Brake caliper O-ring kit.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Europe , Luxembourg
Brake caliper O-ring kit.
Hi
As I do have some aft brake air sucking problems on my 68 Vette, I like, beside replacing the worn bearings, also install a O-ring conversion kit.
Where can I get a good kit from. ( I like to do it myself )
I'm not sure if my calipers are sleeved jet, but do hope so as the car is far over 30 years old.
Can I also get a master cyl seal kit in order to have the complete system renewed . Nothing is leaking at all presently, except that one caliper is sucking air, hopefully due to play most probably coming from the bearings.
What's the internet address for Vette Brakes, I heard they have a conversion kit ?
Thanks. Gunther
[Modified by WESCH, 4:39 PM 10/15/2002]
As I do have some aft brake air sucking problems on my 68 Vette, I like, beside replacing the worn bearings, also install a O-ring conversion kit.
Where can I get a good kit from. ( I like to do it myself )
I'm not sure if my calipers are sleeved jet, but do hope so as the car is far over 30 years old.
Can I also get a master cyl seal kit in order to have the complete system renewed . Nothing is leaking at all presently, except that one caliper is sucking air, hopefully due to play most probably coming from the bearings.
What's the internet address for Vette Brakes, I heard they have a conversion kit ?
Thanks. Gunther
[Modified by WESCH, 4:39 PM 10/15/2002]
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
Re: Brake caliper O-ring kit. (WESCH)
I think most people here will tell you to just fix your runout and stick with the lip seals. They'll actually seal better than o-rings. But since they only seal in one direction unlike o-rings which seal equally well in both directions, they'll cause you to suck air if your runout is out of tolerance. O-rings are kind of a band-aide on the actual problem if you ask me.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: Brake caliper O-ring kit. (wcsinx)
I put the O ring kits in my SS sleeved calipers about 2 years ago. EASY job. I think I bought them from Florida Corvette Caliper??? I bought them at Carlisle...not mail order. Not sure of the vendors name. The kits consist of new pistons, the O rings, and other seals, etc. to do the job.
Cured my problem, BUT...a year after I did them, I did remove the T arms and A frames for a rebuild, and part of the rebuild was "true-ing" the rotors to the hubs/spindles to remove runout. Chuck
Cured my problem, BUT...a year after I did them, I did remove the T arms and A frames for a rebuild, and part of the rebuild was "true-ing" the rotors to the hubs/spindles to remove runout. Chuck
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 0
From: spring city pa
Re: Brake caliper O-ring kit. (Chuck Gongloff)
The installation of the o/ring kit is anything but a bandaid . Runout or not the kit works. ZTI makes a good kit that is zero tolerance industries if I recall correctly . The o/rings will give you a pedal and you will be able to keep it .
Geo :yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod:
Geo :yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod:
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 18,126
Likes: 174
From: WI
Re: Brake caliper O-ring kit. (WESCH)
WESCH,
I like the idea of the o-ring pistons from Vette Brakes, BUT fix the problem then put them in!! As far as a rebuild kit for your MC, for some crazy reason a rebuilt master is about the same price as the kit to do it your self. Maybe our resident brake parts "expert" VBP (and I use the term "expert" loosely!!) could explain this one. ...redvetracr
I like the idea of the o-ring pistons from Vette Brakes, BUT fix the problem then put them in!! As far as a rebuild kit for your MC, for some crazy reason a rebuilt master is about the same price as the kit to do it your self. Maybe our resident brake parts "expert" VBP (and I use the term "expert" loosely!!) could explain this one. ...redvetracr
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 0
From: spring city pa
Re: Brake caliper O-ring kit. (redvetracr)
I found the same thing as redvetracr when I went to purchase a master cylinder . The counter guy told me right out not to buy a rebuilt as he could supply a new one for about the same price .
geo
geo
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 852
Likes: 0
From: Katy TX
Re: Brake caliper O-ring kit. (WESCH)
I went with the O-ring upgrade on a good set of SS sleeved calipers last winter. All I can say is that my brakes are working great. I would look for a vendor that sells the zero tolerance pistons and not just a modified stock piston. I bought mine from a Florida brake place that has been the topic of many horror stories. I had no problems as they actually sent me the piston/o-ring kit and told me to send payment if I liked the product and send them back if I don't. Just fitting the zero tolerance pistons in the caliper makes you know that you have a MUCH better braking solution to the stock lip seal system. I found that the zero tolerance piston eliminates the ability of the piston to rock in the bore. I acually had a set of pistons and o-rings from another vendor that included nothing more than a modified stock piston. IMO it was not better than the stock solution and I sent them back. Shop wisely.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 0
From: spring city pa
Re: Brake caliper O-ring kit. (redvetracr)
Please forgive me as I stand corrected ,,, at any rate I was still able to purchase a new M/C as cheap as a rebuilt . I had no intention to get you so upset and I apologize .
Geo :rolleyes:
Geo :rolleyes:
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Europe , Luxembourg
Re: Brake caliper O-ring kit. (redvetracr)
Thanks for all the replies.
Of course, I will repl the bearings to get writ of the runout.
Only the aft driver's side has runout.
I will inst O-ring kits as it looks like that the slightest runout just destroys the braking ability of the Vette.
It's a bad feeling, if during hard braking , the brake warn light comes on and you know that only the front brakes stop the car.
Bleeding always solves this problem, but only for a short time.
redvetracr
Pls give me some contact info for ZERO TOLERANCE ( ZT ) in order for me to place a O-ring kit order.
Thanks alot. Gunther
Of course, I will repl the bearings to get writ of the runout.
Only the aft driver's side has runout.
I will inst O-ring kits as it looks like that the slightest runout just destroys the braking ability of the Vette.
It's a bad feeling, if during hard braking , the brake warn light comes on and you know that only the front brakes stop the car.
Bleeding always solves this problem, but only for a short time.
redvetracr
Pls give me some contact info for ZERO TOLERANCE ( ZT ) in order for me to place a O-ring kit order.
Thanks alot. Gunther
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: Brake caliper O-ring kit. (WESCH)
Good place to ask this question. I/we use the terms "O" ring and "Zero Tolerance" to mean the same thing. If I remember correctly, we're talking about 2 different solutions to the problem. The "O" ring kits have a new piston with an accomodation for a large thick O ring. The Zero Tolerance, I think??? is a new piston which will not "wobble" in the bore. Correct? Incorrect? Aren't these 2 different items? Chuck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
Re: Brake caliper O-ring kit. (Chuck Gongloff)
I did an O-ring rebuild this past year on my SS calipers. My rotors have slight runout and I elected to keep the springs out. If the pistons aren't pulsating because of runout...it minimizes the buildup of air in the system. I use silicone fluid which has an affinity for air.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 0
From: spring city pa
Re: Brake caliper O-ring kit. (WESCH)
Hi Wesch ,,, let me look around my shop today as I,m pretty sure I have the addy in my files somewhere . Last time I talked to mike he did not have a web site . I will post later one way or another to let you know if I found the info .
Geo
[Modified by ram82fire, 3:04 PM 10/16/2002]
Geo
[Modified by ram82fire, 3:04 PM 10/16/2002]
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 18,126
Likes: 174
From: WI
Re: Brake caliper O-ring kit. (ram82fire)
Wesch,
Unlike SOME people I am more than willing to share information!! Zero Tolerance is/was at 707-725-6090 (Mike)
Chuck,
Yes, the term Zero Tolerance is an abused term. It is the name of the company who claims to be the first to build a replacement piston for our beloved Corvette caliper. Call him (Mike) he is more than willing to educate you about his product. ...redvetracr
Unlike SOME people I am more than willing to share information!! Zero Tolerance is/was at 707-725-6090 (Mike)
Chuck,
Yes, the term Zero Tolerance is an abused term. It is the name of the company who claims to be the first to build a replacement piston for our beloved Corvette caliper. Call him (Mike) he is more than willing to educate you about his product. ...redvetracr
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Europe , Luxembourg
Re: Brake caliper O-ring kit. (redvetracr)
Hi redvetracr and ram82fire
Thanks for the info.
Will contact ZT to see about the kit.
So , there are 2 options on the market, once a original piston rebuild to accept the O-ring and 2nd , a new ZT piston also with a O-ring ?
Now, do the springs behind the piston stay installed on both this options ?
Since it's winter time soon and bead weather has started, I can just as well remove a caliper and pull the pistons to see what's installed ( sleeved ?) . If the calipers are not sleeved, I might just as well get a complete rebuild. Does ZT also offer those ?
Again, thanks for your help.
Gunther :seeya
Thanks for the info.
Will contact ZT to see about the kit.
So , there are 2 options on the market, once a original piston rebuild to accept the O-ring and 2nd , a new ZT piston also with a O-ring ?
Now, do the springs behind the piston stay installed on both this options ?
Since it's winter time soon and bead weather has started, I can just as well remove a caliper and pull the pistons to see what's installed ( sleeved ?) . If the calipers are not sleeved, I might just as well get a complete rebuild. Does ZT also offer those ?
Again, thanks for your help.
Gunther :seeya