C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

why????????

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 19, 2007 | 12:13 AM
  #1  
joehalford01's Avatar
joehalford01
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Visalia CA
Default why????????

so i posted a thread in the general section about getting those locking lug nuts on without the key. i got them off! yeah! all is well......not! I proceeded to change out the first set of pads and i hear this little sound of liquid under pressure squeezing out of a little hole. next thing i know it's dripping brake fluid.....I was hoping i could get away with just a pad change since it only has 50,000 miles on it but i guess i was wrong. So....what should i do now? On one hand I want to stay economical because I'm saving for a new driveway. On the other hand, if i'm going to replace one caliper i might as well do all four and get good ones. If i'm going to bleed the system i might as well flush and install those fancy fangled steel lines and if i'm doing that i might as well upgrade the rotors.......

I'm guessing vb&p is the best place to get this stuff but i could be wrong. steer me in the right direction guys, thanks.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2007 | 12:31 AM
  #2  
I'm Batman's Avatar
I'm Batman
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Default

Here's a vote for VB&P. Not the cheapest, but they have a forum discount and excellent customer service.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2007 | 12:49 AM
  #3  
7T1vette's Avatar
7T1vette
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
Default

Fix what needs to be fixed now. Get the driveway done. Then save up for a complete brake redo later.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2007 | 12:55 AM
  #4  
68 NJConv 454's Avatar
68 NJConv 454
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Default

Sounds like frame off resto time.


Thats how I started mine...just planned on changing the rotors and pads.
Make a game plan and stick to it.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2007 | 12:56 AM
  #5  
Bangkok Dean's Avatar
Bangkok Dean
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 8,295
Likes: 30
From: one night in Bangkok you are never lonely
Default

Yes save money on brakes, for the new fiberglass front end and frame rebuild you will soon need.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2007 | 01:22 AM
  #6  
joehalford01's Avatar
joehalford01
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Visalia CA
Default

you guys are really encouraging

i probably should go as cheap as can be for now, i think i'll call the local parts house and see what rebuilt calipers cost. on the other hand.....anybody know anything about these
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2007 | 03:02 AM
  #7  
TheSkunkWorks's Avatar
TheSkunkWorks
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Default

Agree with 68 NJConv 454. It's a slippery slope you're on. Watch your footing or you'll be waist deep in a frame-off by new years.

But, don't skimp. You'll end up spending more in the long run.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2007 | 07:18 AM
  #8  
Durango_Boy's Avatar
Durango_Boy
Team Owner
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Default

Autozone has S/S sleeved rebuilt calipers with a lifetime warranty for $69.99 each. If it fails in a year or so just replace it for a new one free of charge.

Check your rubber lines too, they go bad on the inside.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

How Likely Are These Five 2027 Corvette Rumors to Be True?

 Brett Foote
story-5

9 Best Corvettes You Can Buy for Half Price (& 1 You Should NEVER Buy!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

8 Very Best Corvettes of Amelia Island 2026

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

Top 10 WORST Corvette Engineering Failures of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Records the C8 Corvette Generation Has SMASHED (& 1 Glaring Failure)

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

7 Wildest Corvette Concepts Ever Made

 Brett Foote
Old Sep 19, 2007 | 07:31 AM
  #9  
SIXFOOTER's Avatar
SIXFOOTER
Le Mans Master
Supporting Lifetime Gold
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Default

My vote would be new rubber or SS hoses all 4 corners, VBP O-Ring conversion kit $159, keep the rotors unless they are toasted, the stock ones are pretty good
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2007 | 10:31 AM
  #10  
sperkins's Avatar
sperkins
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9,429
Likes: 44
From: Macon, GA
Default

Originally Posted by Durango_boy
Autozone has S/S sleeved rebuilt calipers with a lifetime warranty for $69.99 each. If it fails in a year or so just replace it for a new one free of charge.

Check your rubber lines too, they go bad on the inside.

It's best to do them at least in pairs, but I've done a single caliper in the past.
I have used autozone calipers from AutoZone for the vette in the past with good success. You'll get a remanufactured GM core.
.
.
.
.
BTW - How did you end up getting the locking nuts off?
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2007 | 10:31 AM
  #11  
joehalford01's Avatar
joehalford01
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Visalia CA
Default

how hard is it to do? the o-ring conversion? does the caliper come apart fairly easily? i may just get the rotors turned and do that.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2007 | 11:04 AM
  #12  
dacantra's Avatar
dacantra
Advanced
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Laurel Maryland
Default

speaking of brakes didn't one of the companies associated with this forum just come out with a big brake upgrade on sale?? Sorry had to feed the fire.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2007 | 11:10 AM
  #13  
piper.gras's Avatar
piper.gras
Instructor
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: vt
Default

Originally Posted by joehalford01
how hard is it to do? the o-ring conversion? does the caliper come apart fairly easily? i may just get the rotors turned and do that.
yep, the calipers come apart very easily. just a couple of bolts.

getting your rotors turned will require that you drill out the rivets in order to remove the rotors (assuming that you still have the stock rotors)
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2007 | 11:17 AM
  #14  
YoBuddy's Avatar
YoBuddy
Heel & Toe
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Qtown PA
Default

I bought my rear calipers from Advance Auto and I think they were right around $65 each plus core. I'm getting the rubber lines, pads, and rotors from Rock Auto. They there's a Monroe pad set that like $25 with a $20 right now too. I had to replace one of the rear hardlines too as the fitting refused to be removed from the caliper. I ordered that from Eckler's last week and it should arrive tomorrow.

Also my car had the original rotors with 137k + miles on them, and it's a ton of fun getting them off after that much time. Drilling rivets, penetrating oil, torch, BFH and about 2 hours each.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2007 | 11:18 AM
  #15  
Z-man's Avatar
Z-man
Race Director
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Default

Originally Posted by 68 NJConv 454
Sounds like frame off resto time.


Thats how I started mine...just planned on changing the rotors and pads.
.
Yep - my complete restification started with a loose exhaust hanger nut...
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2007 | 12:35 PM
  #16  
greg454's Avatar
greg454
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 853
Likes: 0
From: Foxfield, Co
Default

did you retain the caliper pistons with clips before removing them? The pistons have springs behind them that will push them out when you remove the caliper if not retained, you may have just pushed a piston out untill it leaked.

Greg
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2007 | 12:57 PM
  #17  
joehalford01's Avatar
joehalford01
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Visalia CA
Default

Originally Posted by greg454
did you retain the caliper pistons with clips before removing them? The pistons have springs behind them that will push them out when you remove the caliper if not retained, you may have just pushed a piston out untill it leaked.

Greg
i was wondering about that as it wasn't leaking before i took the caliper off. i was wondering if it was something i did. i've never messed with a four piston caliper before and i noticed as i started running the pistons down on one side with my clamp the other side was coming up. are there special tools i need for these calipers? maybe i can get away with just rebuilding the front if i do the rest right. (i tend to learn as i go, at times it can get rather expensive......)
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To why????????

Old Sep 19, 2007 | 01:02 PM
  #18  
piper.gras's Avatar
piper.gras
Instructor
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: vt
Default

I would say you should probably just rebuild them all anyway. It's not difficult to do (nor expensive), and it's probably worth replacing the old seals so you don't have a problem down the road.

You shouldn't need any special tools, but the little retaining clips can be useful for getting the pads back in, as they are a bear to get in without the clips.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2007 | 01:20 PM
  #19  
joehalford01's Avatar
joehalford01
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Visalia CA
Default

i didn't see any retaining clips, does anyone have a picture? maybe i'm missing them?
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2007 | 01:23 PM
  #20  
Durango_Boy's Avatar
Durango_Boy
Team Owner
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Default

Originally Posted by joehalford01
i didn't see any retaining clips, does anyone have a picture? maybe i'm missing them?

He means clips you buy to hold the pistons back inside the caliper while you slide the pads in and the whole assembly over the rotor. This keeps the pads from catching on the rotors as you install the caliper. Once in, just pull the clips out.

I just use the thick end of a wooden hammer handle to keep the pads separate while I slide the caliper on.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:26 AM.

story-0
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE
story-1
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

Slideshow: Breaking down the 2027 Grand Sport, Grand Sport X, Stingray, and LS6 V8.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-26 13:48:45


VIEW MORE
story-2
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

Slideshow: 5 reasons bad drivers crash sports cars & 5 ways to avoid a costly shame!

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-25 16:32:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette

Slideshow: Check out these easy-to-install upgrades from Extreme Online Store that reshape the look and feel of the C6 Corvette.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-03-23 17:00:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
How Likely Are These Five 2027 Corvette Rumors to Be True?

There may be some big changes on the horizon.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-18 06:55:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
9 Best Corvettes You Can Buy for Half Price (& 1 You Should NEVER Buy!)

Slideshow: 9 best Corvettes you can buy for half price (and 1 you shouldn't!)

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-17 10:20:26


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Very Best Corvettes of Amelia Island 2026

Slideshow: 8 best Corvette of Amelia Island 2026

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-11 09:28:52


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 WORST Corvette Engineering Failures of All Time!

Slideshow: Top 10 worst Corvette engineering failures

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-10 17:38:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Records the C8 Corvette Generation Has SMASHED (& 1 Glaring Failure)

Slideshow: 10 records the C8 Corvette generation has SMASHED (& 1 glaring failure).

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-02 11:16:36


VIEW MORE
story-9
7 Wildest Corvette Concepts Ever Made

Out of the many Corvette concepts that exist, these are by far the wildest of the bunch.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-02 11:03:54


VIEW MORE