Replacing Both Brake Calipers when one goes
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Ontario
Replacing Both Brake Calipers when one goes
'74 Stingray
My cylinder on my rear right went about a year ago. I tried to rebuild it myself but couldn't take it apart (too rusty, stripped etc) so I bought a new rebuilt caliper and also shaped a new brake line and replaced it. Cost about $176 Cdn. at Part Source. (sounds like a rip off compared to some of the other prices I have seen on the forum). Anyhow, yesterday my left rear caliper seal went. I was told by many friends that I should have replaced both calipers when the rear right went a year ago. They said it was inevitable that the other one would go soon, and it did, even though it looked good when I replaced the right rear a year ago.
What is the opinion out there about replacing both calipers when one goes? Should I replace both now, even though I replaced one a year ago?
Rob
My cylinder on my rear right went about a year ago. I tried to rebuild it myself but couldn't take it apart (too rusty, stripped etc) so I bought a new rebuilt caliper and also shaped a new brake line and replaced it. Cost about $176 Cdn. at Part Source. (sounds like a rip off compared to some of the other prices I have seen on the forum). Anyhow, yesterday my left rear caliper seal went. I was told by many friends that I should have replaced both calipers when the rear right went a year ago. They said it was inevitable that the other one would go soon, and it did, even though it looked good when I replaced the right rear a year ago.
What is the opinion out there about replacing both calipers when one goes? Should I replace both now, even though I replaced one a year ago?
Rob
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
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From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
I would do a complete brake job - all four calippers and brake lines, then you won't have to worry for several years....
the calippers are only $240 (all four) at AutoZone, the lines all stainless are $150.... I did mine last summer and hope they last a while...
the calippers are only $240 (all four) at AutoZone, the lines all stainless are $150.... I did mine last summer and hope they last a while...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: largo florida
knowing autozones reputation for giving out defective calipers, would not replace the leak free year old caliper. It might just be replaced with a leaking one that needs to be returned and warrantied several times before you get another non leaking one.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,770
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From: St Louis MO
I had a rear cal. go bad 2 weeks ago...took the other one off and smeared a little brake fluid on a piston and...Presto!...it was bad too. Warranteed both of em at Advance. In the process of bleeding now.
Brett
Brett
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by lostpatrolman
knowing autozones reputation for giving out defective calipers, would not replace the leak free year old caliper. It might just be replaced with a leaking one that needs to be returned and warrantied several times before you get another non leaking one.
Again: I agree, they sell leaking calippers, too..... VBP's stuff is more than likely a lot better, however I did not want to spend $$ on shipping them my old stuff and wait for the core refund.... if I ever need calipers again, I'll probably just drive over there ...
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Ontario
Originally Posted by Brettmc
I had a rear cal. go bad 2 weeks ago...took the other one off and smeared a little brake fluid on a piston and...Presto!...it was bad too. Warranteed both of em at Advance. In the process of bleeding now.
Brett
Brett
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,770
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
I bought both of the rears at the same time back in 2002. When one went bad 2 weeks ago, I *made* the other one go bad too. Took em in to the local Advance Auto I always go to. No questions asked. Boom! 2 replacements hit the counter.
Brett
Brett
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
I replaced all four with Auto Zone rebuilts and, "knock on wood", none of them leaked. But their warranty is good. Also replace all the rubber brake lines, they are probably rotted too. The rear steel lines from the caliper to the rubber hose are available thru the different Vette vendors.
Bernie
Bernie
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Connecticut, USA
Since your car is 30 years old or close to it chances are the calipers were replaced before. If you have SS lined calipers there is no need to replace them in pairs. They can be rebuilt in most cases and the biggest problem is when the car sits for long periods. The brake fluid attracts moisture and turns muddy brown and acidic. If your calipers are Ss lined you can rebuild them with a seal kit and new pistons for a low cost. Check Muskegon Brakes. Stay away from the chain stores, they farm out the work so they have no quality control. Check you runout, rubber hoses, and steel lines too.
Gary
Gary
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
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From: Austin Texas
i had bad luck at Autozone too. i got 2 in a row that leaked from that o-ring in the middle. i think it was just bad luck though.
the coolest thing about Autozone is if you call in and put a part on "hold" or go online and send your order to the store, they will give you a 10% discount.
as far as your question, i can't see where it would matter. a seal either holds or it doesnt. if you have the money, sure, get all new calipers... just for good measure.
or you can do like my grandfather always said, "dont fix it if it aint broke".
i am no expert but i would not replace the newer reman if it holds
the coolest thing about Autozone is if you call in and put a part on "hold" or go online and send your order to the store, they will give you a 10% discount.
as far as your question, i can't see where it would matter. a seal either holds or it doesnt. if you have the money, sure, get all new calipers... just for good measure.
or you can do like my grandfather always said, "dont fix it if it aint broke".
i am no expert but i would not replace the newer reman if it holds
