Brake Caliper
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
From: Catawissa Pa
Brake Caliper
Whats this O ring seal Caliper about I have a 65 that I got a kit with 4 rebuilt calipers and brake pads 30 years ago or so they were to have Stainless Sleeves back then don't remember anything about O rings and now one is leaking, should I go with a rebuilt with O ring seal or not or do you think I could rebuild mine Thanks For Your Advice Ted...
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 502
Likes: 37
From: Pine Barrens New Jersey
The original "lip" style seals tend to leak over time if not used on a consistent basis, like when the car sits unused for a long time. O-ring seals cure this issue. A leak after 30 years doesn't indicate which type you have because that's long enough for either to have reached it's useable life.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,479
Likes: 2,650
From: Really Central IL Illinois
R66 had rebuilt lip seal calipers on the rear when we bought it at an estate sale. They were seeping and also sucking air which is said to be common with the lip seals. The car had set a number of years and also I found the calipers were bored beyond GM allowable specifications during rebuild. I found this out after I had bought and installed the rebuild kits for the rear.
During my research of the lip seal vs the o-ring seals, I believe there was a change in the piston design during the C2 era that made the rebuild with o-rings require new pistons. I would recommend you investigate this prior to buying the rebuild kits, it may help you make the decision.
I ended up putting new O-ring calipers on from the rebuilder in Texas. They were very helpful in my research to troubleshoot and purchase new calipers and were also the most economical. I recommend Lonestar as they have performed well for about 4 years or so now.
As for O-rings being better, I have a Case 580D that has O-ring brake cylinders on it and even the new ones leaked after 6 months or so. After over $1K in repairs, I use the front bucket to stop it.
During my research of the lip seal vs the o-ring seals, I believe there was a change in the piston design during the C2 era that made the rebuild with o-rings require new pistons. I would recommend you investigate this prior to buying the rebuild kits, it may help you make the decision.
I ended up putting new O-ring calipers on from the rebuilder in Texas. They were very helpful in my research to troubleshoot and purchase new calipers and were also the most economical. I recommend Lonestar as they have performed well for about 4 years or so now.
As for O-rings being better, I have a Case 580D that has O-ring brake cylinders on it and even the new ones leaked after 6 months or so. After over $1K in repairs, I use the front bucket to stop it.
Last edited by R66; Apr 3, 2020 at 10:14 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,965
Likes: 419
From: Melbourne FL
To convert you'll need all new pistons and have the calipers modified. I've owned mine for 43 years and like yours was converted to stainless sleeves long ago but retained lip seals. The only time mine sucked air was when I had the rear rotors off and forgot to put them back on in the original orientation with the hub. I have replaced a few pistons over the years as I reused the originals when the system was rebuilt over 40 years ago and some had corrosion where the seals seated and eventually leaked. NOS pistons are now hard to find so if yours are too far gone, then you'll have to do a complete conversion. I'd suggest just replace your seals for now and see how it goes.
Last edited by 65air_coupe; Apr 5, 2020 at 03:51 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,286
Likes: 2,147
From: Bowling Green, Kentucky
O-rings seals have only been around for our C2 cars for about 15-20 years or so. Before that all were lip seals. I can still remember a guy in Florida introducing the o-rings for our car brakes...........although other and newer cars had them for many prior years. I believe business was called Florida Brake and Engineering.
You will need new pistons for the o-rings. They probably are the way to go now, as experience indicates few if any problems with o-rings vs lip seals.
CSSB, Inc and LoseStar sell conversion kits.........and one or both will do the conversions if you want to pay. In years gone by, one brake rebuilder did not really like doing conversions on calipers that another had installed SS sleeves........maybe liability issues......but you can call and check. I was able to find someone without any issue, but VB&P was my earlier rebuilder and they had a good reputation for quality. They are out of business now.
Larry
You will need new pistons for the o-rings. They probably are the way to go now, as experience indicates few if any problems with o-rings vs lip seals.
CSSB, Inc and LoseStar sell conversion kits.........and one or both will do the conversions if you want to pay. In years gone by, one brake rebuilder did not really like doing conversions on calipers that another had installed SS sleeves........maybe liability issues......but you can call and check. I was able to find someone without any issue, but VB&P was my earlier rebuilder and they had a good reputation for quality. They are out of business now.
Larry
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