Stupid Brake Question (78)
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,005
Likes: 0
From: Ridgecrest CA
Stupid Brake Question (78)
Okay, this is finally in the right forum...
I know this is a stupid question, but I can't figure it out. Two questions actually.
Are the original brakes on a 78 stainless sleeved?
Also, is there a way to tell if a caliper has been updated to o-rings without disassembling it first?
I know this is a stupid question, but I can't figure it out. Two questions actually.
Are the original brakes on a 78 stainless sleeved?
Also, is there a way to tell if a caliper has been updated to o-rings without disassembling it first?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,005
Likes: 0
From: Ridgecrest CA
Since I am here, what do you think about the whole situation.
I blew a seal on an inside piston on the front driver's side caliper. Obviously I need to replace the seals on that caliper and I might as well do the springs while I am there.
I am debating about replacing the pistons at the same time, but that is another $50, and with a 7 month old, money is tight.
At the same time, I figure that if the seals went out on that one, the others are probably weak as well. Given that my brakes went completely out when that one blew on the way home, I don't really want that to happen again, but rebuilding all four of them is fairly steep as well.
Ideas? Suggestions?
I blew a seal on an inside piston on the front driver's side caliper. Obviously I need to replace the seals on that caliper and I might as well do the springs while I am there.
I am debating about replacing the pistons at the same time, but that is another $50, and with a 7 month old, money is tight.
At the same time, I figure that if the seals went out on that one, the others are probably weak as well. Given that my brakes went completely out when that one blew on the way home, I don't really want that to happen again, but rebuilding all four of them is fairly steep as well.
Ideas? Suggestions?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 14
From: Norfolk VA
The only dumb question is the one not asked. I believe 79 was the year they went with stainless steel bores. There is a running debate about lip seals (factory) vs O-rings.
Zora Duntov designed the calipers to use lip seals. It is my opinion these work just fine. If the car sits for awhile one will need to pump the pedal every few weeks if the calipers use factory lip seals. You can go to advanced auto parts and get fully assembled calipers for $80+. They have the oem lip seals, should you choose to buy calipers.
Zora Duntov designed the calipers to use lip seals. It is my opinion these work just fine. If the car sits for awhile one will need to pump the pedal every few weeks if the calipers use factory lip seals. You can go to advanced auto parts and get fully assembled calipers for $80+. They have the oem lip seals, should you choose to buy calipers.
Last edited by Oldguard 7; May 15, 2010 at 12:12 AM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,005
Likes: 0
From: Ridgecrest CA
Given that these are not sleeved, it would probably make more sense to buy a set of replacements that are.
Autozone has replacements for $65 plus core, and there is $60 in parts to rebuild them.
I guess that just leaves the question of one or all...
Autozone has replacements for $65 plus core, and there is $60 in parts to rebuild them.
I guess that just leaves the question of one or all...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,427
Likes: 1,560
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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On a budget you can change only one caliper but you must change the pads on both sides.
Then inspect the dry side while you change those pads and if that caliper is good you can leave it until it leaks.
Auto-Zone also offers a free lifetime replacement and no shipping charges.
You should change out both rubber lines or at least on the side you are changing and do the others as the you replace each caliper.
Then inspect the dry side while you change those pads and if that caliper is good you can leave it until it leaks.
Auto-Zone also offers a free lifetime replacement and no shipping charges.
You should change out both rubber lines or at least on the side you are changing and do the others as the you replace each caliper.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
Autozone? Really? I won't say anything bad about them. Plenty has already been said... Just remember, when things go really bad, brakes can be your best friend. Think about that when choosing who provides your parts. 
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your pads shoud be fine.
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Zora designed the calipers with cast iron bores and lip seals for a reason...
Oh yea, wait, they didn't know better, cost won over perfection, it seamed like a good idea at the time, there have been a lot of improvements in seal design in 30, or 40 years.
Rubber hoses are fine, but please replace them. they are 40 years old ( or so) way past their design life
Oh yea, wait, they didn't know better, cost won over perfection, it seamed like a good idea at the time, there have been a lot of improvements in seal design in 30, or 40 years.
Rubber hoses are fine, but please replace them. they are 40 years old ( or so) way past their design life
