I replaced a right front caliper three years ago (71 SB). Now the other three need replaced. Should I replace the one from three years ago too or will it be okay to keep (and save money)?

 

If it's functioning and not leaking, then no need to replace.

 

well if it hasnt been slammed on hard and such i think it would be fine...just change the pads to match the rest of em

 

Make sure you upgrade to SS lined calipers which should last indefinitely. If the one you already replaced is not SS lined, should upgrade now.

 

I always thought you replaced them in pairs? If it were mine I would replace all four to matching and upgrade to a better braking system.

 

Rick if all your calipers on your 71' are not original and have been replaced or rebuilt at one time with Stainless Steel Sleeved calipers you could rebuild them yourself very cheaply. I have rebuilt my own calipers since the year 1970 first doing them on a C-2 I owned then. Back then we rebuild them as best we could with the original steel cylinders and they lasted quite awhile but since someone years ago came out with the idea of sleeving these calipers with Stainless Steel this was sure the best way to go because Stainless Steel doesn't get pitted and corroded like the originals. The rubber seals do get old and wear out and need to be replaced no matter what after some time. On my 73' back in 91' I sent my originals out to be rebuilt using SS Sleeves. Most recently last year one of my rear calipers was leaking. Knowing I already had SS Sleeved calipers now I just went out and purchased the rebuild kit consisting of new rubber seals for each caliper. There is really no need to replace the calipers again once they are SS Sleeved. Just replace the rubber seals. The job isn't that hard. If you know how to dismantle each caliper and reinstall it you are half way there. All you will need is a large Vise to hold the caliper for you while you take the 2 bolts out holding it together so that you could split the caliper. The next thing to do would be to put one of the split half calipers back in the vise with the pistons facing up. Simply take a flat bladed screwdriver and pry the top seal off of the first piston and set it on the bench. Next carefully pull the piston with its attached rubber ring seal and spring out of the bore and set it on the bench. Take a good look to see if you have SS Sleeves. If you are not sure you will know it is SS Sleeved because you will not see any pits or corrosion in the walls if they are. Do the same with the other. Now get a can of brake clean and clean up the bare half caliper real well. What I do next is get a piece of 3m scotchbrite and dip it in a little brake fluid and clean up the inside of the caliper around the SS Sleeve. Then when done with both bores just clean again with brakecleen and air blow dry with a air compressor. Next take one of the pistons and pull the old rubber ring off of the piston noting how it was installed. Only do one at a time so that you can look at the other to see that you did not install the new one backwards. I usually put a little brake fluid on the new ring seal before installing it. Make sure you brakeclean the piston and spring and clean out the groove real well where the new seal will seat. Before reinstalling you will need to wet the SS Sleeved walls with brake fluid before putting the piston back in. You will need you push the rubber ring working it into the cylinder as you push the new piston back in. Once its in you can install the outer seal tapping it in with a small hammer tapping as you go around the seal to even it out. That is about it. After you are done with the one half start on the other half. When you are done put both halfs back together. Don't forget the little o-rings before you do so and you will be good to go. If you find that you don't have SS Sleeves I wouldn't go through all this trouble just send them out or exchange them for already rebuilt SS sleeved calipers. The rebuild kits are cheap and most auto parts stores should have them or be able to get them for you. I used the Coni-Seal brand in my last rebuild. I forgot to mention I just got done also doing a rebuild on the front calipers of my 67' Coupe. I went through the same procedure not knowing on this car whether I had SS Sleeves or not but once I popped a piston I saw that the calipers were already done with SS Sleeves so you never know with your car. You could have SS Sleeved calipers already on your car. Good Luck! Any questions feel free to ask. Been there done that.

Fred

 

I would replace all four. Corvette brakes can be a pain if the car is not driven daily. The design of the seals is such that constant pressure is required for proper sealing. Get a catalog from Vette Brakes and Products and it will explain in detail. What I would buy is a set of the new Stainless sleeved brake calipers that are fitted with the new O-ring design. This is the only way to go if you don't want to see leaking calipers in the future,
Good Luck
Steve