Caliper is leaking
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: Lansing MI
Caliper is leaking
Alright I've got a slight brake squeal, so I thought I'd check the pads. They were fine. I was told to take the top of the brake reservoir, removed the pad retaining pin, and used two screw drivers to lightly pry the caliper open a little. It moved without any effort..
Now I'm noticing the caliper is leaking fluid. They were replaced about a year ago. Could I have busted through the rubber boot on the caliper? I'm not sure how, but thats the only thing I could think of.
I just wanted to make sure that this was NOT norma, when the pads were off
Thanks for any suggestions
Now I'm noticing the caliper is leaking fluid. They were replaced about a year ago. Could I have busted through the rubber boot on the caliper? I'm not sure how, but thats the only thing I could think of.
I just wanted to make sure that this was NOT norma, when the pads were off
Thanks for any suggestions
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 14
From: Norfolk VA
If the calipers were replaced and the pistons have the lip seal instead of the o-ring type seal on the pistons, eventually the caliper(s) will leak. The reason it is difficult to push the pistons back is because the pistons have springs behind them. Eckler's, Zip, and some of the other vendors sell piston retainers you can slide on the calipers to push and hold the pistons in their bores until you change pads.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: Lansing MI
Well I put everything back together, but I'm a little nervious about the fluid. I pumped the brakes a little, until they got firm, and I don't see any more fluid coming out..
Should I replace the caliper (or rebuild it) or should it be fine, now that the pads are back in place?
Should I replace the caliper (or rebuild it) or should it be fine, now that the pads are back in place?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
I'm not sure what you did when you said you put everything back together. In any event, if it were me, I'd rebuild the caliper. Brakes are nothing to fool with. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,683
Likes: 34
From: Working on the car NY
With brakes, I don't like the situation that it leaked and now it doesn't. It shouldn't have leaked in the first place. If it did, I would assume it would again. You shouldn't poke around the seals with a screwdriver. You could have pushed (with your hand) the pads back to see if a piston was "stuck." It really doesn't required much effort to push the pistons back. Keep the regular seals in the caliper. Zora Dontov (father of the Corvette IMO) said the O rings seals were no good for the caliper design of the Corvette. The seals will need replacing after a while depending on the car's usage. It is not good to not use the car/brakes and let the car sit. If the car sits, you should sit in the seat and pump the brakes periodically - how ofter, I dunno - maybe one a month, once every 2 or even 3 months is better than letting it sit for 6 months. I'd be careful driving and keep an eye on the Master for it dropping. At first sign, find where the leak is and fit it. Brakes aren't something to take for granted.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 14
From: Norfolk VA
Other indicators to a possible leaking caliper are a soft pedal, wet spots on the sidewall of the tire, low fluid level in one or both reserviors in the MC. I'm going C5 brakes. For me and I say me, they are easier to service, I don't have to worry about measuring for run out with a dial indicater, shimming rotors or having them turned to match the spindle/rotor, etc, etc. All brake systems have their quirks, I'm just tired of messing with this design.
Last edited by Oldguard 7; Oct 9, 2007 at 07:37 PM.
