Brake Caliper Spring Elimination
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
I left the springs out just to make it easier to slip the pads in when doing the final assembly. Seems that, for one reason or another, I'm often pulling the calipers. With springs installed, this was always a three-handed hassle.
My '81 is a daily driver and, after two years with new brakes and no springs, not a single brake problem...
My '81 is a daily driver and, after two years with new brakes and no springs, not a single brake problem...
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I rebuilt my calipers several years ago with Orings. When I did I left the springs out also. It was my understanding that the spring is there to keep the piston from rocking in the bore. I have had no problems yet with this setup and it has been around 4-5 years.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,202
Likes: 10
From: cincinnati ohio
St. Jude Donor '09
I replaced the lip seals a couple times within a two year period only to have them leak again. I found an add for Zero Tolerance o-ring pistons in one of the Corvette mags and gave them a call. I talked to the owner of the then new company, who assured me my leaky caliper problems were over.
So far so good.
edit,
Found my invoice for the pistons 8/15/94
Last edited by yellow 72; Jan 29, 2007 at 06:55 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
I left the springs out just to make it easier to slip the pads in when doing the final assembly. Seems that, for one reason or another, I'm often pulling the calipers. With springs installed, this was always a three-handed hassle.
My '81 is a daily driver and, after two years with new brakes and no springs, not a single brake problem...
My '81 is a daily driver and, after two years with new brakes and no springs, not a single brake problem...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
I dont think those little springs are going to do much for the pistons rocking in the bores. But, they do keep a little pressure on the pads to keep them warm and dry in wet conditions. I think that is more important than the rocking issue. On that same note, the ones I see with problems are those that have been doped up with silicone or other brake quiet products. These materials make the piston rock when the brakes are applied and cause many problems of wear and leaking.
