I don't think I would go to the trouble of taking my brakes apart without replacing the pads. You should have also your rotors turned or replaced if too thin. Then you should be all set for quite a while

My .02.

 

Since he said there was plenty of meat it sounds like they CAN be turned, but since you're not feeling pulsing there's no reason to turn them unless you see deep grooves in them or some other marks that concern you.

 

Why would you want to pay $113 each when you could purchased them for $68.95 and get new brake pads and hardware free with each 2 purchased. Doing this yourself without ever seeing this job done before could pose a problem for you and more problems you could be getting into. If you never did this job before and you are not mechanically inclined either have someone do it with you who is or maybe send it out to get done. None of us on the forum can really tell you if your rotors are good or not good by not be able to see them first hand. If you don't know because you lack the experience you better have someone who does check them out. Don't forget when you are done replacing the calipers the whole system needs to be bled properly and Corvette's are a pain in the *** to bleed at times. Even with experience they could be a handful. I ended up after all these years and I mean after owning Corvettes and working on them for the last 35 years going out this year and buying myself a professional brake bleeder by Motive because the bleeding process was such a pain at times. Brakes are very important make sure you do it right the first time and if you don't know enough to do it yourself make sure you get the proper help from someone who does or just pay a good mechanic to do the job. Good luck!

 

Thanks for the advice. I'm pretty good with cars and have done many other repairs in the past, but I've never tried doing the brakes myself before, mostly because I didn't want to mess with such an essential system. But since so many people have said it's not difficult, as well as my brother-in-law who will be helping me, I figured I'd just do it and save about $300. He knows what he's doing and has done brakes dozens of times, so I should be okay. I know about bleeding the brakes. I've just never done it. My bro-in-law will be able to help me with the whole process. I figured it'd be a good thing to learn anyway.

Now, the $69 brakes you're referring to, what brand are those? I was going to buy the AC Delco's with SS sleeves. $113 is what they are at cost. Also, I'd be interested in knowing how much shipping is and how long I'd have to wait. I'm guessing that by the time everything is added up, I'd be about "brake" even. I can get the AC Delco's today and not mess with cost to ship, not to mention the cost to ship back the cores.

 

C heck the prices to justify shipping, but Muskegon has a nice
price on a full set - loaded with pads and hardware.
Vette Brakes and Products will have a full set - loaded - for a
bit more, but O-ring pistons that resist pumpign air into the
calipers.

$113 for new Delco sounds fair, but you might be able to step up to VBP Orings for about the same.

You need to remove and turn the rotors BEFORE installing
the new calipers.

I found new Raybestos (made in U.S.A.) rotors at my local
parts store for $42 each. Almost cheap enough to never think
about turning - just replace. Be careful though, as new rotors can have
substantial runout (wobble). This needs to be compensated for.
So, safer to just turn the fronts with the hubs.

Oops - hubs are off, so plan on new wheel bearings and seal, too.

 

No professional brake shop would ever install pads without turning the rotors. It helps the pads seat better. However, I'll admit I've installed pads lots of times without turning the rotors. And since the pads are lifetime warranty, it's not a big deal if they wear out a little quicker. I would at least break the glaze on the surface by sanding with fine grit ~150, sandpaper or emery cloth.

All the parts are avaible from Auto Zone with a lifetime guarantee.
BRAKE CALIPER - FRONT for a
1981 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
FENCO_REMAN
DRIVER SIDE C138 LLT $73.99
STAINLESS STEEL SLEEVED FOR SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE

FENCO_REMAN
PASSENGER SIDE C139 LLT $73.99
STAINLESS STEEL SLEEVED FOR SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE
BRAKE PADS - FRONT for a
1981 CHEVROLET CORVETTE


Brake pads
DURALAST NON-ASBESTOS ORGANIC D8 LLT $11.99



If this is your first time to change and bleed calipers, I'd buy a shop maunal or get help from someone with experience. You will find it's not that difficult. Good luck.

 

Muskegon Brakes. Look to the left of your screen when viewing the forum posts. They are listed there right under brakes and they have SS sleeves. $68.95 exchanged with new Disc Pads and Hardware and a Lifetime Warranty. I don't think it is going to cost you $44.05 for shipping on each caliper to do business with Muskegon plus don't forget you are getting new Disc Brake Pads for free. Lets see 4x44.05=$176.20 savings over purchasing the AC Delco at $133 each. Call Muskegon for yourself and see how much shipping is. I have had mine from Muskegon since I think 1991.

 

and Stainless Steel sleeves and be done with it.

 

Well, my bad. I thought the calipers were AC Delcos. I just went to pick 'em up and they're Raybestos for $112 each. I figured I'd just get 'em and be done with it. My bro-in-law should be coming over Tuesday night to give me a hand. If I order the calipers, not only do I have to pay for shipping each way, but I won't be able to work on the Vette until next week. I'd like to drive it this week.

Anyway, Raybestos is a good brand name in the industry. I know I could have picked up a cheaper brand elsewhere, but I kind of wanted to stick to a big brand name for the extra dollars. They are SS calipers, which I believe most are these days. Anyone ever have issues with their calipers? Are they any better or worse than AC Delco, or the others? Unless I start to hear horror stories about them, I'm going to stick with these. I'm just wondering how good they are.

Thanks again all!!!

 

When replacing the calipers, would replace all the brake hoses if you
are not sure how old they are. Also the rear brake line that connects
between the caliper and the hose can be difficult to remove without
twisting it to pieces. Try soaking the flair fittings with penetrating
oil ahead of time. The brake hoses are available from all the major
auto parts stores. The rear brake lines are carried by most of the
corvette parts vendors.

 

Leo,
You have alot to learn. If you can't wait then you must (Pay The Piper) as they say. You are going to pay almost double for the same thing. Raybestos is a good name, being in the automotive parts business myself I sell the line but I am telling you from experience that Muskegon is the place to go to for the money. Muskegon has been rebuilding these Corvette brake calipers for longer than I can remember with SS sleeves. I am willing to bet even longer then Raybestos has. If you feel more confortable with Raybestos go for it. If you can wait a couple of days I am sure Muskegon Brake in Michigan has what you need in stock and could have them to you in a matter of a couple of days by way of UPS. If you go for Raybestos check to see if Raybestos is including free Disc Pads with their calipers like Muskegon is. If not you are going to have to add the cost of new Disc Pads to what you are paying. Again Good Luck!

 

Note that the vette calipers have springs behind each piston that push the pads against the rotor.

To help with installing the caliper it helps to install the pads off the car then use either a piece of wood slightly thicker than the rotor or tie wraps in each corner to hold the pads back while you slide the caliper over the rotor.

You need long tie wraps or double up shorter ones. Cut the wraps after the caliper is in place. If you use a piece of wood it'll slide up and out as you drop the caliper on.

The brakes are a pain to bleed so make sure thay are installed correctly with bleeders at the top and start with farthest one away. Buy at least 1 large bottle of fluid because you will go through a lot!

 

These calipers came fully loaded, so yes, pads are included. Dave, great suggestion on the pieces of wood. I'll definitely do that if my bro-in-law doesn't have something else in mind. And yes, I bought a whole trough of brake fluid. Maybe I will pick up new hoses while I'm at it. That's one less thing to worry about in the future.

FFAS23, I'm not sure I understand the comment on having a lot to learn. It's not that I can't wait, but the timing is just right to work on it tonight with my bro-in-law. With him having a 3 year old, and one due in two weeks, there's no better time than the present. He's swamped at work the rest of the week. My other choice is to have the Vette out of commission for a month or so to wait for the parts and then wait for his help, or taking it to the mechanic that asked me to bend over in the first place. I appreciate your comments very much though. It's extremely useful to be able to come to you guys and find out where to get quality inexpensive parts. Unfortunately, this time I'm better off with parts that will end up being a little more expensive. It won't be double because I don't have to pay shipping, but it will end up being about $50 or $60 more after considering the shipping costs which to me is a small amount to have my car ready by tomorrow instead of in a few weeks. If I could do the repair on my own, then I agree with you because then the timing isn't as big of a deal.

Thanks again!

 

Leo, I didn't want you to take me the wrong way here but by your posts and questions you don't seem to know alot about the inerds of a Corvette and the forum is a good place to get information that you need. I am no expert but have been around these cars owning and working on them since 1970. You do have a lot to learn on the upkeep of owning a Corvette from what I have been able to gather especially working on them yourself from what I have read. I really hope you are able to knock this thing out tonight and have no other problems especially with the bleeding process.

By the way I called and spoke to Justin at Muskegon Brake in Michigan and right now they have a special for the Corvette Forum. Calipers loaded with brake pads are going for $59.95 each thats another $9.00 savings off the already low price of $68.95. That would of saved you $208.20 by buying from Muskegon over paying $112 each for the Raybestos calipers. One other thing Justin tells me shipping is only $16 from Muskegon to send four calipers to Illinois where you live. You do the math $208.20-$32= $176.20 that is a chunk of money to save. Also you will probably have to pay sales tax on your local purchase. Where I live that would be another 6% or $26.88 which would almost cover all of the shipping. I think that is something to think about. Don't you???