sprayed and rinsed my calipers and wheel barrels instead of reaching in with rag between the wheel spokes to clean them. Brake dust was light overall, probably due to the carbon ceramic pads I installed a few weeks ago. I'd say that just a hose off removed probably 80% of the brake dust, and a quick wipe afterwards with a rag did the trick for the rest. They are definitely easier to clean.
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 280
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From: Lincolnshire, IL
2005 SL55 AMG
Thanks for the follow up. It sounds like ceramic coating the calipers is a worthwhile endeavor. Speaking of which, I just noticed some paint peeling around the driver side caliper outboard bleed screw. I’m pissed, because I just had it at my Indy for a full (SDS) brake flush. Even if they did drop some brake fluid when pulling off the hose, I’m fairly certain there’s nothing I can do about it now.
Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 76
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From: Central Florida
06' SL65, 96' S500 & 09' S550
This is an easy use of time. Order p/n 0009893660 M/B Rubber Lubricant and go over every rubber seal on the vario roof. Besides protecting the rubber it helps cure random squeaks as the chassis flexes. You could also just break out the silicone spray which is also effective and good for the rubber seals.
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Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Wichita
Plays With Cars
I would definitely say worth the time.
Sucks to hear about your peeling paint, if you could find a matching color in caliper paint you could clean the area well and at least touch it up to prevent further peeling.
Sucks to hear about your peeling paint, if you could find a matching color in caliper paint you could clean the area well and at least touch it up to prevent further peeling.
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 280
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From: Lincolnshire, IL
2005 SL55 AMG
Thanks. Just curious how I would clean it up well prior to touch up. There’s no way I'm taking off the caliper and the rubber boot “loop” around the bleed screw is sorta in the way.
