Replacing calipers - one at a time?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From: Va
Replacing calipers - one at a time?
Good morning all,
My left front caliper was leaking so I purchased a set of SS O-Ring Calipers to replace the original equipment. Question for the group - is it "recommended" or "required" that I replace both left and right calipers at the same time?
Right front is not leaking and has plenty of pad, nearly new.
My plan is to replace the left front caliper, see how it drives and then go from there.
Is this a good idea or a bad idea? What will be the worst case scenario if i just replace the LFC?
Appreciate any feedback!
O
I also finally finished replacing the aftermarket radio with OEM.
My left front caliper was leaking so I purchased a set of SS O-Ring Calipers to replace the original equipment. Question for the group - is it "recommended" or "required" that I replace both left and right calipers at the same time?
Right front is not leaking and has plenty of pad, nearly new.
My plan is to replace the left front caliper, see how it drives and then go from there.
Is this a good idea or a bad idea? What will be the worst case scenario if i just replace the LFC?
Appreciate any feedback!
O
I also finally finished replacing the aftermarket radio with OEM.
Last edited by raider21; Aug 19, 2012 at 10:01 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
You will get differing opinions, but mine is that if its not broken it doesn't need to be fixed. However, there's something to be said for preventive maintenance, they both have the same usage on them.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 14
From: Mobile Alabama
It is recommended not required. You might save yourself some extra work if the other caliper starts leaking because the easy fluid path (old leaking caliper) is removed, causing more pressure to be applied to the remaining old caliper.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
The reason that folks recommend that you change fronts or backs as 'sets' is so that you don't get different clamping forces from two dissimilar calipers. But, as long as the actual piston area size is the same between the two calipers, it really won't make any difference.
Now, if one of them is a stock caliper and the other was a stock caliper which has been sleeved...and the piston diameter of the 'sleeved' caliper is smaller than the stock piston...you would not want to mix them, as you will get greater clamping forces on the stock unit (larger piston area x same brake line pressure = more clamping force).
P.S. If you change just the one caliper, make sure that you put new/identical disc pad types in both front wheels. It's essential that you keep the pads the same to maintain equal frictional forces.
Now, if one of them is a stock caliper and the other was a stock caliper which has been sleeved...and the piston diameter of the 'sleeved' caliper is smaller than the stock piston...you would not want to mix them, as you will get greater clamping forces on the stock unit (larger piston area x same brake line pressure = more clamping force).
P.S. If you change just the one caliper, make sure that you put new/identical disc pad types in both front wheels. It's essential that you keep the pads the same to maintain equal frictional forces.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Aug 19, 2012 at 11:16 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
The reason that folks recommend that you change fronts or backs as 'sets' is so that you don't get different clamping forces from two dissimilar calipers. But, as long as the actual piston area size is the same between the two calipers, it really won't make any difference.
Now, if one of them is a stock caliper and the other was a stock caliper which has been sleeved...and the piston diameter of the 'sleeved' caliper is smaller than the stock piston...you would not want to mix them, as you will get greater clamping forces on the stock unit (larger piston area x same brake line pressure = more clamping force).
P.S. If you change just the one caliper, make sure that you put new/identical disc pad types in both front wheels. It's essential that you keep the pads the same to maintain equal frictional forces.
Now, if one of them is a stock caliper and the other was a stock caliper which has been sleeved...and the piston diameter of the 'sleeved' caliper is smaller than the stock piston...you would not want to mix them, as you will get greater clamping forces on the stock unit (larger piston area x same brake line pressure = more clamping force).
P.S. If you change just the one caliper, make sure that you put new/identical disc pad types in both front wheels. It's essential that you keep the pads the same to maintain equal frictional forces.
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Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
brake fluid and moisture
it really dont make a difference changing 1 or 2 as the system is probably contaminated with rust from moisture......it tears up the seals that is causing the leaks....so without purging the whole system {calipers, master cylinder, and lines} of rust and moisture its going to happen to the rest of the system....its just a matter of time.....the best fix is to do them all
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From: Va
Thanks for all the feedback and recommendations gents! I have it back together and plan to drive it around the neighborhood for a week or so to make sure I got it all back together correctly and to see how it drives with different braking applications. Then I'll put it back on the jacks and change the right side.
I was hoping to only have to change the one, but, I see lots of good points about doing both at the same time.
I'll let you know how it goes.
thanks again,
O
I was hoping to only have to change the one, but, I see lots of good points about doing both at the same time.
I'll let you know how it goes.
thanks again,
O
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
If you have already changed just one caliper, put new (identical) pads in both front calipers, and are driving it and experiencing no pulling to one side or the other, it is unnecessary to swap out the other caliper.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 424
Likes: 9
From: Killeen Texas
Are the calipers rebuildable? Could you not install new seals in the old calipers? About 5 years ago, I rebuilt the calipers on my '81 'Vette and they still work perfectly. The car stops nice and straight no matter how hard I stand in the pedal. The seal kits were very inexpensive and rebuilding the calipers was very basic and not time consuming. Good Luck w/ whatever path you take.
By the way, your 'Vette is beautiful, both inside and out.
By the way, your 'Vette is beautiful, both inside and out.