High fail/chronic leaking calipers.

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Jan 6, 2016 | 05:42 PM

InfidelCorvette

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From: Mary Esther FL

High fail/chronic leaking calipers.

Okay so when I purchased the car we replaced the rears due to them sticking. A few months later I replaced the fronts due to having no brakes and finding out the driver front was leaking. 2 weeks later the passenger side (new) started to leak out of the dust boot. 2 months later the passenger side went out again. Here I am 9 months later (not driving it for 5 months while deployed) the front right was leaking again. After replacing I lost brakes again. The rear are both leaking from one of the pistons on each, right where the boot seats. With the pads off there are little air bubbles that happen ever 3 seconds or so.

Anyone else have a problem with refurbished calipers being so problematic?

Jan 6, 2016 | 06:20 PM

78 silver 78

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From: Grants Pass Oregon

I'm changing to O ring seals. The stock lip seals will start to leak after awhile if they are not used.

Jan 6, 2016 | 06:26 PM

InfidelCorvette

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From: Mary Esther FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by 78 silver 78

I'm changing to O ring seals. The stock lip seals will start to leak after awhile if they are not used.

I take it O ring are sealed internally and lip seals, seal at the boot?

Jan 6, 2016 | 07:08 PM

ddawson

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From: Lincoln, CA

Have you checked your rotor runout?

Jan 6, 2016 | 07:28 PM

Hammerhead Fred

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From: Midlothian VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by InfidelCorvette

I take it O ring are sealed internally and lip seals, seal at the boot?

They both seal at the exact same place.

Jan 6, 2016 | 07:33 PM

78 silver 78

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From: Grants Pass Oregon

Quote:

Originally Posted by InfidelCorvette

I take it O ring are sealed internally and lip seals, seal at the boot?

No, Both seal at the bottom of piston. Lip seal is flat, not much sealing surface.

Jan 6, 2016 | 08:12 PM

0Willcox Corvette

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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103

St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddawson

Have you checked your rotor runout?

If you go to the 13.29 mark in the video below you'll lean about rotor run out issues.

And... what brand are you buying. Local parts houses carry calipers that are not sleeved and kind of low end.

But.. I probably email this video link 10 times a month to people that are going to work on brakes. This video will talk about how the calipers work, early vs. late designs, Standard vs. Silicone fluid, o-ring calipers. (O- Ring calipers are addressed at the 15.29 mark) Galvanic corrosion between the bore and the sleeve and much more. It's probably one of the best tutorials available for for the Corvette c2 and c3 brake system. Take 20 minutes to watch this.

Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Jan 6, 2016 at 08:51 PM.

Jan 7, 2016 | 09:23 AM

Tampa Jerry

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Joined: Aug 2005

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From: Temple Terrace Florida

Brakes

Are you using Delco Moraine castings that have been sleeved in stainless steel? Some of the parts stores are selling "off shore" non SS castings. You really need a good foundation whether you rebuild with factory style lip seals or O-rings. Lastly, run out should not be over .005. I try to get it down to .002. Jerry