Replacing brake calipers, what to expect?

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Jan 15, 2002 | 03:14 AM

NassyVette

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

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From: Chicago

Replacing brake calipers, what to expect?

I'm planning on replacing all 4 brake calipers on my 75 this weekend. Is there anything I should be expecting, or look out for? I ordered them from Mid America, with new lines and pads and fluid, the works. Any tips you guys could give me, or any preperation I could do to make it go smooth would help alot.

Thanks everyone.
:seeya

[Modified by Yellow75, 1:18 AM 1/15/2002]

Jan 15, 2002 | 03:15 AM

Jenny

Burning Brakes

Joined: Sep 2001

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From: Raleigh NC

Re: Replacing brake calipers, what to expect? (Yellow75)

HELL!!!!! :mad

Jan 15, 2002 | 03:18 AM

NassyVette

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jul 2000

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From: Chicago

Re: Replacing brake calipers, what to expect? (Jenny)

LOL Oh joy, this doesn't sound good...

Jan 15, 2002 | 04:36 AM

Jenny

Burning Brakes

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 986

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From: Raleigh NC

Re: Replacing brake calipers, what to expect? (Yellow75)

Quote:

LOL Oh joy, this doesn't sound good...

it's not... of course i get all the defective calipers... you'll be fine :D Be careful w/ the hard brake lines if you change the front flexible line. I twisted mine.. and had to pipe bend my own!!! NOT FUN!

Jan 15, 2002 | 07:25 AM

jerryp58

Melting Slicks

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Re: Replacing brake calipers, what to expect? (Yellow75)

There are several threads out there now that you might want to search on. Here's a few things I had said in another thread ( http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=217416 ) that might apply to you.

4. Have a good set of flare wrenches on hand (but have a good pair of vice grips too for the nuts that may already be run off :rolleyes: ).
5. Douse every nut with penetrating oil.
6. Consider painting the calipers before you put them on.

Are you going to do anything with your rotors? There are a couple of comments in that same thread about rotors if you are.

Good Luck.

Jan 15, 2002 | 10:19 AM

Mack

Team Owner

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From: Deep East Texas

Re: Replacing brake calipers, what to expect? (jerryp58)

Most of it has been covered in previous threads. Like Ganey said, "Get the clips." I think it's easier to put the clips on the pistons while the styrofoam spacer is still in there, then pull out the styrofoam, drop in the pads, put the pin on and secure the cotter pin, slide the caliper over the rotor, finger tighten the bolts, pull the clips out, start the brake line connection, and then tighten up the caliper mounting bolts and brake line. If you didn't buy the flexible hoses, I'd recommend that you go ahead and get them and change them out at the same time. You can get them from a local "Real" parts store.

Last comment... Take your time. It's not a hard job, even if Bubba did previously use a pair of vise-grips on the tubing connections. If you find that it's taking more time than you thought, you can do one pair this weekend, drive the car next week and then do the other pair next weekend.

Good luck and tell us how it goes...

[Modified by Mack76, 8:20 AM 1/15/2002]

Jan 15, 2002 | 12:37 PM

R. Bruno

Drifting

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From: San Francisco, CA

Re: Replacing brake calipers, what to expect? (Mack76)

All good comments. Like Mack 76 says, take your time. Sometimes the caliper bolts are stuck, and an impact wrench (electric if you don't have a compressor) may be handy. Careful of the brake fluid as it will eat through the paint. Replace the rear crossover line if you can as it is relatively easy, cheap ($15) and you won't have to bleed again if you do it at a later date.

Jan 15, 2002 | 12:51 PM

flood

Race Director

Joined: Dec 2000

Posts: 10,896

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From: CO

Re: Replacing brake calipers, what to expect? (R. Bruno)

Hey I just did the brakes on the 75. Expect to see the production date on your brake lines. Mine were original 75 equipment !!! lasted quite a while. :cheers: