slightly pitted caliper pistons
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Palm Bay Florida
slightly pitted caliper pistons
1969 corvette L46
My pistons have some pitting .. minor.. and the general opinion based on what I've read that they should be replaced..
However .. what difference does it make if the seals are good and their interface to the piston is smooth why would the piston need to be replaced?
Just an honest question .. just doesn't make sense to me.
Thanks for your response.
My pistons have some pitting .. minor.. and the general opinion based on what I've read that they should be replaced..
However .. what difference does it make if the seals are good and their interface to the piston is smooth why would the piston need to be replaced?
Just an honest question .. just doesn't make sense to me.
Thanks for your response.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,374
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi b,
I agree.
If the slot in the piston where seal 'seats' is still smooth and un-pitted the piston can be reused.
The entire surface on the bore must be smooth for the seal to be made and maintained, but just the slot on the piston.
Perhaps the pistons often get replaced because it's easier to replace them than restore them?
Of course if the sealing surface on the piston is compromised the piston need to go.
Regards,
Alan
I agree.
If the slot in the piston where seal 'seats' is still smooth and un-pitted the piston can be reused.
The entire surface on the bore must be smooth for the seal to be made and maintained, but just the slot on the piston.
Perhaps the pistons often get replaced because it's easier to replace them than restore them?
Of course if the sealing surface on the piston is compromised the piston need to go.
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Sep 1, 2016 at 11:27 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,541
Likes: 1,975
From: Temple Terrace Florida
Pistons
Think of the plating on the piston as primer and paint on metal car. The plating protects the aluminum piston. Any nick or corrosion on the piston will lead to further corrosion. I would replace the pistons. Jerry
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi b,
TJ's point is a good one I hadn't thought of.
I guess a pit in the piston near the seal's slot could GROW to a point UNDER the seal which could lead to a caliper leak.
Better spring for the pistons?
Regards,
Alan
TJ's point is a good one I hadn't thought of.
I guess a pit in the piston near the seal's slot could GROW to a point UNDER the seal which could lead to a caliper leak.
Better spring for the pistons?
Regards,
Alan
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,706
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
While I agree with Alan's initial assessment that it would work fine, I also agree with TB. To me, the job of rebuilding a caliper is enough of a pain that it wouldn't be worth the risk. If you're using lip seal pistons, why don't you put out a request in the "parts" section for a set. People that have converted to O-ring would probably sent the old pistons to you for free. I know that if I knew where mine were I'd send them to you.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
Why chance it and allow future problems to start.IF I rebuilt calipers...I would HAVE to replace the pistons if there were any concerns....and this is why I do not rebuild them even though I have all the specific tools to rebuild lipped seal calipers..and that is because I have to charge to do this.
And by the time I would get done..the caliper rebuild would cost more than me getting a stainless steel sleeved lipped seal caliper.
DUB
