78 Caliper Leaking
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Munster IN
78 Caliper Leaking
I noticed my left front caliper leaking. I would like to here what kind of caliper replacement is best O-ring or lip seal? The caliper has some surface rust and I don't know how old it may be. The car has 83,000 miles on it and I have had it for 5 years and have never had any brake problems. Thanks any and all help will be much appreciated. The info and threads on this site have been fantastic.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
First off, make sure you replace the caliper in a pair with the other on the opposite side. Always replace them in pairs, and it's also a good idea to replace the flex lines when you're in there working.
I like using Autozone replacement calipers. They are $69 after core, lifetime warranty, S/S sleeved, and local. Hard to beat that.
If you want the O-ring seals, prepare to spend a bit more through a vendor for those calipers.
I don't see anything wrong with the lip seals so long as you have your rotor runout in check. If that rotor is wobbling causing problems then that might be something to fix and focus on instead of changing the type of seal.
That being said, I think your caliper is leaking because it probably does not have the S/S sleeves and the piston bores are probably pitted and that's where the leaking is coming from.
Are your rotors original or have them been replaced? You can tell because the rivets that hold the rotor to the hub will have been drilled out.
I like using Autozone replacement calipers. They are $69 after core, lifetime warranty, S/S sleeved, and local. Hard to beat that.
If you want the O-ring seals, prepare to spend a bit more through a vendor for those calipers.
I don't see anything wrong with the lip seals so long as you have your rotor runout in check. If that rotor is wobbling causing problems then that might be something to fix and focus on instead of changing the type of seal.
That being said, I think your caliper is leaking because it probably does not have the S/S sleeves and the piston bores are probably pitted and that's where the leaking is coming from.
Are your rotors original or have them been replaced? You can tell because the rivets that hold the rotor to the hub will have been drilled out.
