Quick Info
Model
450, 451, 452
Estimated Cost
€10 – €20
Difficulty
Intermediate
Time Required
1 Hour
Safety Notes
Jack Safety: Never rely solely on a hydraulic jack while working. Always use jack stands to support the car once it is lifted.
Dust Protection: Sanding and brushing rust creates fine metallic dust. Wear a dust mask and safety glasses to prevent inhalation or eye irritation.
Avoid Friction Surfaces: Do not paint the inside of the drum or the area where the brake shoes contact the metal. Focus only on the exterior visible parts.
Bolt Holes: Keep paint away from the wheel bolt threads to ensure the bolts can be torqued correctly later.
Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
The rear drum brakes on the Smart Roadster are notorious for rusting. Because the drums are exposed to moisture and heat, the bare metal quickly oxidizes, turning a bright orange-brown color that ruins the aesthetic of your clean wheels.
Painting them is a simple DIY project that provides two benefits: it creates a protective barrier against further corrosion and significantly improves the car's side profile. While many owners choose red for a "sporty" look, satin or gloss black (as shown in the tutorial) is often the best choice as it makes the drum "disappear" behind the wheel, making the alloy design stand out more. The key to a long-lasting finish is 90% preparation and 10% painting.
Lifting the Car
Loosen the wheel bolts while the car is still on the ground. Use a hydraulic jack to lift the rear of the car and secure it with a jack stand. Once stable, remove the wheel bolts and take the wheel off.
Assessing the Condition
Inspect the drum for loose rust flakes or old, peeling paint. In the tutorial, the drum had a previous red coating that had failed and started to rust through.
Deep Cleaning & Rust Removal
This is the most important step. Use a wire brush to remove heavy rust, followed by sandpaper (80-120 grit) and steel wool for a smoother finish.
Tip: If you have a rotary tool (like a Dremel) with a wire wheel attachment, use it to get into the crevices and around the wheel bolt holes for a perfectly clean surface.
Masking & Painting
To prevent overspray on your suspension, Bilstein shocks, or exhaust, place a large piece of cardboard behind the drum. This creates a "spray booth" effect and keeps the rest of the car clean.
Use a high-temperature paint
Apply the first coat in thin, even strokes.
Wait about 10-15 minutes, then apply a second coat for full coverage and a deep black shine.
In the video, black color was applied twice to ensure a durable finish.
Reassembly
Wait at least 30 minutes for the paint to be "touch dry" before putting the wheel back on. Be careful not to chip the fresh paint with the wheel rim. Tighten the bolts in a star pattern and lower the car.
