replacing calipers one or both
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Ajax Ontario
replacing calipers one or both
I have a leaking caliper and am going to replace it should I be replacing both or just one. I will be changing the pads on both sides for sure but not sure about the calipers.
thanks for the information folks
cheers me
thanks for the information folks
cheers me
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 12
From: columbus oh
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
From: Sebago Lake Maine
St. Jude Donor '09
I just did this today on my '80. My break light was always on and I noticed one of the rear rotors was all oily looking. Sure enough the caliper and pads were even oilyier looking.
I replaced just one and did new pads on both sides. Bleed everything and no break light.
Went for a 20 mile ride and it seemed fine.
This was the 1st time I ever did this kind of break work, so I hope I did it right.
I replaced just one and did new pads on both sides. Bleed everything and no break light.
Went for a 20 mile ride and it seemed fine.This was the 1st time I ever did this kind of break work, so I hope I did it right.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 893
Likes: 7
From: Orange Park Florida
I changed both front calipers when only one side was leaking. They looked to be the same vintage so I figured if one went, the other would not be far behind. You have the car jacked up, the tools out, cleaner handy, why not do them both. Good time to upgrade to SS lines also.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
The principal reason your caliper failed is probably due to rust. Moisture collects wherever there is brake fluid and eventually turns to rust particles cutting the seals and will more likely than not be in the whole system. Flushing the system every few years will help prevent this from happening. It really dont make any difference whether you have some fancy high dollar aftermarket, stainless, or whatever calipers, they all will collect moisture. You may get lucky for a while before another one goes 'south' on you but it would be a good idea to do an extensive bleeding to try and get the rust out....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,447
Likes: 3
From: Syracuse NY
Your fine changing just the leaker, I did just the LF at least 2 years ago and haven't had a problem.
But hell I only change the headlights as needed instead of all 4 because 1 quit working.
But hell I only change the headlights as needed instead of all 4 because 1 quit working.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 828
Likes: 2
Calipers
Always do them in pairs and while you have them out always change the rubber lines too.
I have been restoring cars since 1965 and then I was doing , Jaguar XK's, MKII's, Early XKE's, Me/Be's, 55-57 T'Birds,some early Vettes model A Fords, etc.
I always found that there is nothing more important than having brakes. If one side went then the other will go either today or in a year or so but why have that on your mind?
I have always found that even new calipers can fail, so do the right thing, you can't replace your life.
I stepped on my brake pedal in my 69 Vette in midtown Manhattan and went through a red light right through the intersection, in major traffic with no accident (The Lord was watching over me). I still remember that, yes perfect brakes are #1 in my book.
I am doing all 4 wheels & rubber lines now in my 53 Jaguar and my 88 Porsche 911. They are sticking from little useage.
Cheers
Jack
I have been restoring cars since 1965 and then I was doing , Jaguar XK's, MKII's, Early XKE's, Me/Be's, 55-57 T'Birds,some early Vettes model A Fords, etc.
I always found that there is nothing more important than having brakes. If one side went then the other will go either today or in a year or so but why have that on your mind?
I have always found that even new calipers can fail, so do the right thing, you can't replace your life.
I stepped on my brake pedal in my 69 Vette in midtown Manhattan and went through a red light right through the intersection, in major traffic with no accident (The Lord was watching over me). I still remember that, yes perfect brakes are #1 in my book.
I am doing all 4 wheels & rubber lines now in my 53 Jaguar and my 88 Porsche 911. They are sticking from little useage.
Cheers
Jack
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
Do em both, if they are the same age.
Take it from me, man. I ended up replacing all 4 brakes....one caliper at a time. If I had it all to do over, I woulda saved myself a ton of time by just doing them all at once.
Take it from me, man. I ended up replacing all 4 brakes....one caliper at a time. If I had it all to do over, I woulda saved myself a ton of time by just doing them all at once.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 893
Likes: 7
From: Orange Park Florida
It's taken me a few years to learn to do things just once! Like an earlier poster, I've rebuilt several cars, a '68 Jaguar XKE, my '72 Stingray, and now helping a buddy rebuild a '57 Chevy. A little planning, and replacing/refurbishing everything in the general area where you will be working WILL save you time and money.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 28
From: Lutz Florida
Is the leaking caliper a stainless steel sleeved replacement or an original? If it is a SS Sleeved you can rebuild it and be ok. If they are original, I would replace both. If one is pitted and leaking, the other probably is in about the same shape and will go on you soon.
Nothing more frustrating than fixing one and then having to do the other and bleed the brakes all over again. Plus buying another set of new pads if that old caliper leaks all over your new pads.
Good advice from previous posters to replace the rubber brake lines too if they are old.
I learned this lesson a long time ago the hard way.
Nothing more frustrating than fixing one and then having to do the other and bleed the brakes all over again. Plus buying another set of new pads if that old caliper leaks all over your new pads.
Good advice from previous posters to replace the rubber brake lines too if they are old.
I learned this lesson a long time ago the hard way.
