Brake caliper replacement
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 840
Likes: 132
From: Clayton NortCacklackie
Brake caliper replacement
I need to replace my brake calipers after over 20 years of ownership they are leaking. My car is no trailer queen or NCRS candidate so originality is not important. So AC Delco oring calipers or Wilwood or other? I do have the latest Corvette America or whatever they are calling themselves this day bolt on KO wheels. Thank you
PVL
PVL
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 122
Likes: 86
From: Elkridge, Maryland
I replaced my calipers with rebuilt Lonestars. I chose the o-rings based on recommendations from the forum. Check around with the different vendors who carry them. Some offer a better core refund than others.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,463
Likes: 2,643
From: Really Central IL Illinois
If you take the pistons out and inspect the bores for pits, you can rebuild them for less than $25 ea. It is not rocket science. If you chose to go new, contact Lone Star. They have SS sleeved Delco calipers and also some new SS aftermarket calipers. The shipping each way is what will kill you.
Racer
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 259
Likes: 73
From: Mississippi
If you’re not going to rebuilt your OEM calipers and you’re looking to buy replacement calipers buy Wilwood direct replacements. Always keep the originals in my opinion and rebuild them when your find the time. Wilwood makes a direct replacement of the originals and they are really nice but also a little pricey. If you have the Corvette America KOs they will rub slightly on the Wilwood but you can eliminate that with some Hubcentric wheels spacers. I have the Wilwood calipers and I’m very happy with them. The OEMs are on the shelf in the Wilwood boxes. At the end of the day do what makes you happy not what everyone else wants you to do with your car. Good luck.
Dwain
Dwain
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,539
Likes: 1,970
From: Temple Terrace Florida
Check to see if they are Delco Moraine castings. remove them and split them apart to see if they have been sleeved in stainless steel. If you don't have an impact wrench, consider breaking the two bolts on each caliper before you remove them from the car. If they have previously sleeved, clean up the bores with a brake hone if necessary. Clean out all brake fluid and flush with denatured alcohol. Purchase a set of O-ring pistons from one of the vendors. I use Van Steel as they are local to me. They should cost about $45 to $50 per wheel. Check the four flexible brake lines and if old or suspect, replace them. I use stainless steel braided lines. If you purchase new calipers, make sure you get Delco castings. Some of the vendors sell "offshore" castings. Jerry
Racer
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 320
Likes: 110
I have done both. Rebuilt oem calipers with o-ring seals and wilwood. Rebuilding sleeved calipers is a piece of cake. I broke the caliper half bolts while still on the car, or you need a good vise. Wilwoods bolted on, I didn’t pay the premium for powder coated just the anodized finish. Replace all the flexible lines and brake shoes. It makes a difference. If you want rebuilt oem calipers lone star goes to spring Carlisle. You can turn old calipers in and get replacements if you are close by.
