Caliper overhaul - piston pitting

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Mar 17, 2013 | 09:49 PM

78SilverCam

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From: Shearwater Nova Scotia

Caliper overhaul - piston pitting

Good evening,

Making the rounds on maintenance and this is one of those, 'while you are at it...'s

Overhauling the calipers and I am trying to be frugal and safe. The caliper seems to be in good shape except for some irregular wear at the base/pit of the bore. And the pistons have some pitting.

Here is the question: Can I simply keep using the piston (and for that matter - the seal since it is still in good shape)?

The pistons have some pitting

Thanks again for your feedback!

(Edit - provided links as apparently I cant get the [img][/img] to work....

Last edited by 78SilverCam; Mar 17, 2013 at 11:18 PM.

Mar 17, 2013 | 11:19 PM

redvetracr

Race Director

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 18,126

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From: WI

pitted pistons are JUNK...replace them ALL, if your calipers are not sleeved replace those also. I have some extra freshly rebuilt stainless steel sleeved calipers with o-ring pistons, if you or anyone else is interested send a PM.

Mar 18, 2013 | 01:15 AM

Mick71

Melting Slicks

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 3,363

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From: Bowtie, Pennsyltucky

St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15,'21

Quote:

Originally Posted by redvetracr

pitted pistons are JUNK...replace them ALL, if your calipers are not sleeved replace those also.

I had my brakes apart twice before I finally got off the wallet and got smart. New SS calipers and now I have good brakes and pedal and no more leaks.

Mar 18, 2013 | 08:24 AM

muskegonbrake

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Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 576

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From: Muskegon MI

Pistons and seals aren't terribly expensive. Let me know if you are going to replace them, I would be happy to answer any questions.

Andrew
800-442-0335
http://www.muskegonbrake.com/corvett...r-piston-front

Mar 18, 2013 | 10:41 AM

SuperBuickGuy

Melting Slicks

Joined: Aug 2012

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From: Woodinville WA

the pistons are available cheap from just about any auto parts supplier.

and to answer your question, no - they are not safe, they are now paper weights

Mar 18, 2013 | 12:15 PM

78SilverCam

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From: Shearwater Nova Scotia

Thanks for the feedback guys, appreciate it as always.

Looks like I'm gonna have to go new all over.

Pistons are about 50 per caliper, new calipers are about 400. So may as well get new.

Also lookin at replacing the rotors

Might get VBP Sports Pkg or some combo with the non-sports pack (saves about $300). (some plans to boost HP over time - about 50 hp or so) Question is, what point does the extra $300 become worth the money?

Mar 19, 2013 | 06:50 AM

muskegonbrake

Supporting Vendor

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 576

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From: Muskegon MI

Not to be picky, but pistons only cost $16 per caliper, seal kits cost $10 per caliper. If you're going up in HP and are really ready to spend that kind of money you might consider the Wilwood D8-4's or D8-6's, that wouldn't cost much more than the kit you're looking at.

Andrew
800-442-0335
http://www.muskegonbrake.com

Mar 19, 2013 | 08:40 AM

78SilverCam

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From: Shearwater Nova Scotia

Looked at that, think I probably wasn't clear. I am budgetting $1,000 for the entire brake work.

4 calipers
4 rotors

Also looking for parking brake shoes and associated spring kit. If I can fit that under the $1,000 cap then all the better.

Understand that you can spend as little or as much as you want. I am simply, like everyone else, looking for the best quality/service for my money.