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Hey guys so I pulled off my brake calipers to clean them up and paint them and noticed that on one of the calipers was a huge chunk of gunk inside the pistons and on the brake pads. Do you guys think it’s time for some new calipers?
probably so, but don't forget to bleed the entire system with new fluid, or else you will be back in trouble shortly.
were they leaking, or pulling to one side, or anything??? rebuilding is not hard, pictures are nice but these don't help much, other than looks of the outside of them. Don't forget the hoses, how old are they??? They can cause as much trouble as the calipers themselves, IMO
Last edited by lvmyvt76; Feb 11, 2018 at 08:16 AM.
If you’re seeing stuff in the voids(center) of those pistons that’s ok. Now if wetness appears around the edges of those seals then its time to rebuild them.
probably so, but don't forget to bleed the entire system with new fluid, or else you will be back in trouble shortly.
were they leaking, or pulling to one side, or anything??? rebuilding is not hard, pictures are nice but these don't help much, other than looks of the outside of them. Don't forget the hoses, how old are they??? They can cause as much trouble as the calipers themselves, IMO
I didnt Have issues prior to taking them off. I’m in the middle of an engine bay overhaul, and replaced the CA bushings, springs, bearings etc. And I planned To paint the calipers with the G2 color match, but once I saw All the build up I just wanted to see what you guys thought about it. This is my first time digging in so deep to a car. I’m trying to prevent having to take everything apart again, little by little “while I’m at it”
That is why the calipers have dust boots to prevent that kind of dirt coming into the calipers themselves. Dismantle the calipers, check for the corrosion on the pistons and walls of the calipers. Check if the calipers have sleeves in them. If they have sleeves inside them they are quite easy to rebuild. Check the internet for rebuild kits and decide to go with o-ring or lip seal design. Or maybe Wilwood upgrade if you want. There are many ways of getting the calipers fixed. And don't worry I did them for the first time my self also and it isn't that scary to do.
I would rebuild them as it is cheap. New pads as well and how are the rotors? If you are painting the calipers take them all apart and sandblast them to prep for paint.
The calipers have been serviced or replaced at some ppint. I have Records from Muskegon brakes probably around the mid 90’s. All from the previous owner. I’d have to dig them up. Here are the rotors. They are smooth with no abnormal wear or grooves. I’ve read here on the forum that the rotors last forever. Tell me what you guys think. Also they have been in my garage for a few months while I took Apart the control arms and engine bay.
They might need to be resurfaced. But where fine when I removed them.
I don't know about the last forever idea. I have just redone my brakes and all four calipers were below, well below the "throw away" measurement. Measure them and see what you have.
I don't know about the last forever idea. I have just redone my brakes and all four calipers were below, well below the "throw away" measurement. Measure them and see what you have.
They must measure 1.23" in order to resurface them. Minimum wear thickness is 1.215".
All of mine were 1.95 to 1.20.
In early 2012 I replaced both front calipers with NAPA re-mans. I have replaced both once because a lip seal was leaking, under warranty. I have When I replaced the rotors/pads two weeks ago The right one started leaking at the lip seal while it was laying on my work bench. There was no leak when I took it off. I got another under warranty and the surface at the flex line fitting was messed up and would not seal. Replaced it under warranty and it has a problem too.
If you are going to replace them and want OEM style go to a Vette vendor that sells LoneStar or CCSB remans. Both do quality work IMHO and are not much more than the chain stores. Also get the o-ring seals.
If your calipers are from Muskegon Brakes from the 90's, then it's pretty definite that they are Stainless Steel sleeved. That's what Muskegon sold for Vettes. That means you can clean them up and go ahead and rebuild them. Good luck.
Duane
I noticed on that receipt there was Silicone brake fluid purchased, too. Make sure when you do your brake work that you use silicone brake fluid, and not DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Duane
I noticed on that receipt there was Silicone brake fluid purchased, too. Make sure when you do your brake work that you use silicone brake fluid, and not DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Duane
Good catch.
And since those are SS sleeved calipers, I would just do a quick rebuild and toss them back on the car.
While you have them out and apart, now is the time to have them powder coated =)
Time for new calipers?
