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My C4 front brake J55 calipers were rebuilt just this past summer, in preparation for HPDE track events. New stainless steel caliper pistons were installed to help limit transfer of heat to the brake fluid.
After 1 day on track, I pulled my brake pads to add a second layer of brake shield ( two layers won't fit with completely new pads), and I noticed that my brand new dust boots on the caliper pistons were already torn, to the degree that in some small areas the boot appeared to have been removed.
I did not repair the boots, but did watch closely for leaks before and after each track event.
Now with the car garaged for the winter, I am tackling projects to prepare for the 2015 track season. My brakes continue to operate well, and show no fluid leaks.
The question is whether I should again re-build the calipers now simply for the sake of replacing the torn dust boots?
And if so, Is a partial re-build addressing only the dust boots possible or advisable!
Don't bother. The heat from braking hard and often with race pads destroys them in short order. They keep dirt away from the piston seals so make sure you use some brake cleaner on the pistons to get the dirt off from them before you shove them back into the caliper when you are changing pads.
A lot of race calipers like the ones that Wilwood makes don't use dust boots.
Don't bother. The heat from braking hard and often with race pads destroys them in short order. They keep dirt away from the piston seals so make sure you use some brake cleaner on the pistons to get the dirt off from them before you shove them back into the caliper when you are changing pads.
A lot of race calipers like the ones that Wilwood makes don't use dust boots.
Bill
Yep - the dust boots are ALWAYS trash after a session or two on my 92.
Just clear the trash out of the way so it doesn't bind the piston.
I should add that Randy at DRM rebuilt the calipers for free as part of my purchase of the SS pistons. All I had to do was ship the calipers to him, and pay a nominal charge for the new seals.
Randy is a great guy, with a well deserved reputation for excellent customer service.
11-23-2014, 10:40 PM
C4 dust boots - brake question
