Rear calipers need replacing??
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Rear calipers need replacing??
Out on Saturday enjoying the weather and noticed the car pull to the right on heavy braking. It had never done this before. Popped the MC lid and the rear compartment was empty. I know from other posts this is for the rear brakes. Fluid is visible on the surface of the rear drivers side caliper. No drip on drive or garage floor. Looks like calipers are gone? I put new fluid in the rear MC compartment - pumped the brakes and the pedal fell to the floor then got a little firmer. The light went off but I will not drive it now. The brake pedal has always been lower to the floor than other cars I've owned but I thought it was just my car. How can I tell by looking if these calipers have ever been re-sleeved? I assumed when I bought the car this had been done because they were not leaking then. I'm thinking I will buy calipers and replace the rubber hoses on the rear. Any feedback is appreciated.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Well, your calipers may not be gone, but it sure sounds like at least one of the pistons has a leak. Leaks often do not make a drip on the ground. Time for a rebuild, or if you want, purchase new ones. If you look closely, you should be able to tell if they have been sleeved. (You'll have to remove them first. I think the sleeves are under the rubber dust shields on each piston.) If they haven't been sleeved, you can use them as cores for a new set at places like VBP.
Good luck -
Good luck -
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Z-man
Well, your calipers may not be gone, but it sure sounds like at least one of the pistons has a leak. Leaks often do not make a drip on the ground. Time for a rebuild, or if you want, purchase new ones. If you look closely, you should be able to tell if they have been sleeved. (You'll have to remove them first. I think the sleeves are under the rubber dust shields on each piston.) If they haven't been sleeved, you can use them as cores for a new set at places like VBP.
Good luck -
Good luck -
time for rebuild or replace or, if ur ballzy, upgrading
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
From: NorCal 71 Lt-1
here is a pic of what a sleeved caliper piston bore looks like with the dust seal, piston and seal removed. if they can be rebuilt and you decide to go that route, it's best to overhaul them with the o-ring / piston kit. 
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Originally Posted by wnjlt1
here is a pic of what a sleeved caliper piston bore looks like with the dust seal, piston and seal removed. if they can be rebuilt and you decide to go that route, it's best to overhaul them with the o-ring / piston kit.
Good photo of the sleeve!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Thanks for the information and pictures. I will probably replace both rear calipers and rubber hoses and slowly drive it to my mechanic to install new front hoses and bleed the entire system. I will keep a close eye for leaks from the front system. I really like those wheels on your Vettes. Thanks again.
Thanks again.
