Replacing calipers?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,096
Likes: 15
Replacing calipers?
Alright after fighting with my mushy brake pedal for months I have decided to replace the calipers with the ones with the O-ring. But there is a big difference in price from rebuilt to new. So what would you reconmend? After the car sits even for a few hours then push on the pedal for the first time it's very mushy but after a couple pumps it's pretty hard. And I think it's coming from the front bleeders becasuse they are wet. I even replaced them with stainless ones and are tight.
Last edited by alconk; Oct 24, 2013 at 11:17 PM.
5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Calgary AB
Alconk, if you have original calipers and the car has spent any time sitting (several months) you most likely need to replace your calipers - all four. Pull them off and inspect them. If you see a bunch of corrosion and built up greasy oil the calipers are leaking. The cylinder itself corrodes which cause the caliper to draw microscopic air bubbles into the system and then mushy brakes. Hope that helps.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,096
Likes: 15
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,126
Likes: 15
You can rebuild them yourself. Look through this thread. mike...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-calipers.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-calipers.html
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,367
Likes: 1,593
From: Western NY
You can rebuild them yourself. Look through this thread. mike...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-calipers.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-calipers.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,417
Likes: 336
From: Texas
contact Muskegonbrake they can probably rebuild yours.
http://muskegonbrake.com/corvette/co...aliper-rebuild
http://muskegonbrake.com/corvette/co...aliper-rebuild
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 576
Likes: 3
From: Muskegon MI
Thank You speedreed8!
alconk, we would be more than happy to sleeve and rebuild your original calipers if you desire (as there is an approximate 4 week turn-around) or we can exchange them with newly rebuilt calipers. In the exchange we can even match your casting numbers on your calipers so numbers jive with the ones your car would have came with. If this interests you give us a call toll free at 800-442-0335 or stop by our website at www.muskegonbrake.com.
-muskegonbrake
alconk, we would be more than happy to sleeve and rebuild your original calipers if you desire (as there is an approximate 4 week turn-around) or we can exchange them with newly rebuilt calipers. In the exchange we can even match your casting numbers on your calipers so numbers jive with the ones your car would have came with. If this interests you give us a call toll free at 800-442-0335 or stop by our website at www.muskegonbrake.com.
-muskegonbrake
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
The best deal would be rebuilt lip seal calipers. I have no issue with lip seal style, but I drive my car a lot and it only sits for about 5 months over the winter.
I like rebuilt better because you have a better chance of getting original castings, instead of the new Chinese made ones. Although one of my calipers is chinese, and it has had no problems yet.
I keep a full lip seal kit in my tool box just in case I have to rebuild one.
I like rebuilt better because you have a better chance of getting original castings, instead of the new Chinese made ones. Although one of my calipers is chinese, and it has had no problems yet.
I keep a full lip seal kit in my tool box just in case I have to rebuild one.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 805
Likes: 5
From: Naperville Illinois
These calipers are available as rebuilds at just about any parts store. If you give them your cores, the rebuilds cost about $65. I purchased one after I cranked off a bleed nipple; I was back on the road the same day and it hasn't leaked a drop in 2 years since...
Also, if you're getting new calipers, Speed Bleeders are well worth the money...my 2c
Also, if you're getting new calipers, Speed Bleeders are well worth the money...my 2c
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 416
From: N J
These calipers are available as rebuilds at just about any parts store. If you give them your cores, the rebuilds cost about $65. I purchased one after I cranked off a bleed nipple; I was back on the road the same day and it hasn't leaked a drop in 2 years since...
Also, if you're getting new calipers, Speed Bleeders are well worth the money...my 2c
Also, if you're getting new calipers, Speed Bleeders are well worth the money...my 2c
Through the years for my current and past vettes I also use the rebuilt Delco Moraine brake calipers from the local auto parts store. Most recently Autozone. I had one leak probably 7? years after it was purchased, went back with my receipt and they exchange it at no cost. Lifetime warranty I believe, plus no shipping fees. If not having the original caliper back on the car is not an issue, check it out.
Last edited by John 65; Oct 25, 2013 at 01:31 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
I have used a couple. They (from NAPA) are aluminized and do not rust. Are they SS-sleeved? I do not know. I do know they have served me well since last May and come with a lifetime warranty. Don't be too quick to knock the ability of the Chinese to produce fine products. I would imagine the likes of NAPA, with its purchasing power and Q/A demands, will not tolerate a flawed product.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,734
Likes: 276
From: Port Huron MI
Whatever you do, don't by the sleeves and rings and try doing it yourself. I've done it, or I should say failed at it twice and afterword, heard that basically the success rate is minimal. I went with oreilly rebuild and have been very happy with them.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,408
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
Don't know how "financial" you are, but consider replacing them with aluminum calipers. Stainless Steel Brake Corporation (SSBC) or Wilwoods. I have SSBC on my 68 and 70. I think Wilwoods cost less. They seem to be the most popular brand lately.
If you have an old Corvette also consider replacing all the brake lines, the one you have are probably rusted inside. The brake lines can replaced with the body on..at least for SB cars. SS brake lines with SS fittings are pretty much corrosion proof. An then....you can replace the MC with a new rebuilt (it never stops). Finally with an all new brake and dry brake system, you have an option for silicon brake fluid. I have it in my 68, works fine, very hard pedal.
I like the aluminum calipers because they are so much lighter.
If you have an old Corvette also consider replacing all the brake lines, the one you have are probably rusted inside. The brake lines can replaced with the body on..at least for SB cars. SS brake lines with SS fittings are pretty much corrosion proof. An then....you can replace the MC with a new rebuilt (it never stops). Finally with an all new brake and dry brake system, you have an option for silicon brake fluid. I have it in my 68, works fine, very hard pedal.
I like the aluminum calipers because they are so much lighter.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,096
Likes: 15
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,096
Likes: 15
Don't know how "financial" you are, but consider replacing them with aluminum calipers. Stainless Steel Brake Corporation (SSBC) or Wilwoods. I have SSBC on my 68 and 70. I think Wilwoods cost less. They seem to be the most popular brand lately.
If you have an old Corvette also consider replacing all the brake lines, the one you have are probably rusted inside. The brake lines can replaced with the body on..at least for SB cars. SS brake lines with SS fittings are pretty much corrosion proof. An then....you can replace the MC with a new rebuilt (it never stops). Finally with an all new brake and dry brake system, you have an option for silicon brake fluid. I have it in my 68, works fine, very hard pedal.
I like the aluminum calipers because they are so much lighter.
If you have an old Corvette also consider replacing all the brake lines, the one you have are probably rusted inside. The brake lines can replaced with the body on..at least for SB cars. SS brake lines with SS fittings are pretty much corrosion proof. An then....you can replace the MC with a new rebuilt (it never stops). Finally with an all new brake and dry brake system, you have an option for silicon brake fluid. I have it in my 68, works fine, very hard pedal.
I like the aluminum calipers because they are so much lighter.
