This is the 3rd time I've tried to post this , I keep doing something wrong or thiis &^*(& computer is sending them out to cyberspace. Anyway , I have a leak around the cylinder in the disc brake caliper . Can I fix this myself with a rebuild kit or do I need to have a shop fix it ? If I can do it myself is there any tricks or things I should look out for ?

 

1Redctoo,

Sorry about your posting problems!

As for the caliper leak, yes you can fix them, but in most cases your better off just replacing the caliper with a rebuilt version with Stainless Steel sleeves installed.

Don't know how familar you are with calipers, bleeding, etc. If you have the tools to take off the caliper, then you can then take it apart to see if it already has the SS sleeves, and determine where it is leaking (most likely at the piston seals).

I am sure several of the forum suppliers (like Zip) have a rebuilding kit for the calipers, and also can supply you with a complete SS caliper.

Good luck,
Plasticman

 

..if you have any doubts at all about your technical skills, just buy re-sleeved calipers or new ones....rebuild kits are available from most mail order houses for $10. per caliper and remember to keep everything clean...the piston walls are usually in good shape


[Modified by Kid_Again, 7:18 AM 2/3/2003]

 

Let me add something to Plasticman's post. If you don't know the history on the calipers you might consider replacing. or rebuilding both (if your comfortable with rebuilding). If you choose to replace, make sure if you go to a Vetter supplier ask exactly who it the rebuilding/supplier company. If someone says Lonestar is there supplier, go elsewhere. I had to return two calipers to them because they leaked. These were "new" calipers not rebuilds, but they did the assembly. :cheers:

 

I think I might be able to rebuild them , I've done wheel cylinders on shoe type brakes before and if disc calipers arent too much harder then I should do OK . Are the calipers the same for 66-82 yrs ? If so I can get a kit pretty easily I suppose . I only have a shop manual for 63 , so it doesnt cover disc brakes , any hints on how to get the cylinders out ?

As usual , THANKS , this group has been GREAT !

 

If you rebuild them yourself, here is a handy tip I discovered by accident. The top (removable) part of most round jack stands is the same outside diameter as the outer seal on the caliper cylinders. If you set the jack stand top onto the outer seal, you can push it right in easily just by leaning on it, or tapping it once or twice with a hammer, compared to trying to tap-tap-tap many times around the seal margin and often messing up the seal.

 

The calipers are the same for '66-'82. It will help you now and in the future to get a '66 shop manual. You ask about the cylinder, I think you mean the piston. They will come out by the pressure of the spring that is behind the piston as soon as you pry the dust seal off. Do you know if your calipers have been sleeved before? If not and the bore is pitted and honing doesn't get rid of it, I would not risk my safety trying to rebuild. Just by a pair of calipers from a reputable corvette supplier, bolt them on, bleed the whole system and drive. If they are sleeved, polish the bore with emery paper, making sure it is completely smooth. Use extreme care positioning the seal around the piston. It must fit into the groove the correct way. When you insert the piston coat the bore and seal with clean fluid. It's a critical fit getting the piston into the bore. You don't want to nick or pinch the seal, if you do, you'll be right back where you started from. I strongly suggest you get a manual. Hope this helps! :cheers: