Rebuild or Replace?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 276
Likes: 2
From: Parkesburg PA
Rebuild or Replace?
My front calipers are leaking pretty badly. Should I rebuild or replace them? Obviously a rebuild is the more economical approach, but how effective is it? I don't want to spend the time to do it if it's not worth the time. Thanks, Neal
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
If they are stainless steel sleeved you can go ahead and rebuild them, but if not go and buy new calipers. If they are sleeved you should upgrade all four corners to o-ring seals instead of the original lip seals.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 276
Likes: 2
From: Parkesburg PA
How can I tell what I have? I know when I took them apart before they had a small rubber o-ring between the two halves of the caliper. What is the difference between the lip seal and an o-ring seal? Thanks, Neal
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
You should see a sleeve that has been pressed inside the bore, if not then go ahead and replace the calipers. The lip seals will leak if you don't drive the car much, and they will give you lots of problems later down the road. With the o-ring kit you will not have to worry about anything like this. You get a better seal
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 276
Likes: 2
From: Parkesburg PA
You should see a sleeve that has been pressed inside the bore, if not then go ahead and replace the calipers. The lip seals will leak if you don't drive the car much, and they will give you lots of problems later down the road. With the o-ring kit you will not have to worry about anything like this. You get a better seal.
.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
VBP, a sponsor here, has a complete kit. Here's the lick for the complete kit that has everything needed to rebuild all four calipers:
http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=830
http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=830
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 576
Likes: 3
From: Muskegon MI
If the caliper hasn't been sleeved then swap yours out for a set of sleeved calipers to avoid trouble down the road. Let me know if I can help.
Andrew
800-442-0335
