Front Caliper question
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Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 572
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From: Milford, CT
Front Caliper question
This was the first time removing the front calipers on my 77 and of course.. I loosened up the wrong 2 bolts on one of the calipers and brake fluid started pouring out of the seam between the 2 caliper halves. Stupid.. I know. Anyway... I tightened the bolts back up but the caliper is still leaking fluid. I assume I need to replace the seals now? Is this common? I am rebuilding the entire front end of my car so I removed the caliper and its on the bench. My calipers are only 6 months old and were installed by the previous owner along with new flex lines. I want to replace them with braided hoses.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: mount holly NC
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You must be very strong, many times it takes a breaker bar with a pipe on the end to loosen the correct bolts.
Agreed, just open the caliper again and install a new "O" ring and seals.
Agreed, just open the caliper again and install a new "O" ring and seals.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
This was the first time removing the front calipers on my 77 and of course.. I loosened up the wrong 2 bolts on one of the calipers and brake fluid started pouring out of the seam between the 2 caliper halves. Stupid.. I know. Anyway... I tightened the bolts back up but the caliper is still leaking fluid. I assume I need to replace the seals now? Is this common? I am rebuilding the entire front end of my car so I removed the caliper and its on the bench. My calipers are only 6 months old and were installed by the previous owner along with new flex lines. I want to replace them with braided hoses.
Then carefully place the other half of the caliper on top of it and reinstall the two bolts that hold the caliper together. Snug the bolts, but don't bother to torque them until the caliper is mounted on the spindle when it will be much easier to torque them to the proper amount. Be very careful to not introduce any dirt or debris into the open caliper.
As long as none of the pistons popped from their bores and none of them were previously leaking, there should be no reason to replace any other seals. Of course, if any of the pistons are leaking (or you would like to switch them to "O-Ring" seals), this would be a good time to replace the piston seals and dust covers with new ones.
Good luck... GUSTO
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
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From: North tonawanda NY
I bought the kit to rebuild both of my rear leaking calipers for $15 at autozone last year... been fine ever since. (They were "New" when I bought the car but failed while sitting over the winter.) I had a pad "fall out" of my front caliper and bind it which damaged the wall.(PO used incorrect cotter pin).. I found a nice chinese clone replacement at autozone as mentioned. It seemed to have stainless pistons as well as sleeves.
Last edited by augiedoggy; Aug 12, 2015 at 07:51 AM.
