Are these brake calipers hosed?
08-11-2001, 01:42 PM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Are these brake calipers hosed?
I took off both front wheels, and decided to remove one of the calipers completely. They definitely don't look good, but would they be alright with a little bit of sandblasting, powder coating, and new pistons and seals?
I'd really be happy if I didn't have to spend $400 on a stainless kit if I don't HAVE to, at least for now.
http://www.dellanave.com/corvette/la..._6_640x480.JPG http://www.dellanave.com/corvette/la..._7_640x480.JPG http://www.dellanave.com/corvette/la..._8_640x480.JPG <-- Boy aren't they nice looking
Thanks as always
I'd really be happy if I didn't have to spend $400 on a stainless kit if I don't HAVE to, at least for now.
http://www.dellanave.com/corvette/la..._6_640x480.JPG http://www.dellanave.com/corvette/la..._7_640x480.JPG http://www.dellanave.com/corvette/la..._8_640x480.JPG <-- Boy aren't they nice looking
Thanks as always
08-11-2001, 03:09 PM
#2
Drifting
Re: Are these brake calipers hosed? (ddn)
Dave------
EXTERNALLY, the calipers look fine. A good bead blasting or some time with a wire wheel and they'll look like new. However, the EXTERNAL appearance is NOT the critical part. The condition of the caliper BORES is what counts. So, you'll need to diassemble the calipers to inspect for this. Simply remove the caliper half bolts and pull out the pistons.
Then, clean the piston bores with a rag or paper towel and inspect them. If there is even the slightest pitting or corrosion damage (which is likely), they'll need to be sleeved. If not, or if the calipers have been previously stainless steel sleeved (which is possible), then all you need to do is too clean them up and rebuild them.
To rebuild, you'll need to use new piston seals, boots, and o-rings (used for the front calipers only). Also, if the pistons are, at all, worn (which is likely) you'll need to replace these, too. Check the sealing ridge just behind the seal groove. If ANY of the anodize is worn off anywhere on the perimeter of this ridge, then the piston will need to be replaced.
This is a job that you want to do RIGHT, regardless of the cost. We're talking BRAKES here, not fuel door emblems . Brakes are CRITICAL to your safety and the safety of others. LIVES might depend upon them.
EXTERNALLY, the calipers look fine. A good bead blasting or some time with a wire wheel and they'll look like new. However, the EXTERNAL appearance is NOT the critical part. The condition of the caliper BORES is what counts. So, you'll need to diassemble the calipers to inspect for this. Simply remove the caliper half bolts and pull out the pistons.
Then, clean the piston bores with a rag or paper towel and inspect them. If there is even the slightest pitting or corrosion damage (which is likely), they'll need to be sleeved. If not, or if the calipers have been previously stainless steel sleeved (which is possible), then all you need to do is too clean them up and rebuild them.
To rebuild, you'll need to use new piston seals, boots, and o-rings (used for the front calipers only). Also, if the pistons are, at all, worn (which is likely) you'll need to replace these, too. Check the sealing ridge just behind the seal groove. If ANY of the anodize is worn off anywhere on the perimeter of this ridge, then the piston will need to be replaced.
This is a job that you want to do RIGHT, regardless of the cost. We're talking BRAKES here, not fuel door emblems . Brakes are CRITICAL to your safety and the safety of others. LIVES might depend upon them.
08-11-2001, 03:18 PM
#3
Le Mans Master
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Re: Are these brake calipers hosed? (ddn)
David,
Have you pulled the pistons and checked the bores of the calipers? That is the real test to see if they are junk or not. I know they might look bad but they might have been already replaced with SS lined units.
My calipers looked bad on the outside, but when I pulled the pistons and seals the bores were unscarred and smooth. They were replacements, remember that the car is 30+ years old and salt, dirt and road debris will make a mess out of hard driven cars.
Break them down, clean them up and then check them.
If they are beyond repair (in your best estimate) you don't have to spend $400.00 for new calipers. Believe it or not Autozone sells good quality rebuilt calipers for under $60.00 each.
If you rebuild the calipers PLEASE use Zero Tolerance O-ring pistons and seals. If you can't find those, order the very similar kit from Zip through the Corvette Mall here on the Forum.
Have you pulled the pistons and checked the bores of the calipers? That is the real test to see if they are junk or not. I know they might look bad but they might have been already replaced with SS lined units.
My calipers looked bad on the outside, but when I pulled the pistons and seals the bores were unscarred and smooth. They were replacements, remember that the car is 30+ years old and salt, dirt and road debris will make a mess out of hard driven cars.
Break them down, clean them up and then check them.
If they are beyond repair (in your best estimate) you don't have to spend $400.00 for new calipers. Believe it or not Autozone sells good quality rebuilt calipers for under $60.00 each.
If you rebuild the calipers PLEASE use Zero Tolerance O-ring pistons and seals. If you can't find those, order the very similar kit from Zip through the Corvette Mall here on the Forum.
08-12-2001, 02:29 AM
#4
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Re: Are these brake calipers hosed? (Joe Lucia)
Joe,
I figured a blasting would clean them up, but I was wondering if you guys would say "If the outside is that bad, the inside is worse".
I don't plan to cut corners on the brakes, in fact, I think they're about THE most important part of the car for real performance driving. I just REALLY want to get my car on the road. THEN, I'll be adding the Porsche carbon ceramic uber brakes ;)
I figured a blasting would clean them up, but I was wondering if you guys would say "If the outside is that bad, the inside is worse".
I don't plan to cut corners on the brakes, in fact, I think they're about THE most important part of the car for real performance driving. I just REALLY want to get my car on the road. THEN, I'll be adding the Porsche carbon ceramic uber brakes ;)