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Going to rebuild brakes on 1981. New calipers, master cylinder, booster....etc. Where should I buy. O'Reilly's or one of the forum vendors? O'Reilly's cheap but gut says no.
In the process of doing so right now, also on an 81. Depends on what resources you have/the condition of your brake system. A couple general rules of thumb I've picked up combing through here:
Master Cylinder: If the bore/reservoir is rusted (especially if it's pitted) you probably need a new one. They're pretty cheap on ebay.
Brake Boosters rarely fail, unless you know of a preexisting issue
Brake pads definitely need to be replaced. Probably your e-brake pads, too.
Upgrade to stainless steel brakelines, get some new trailing arms
If your calipers are not rusted beyond repair (pitted), you can refinish them with a sandblaster and a rebuild kit. If not, you can send your old ones in for a core charge to most places and get new ones. I used vette brakes and products.
Replacing your brake pipes and distributors depend on their condition.
Oh also the original rotors can probably be honed if they haven't before, otherwise they're about 160-200 bucks. Just make sure the diameter stays within spec
In the process of doing so right now, also on an 81. Depends on what resources you have/the condition of your brake system. A couple general rules of thumb I've picked up combing through here:
Master Cylinder: If the bore/reservoir is rusted (especially if it's pitted) you probably need a new one. They're pretty cheap on ebay.
Brake Boosters rarely fail, unless you know of a preexisting issue
Brake pads definitely need to be replaced. Probably your e-brake pads, too.
Upgrade to stainless steel brakelines, get some new trailing arms
If your calipers are not rusted beyond repair (pitted), you can refinish them with a sandblaster and a rebuild kit. If not, you can send your old ones in for a core charge to most places and get new ones. I used vette brakes and products.
Replacing your brake pipes and distributors depend on their condition.
Hope that helps!
Thanks. Brake booster i agree. But car been sitting for five years.
My 73 sat for several years. When I opened the calipers it was a lot of gunk in there.
I rebuilt my 4 calipers (O-rings not lip seal), replaced all the rotors, brake hoses, carbon metallic pads, and 2 small rear brake lines. The master cylinder and booster both still seem fine for now.
you won`t get calipers with o-rings from an auto parts store but if your satisfied with standard lip seals Auto Zone is a good choice, no return shipping charge on the cores either...
you won`t get calipers with o-rings from an auto parts store but if your satisfied with standard lip seals Auto Zone is a good choice, no return shipping charge on the cores either...
Thats a great deal, the only thing I would suggest, as stated before, is requesting that they upgrade your brake lines to stainless steel over rubber. Its a little more expensive, but offers great peace of mind.
I'm sure that the auto zone calipers are not stainless steel sleeved. In their description, they only say that they're metal pistons. What do you guys think? Maybe SS sleeves?
I'm sure that the auto zone calipers are not stainless steel sleeved. In their description, they only say that they're metal pistons. What do you guys think? Maybe SS sleeves?
I must be taking good care of my original owner 1968 convertible with about 98,000 miles. Same brake rotors since the 68 left the factory. Same emergency brake shoes and is used every time I drive it. Same with my 1970 original owner with over 160,000 miles.
I had a leaking rear caliper on my 75, without power brakes. The brake started to stick, so I took off the capiper yesterday. Expecting to find lip seals. I found o-ring seals with ss sleeves, that were in great shape. Only one piston was leaking and that one was full of gunk. Cleaned the entire caliper out and put it back on. Bleed the brake caliper, but the pedal is low and soft. Are you supposed to bleed both sides of caliper? I only used the bleeder nut the furthest from the incoming brake line. Thanks