Stainless Sleeved Calipers
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 42
Likes: 2
From: Terre Haute Indiana
Stainless Sleeved Calipers
My 77 only has one sleeved caliper. I've looked for kits to do them myself with no luck in finding any. Is it smart/safe to do it myself or is there a reason I have only found already sleeved calipers?
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Unless you're set up to machine caliper bores, it's easier to purchase a set of sleeved calipers from the aftermarket providers.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Jul 4, 2018 at 08:20 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,542
Likes: 43
From: Plano TX
My thoughts are the previous owner only replace a caliper that was leaking. Unless that one caliper was fitted with O ring type replacement seals and pistons a stock kit should be able to rebuild. Some if not all the others may have been replaced with Raybestos or other replacment brands without sleeves.
After having my car for over 30 years I've been down the sleeved path, o-ring seals and after all that, I'm in favor of the aluminum replacement calipers from Wilwood. Yes more cost maybe but if you intend to keep and use the car that the route I would go.
After having my car for over 30 years I've been down the sleeved path, o-ring seals and after all that, I'm in favor of the aluminum replacement calipers from Wilwood. Yes more cost maybe but if you intend to keep and use the car that the route I would go.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,583
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From: Indianapolis IN
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
C4 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
The process to install stainless steel sleeves in these brake calipers involves machining the piston bores to accommodate the new sleeve. This is why you do not find any DIY kits. Your options are to buy already sleeved calipers OR you can send out your originals to have them sleeved.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 42
Likes: 2
From: Terre Haute Indiana
Thanks guys, I figured there was a reason I wasn't seeing them. I've already put Wilwood's on my Suburban and I really like them but they didn't fit under the 15" wheels. I'd like to stick with the rally wheels for as long as I can. Rebuild/o-ring kits are pretty reasonable so I may go that route until I'm ready to upgrade the entire system.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,583
Likes: 504
From: Indianapolis IN
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
C4 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
If your calipers are leaking, make sure you inspect the piston bores closely after tearing them down. If there are ANY pits in the walls of any of the bores you can rest assured they will leak again....regardless of whether you install o-ring seals or lip seals. Old brake fluid will contain moisture, and mixed with the muck that collects in the caliper bores you have the perfect formula for pitted bores. Those bores need to be absolutely defect free. You only want to do that job once, right-o?!! 
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,839
Likes: 45
From: nassau co. new york
i posted in 2016 and replaced them in 2012. the only answer for me was the Lonestar calipers.i was able to replace them in my sleep i changed them out so many times,my car sits too but no issues since.btw switched to ceramic pads and noted a tremendous difference in stopping power. 
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
Thanks guys, I figured there was a reason I wasn't seeing them. I've already put Wilwood's on my Suburban and I really like them but they didn't fit under the 15" wheels. I'd like to stick with the rally wheels for as long as I can. Rebuild/o-ring kits are pretty reasonable so I may go that route until I'm ready to upgrade the entire system.
Jebby
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 430
Likes: 60
From: Central KY
The root of the problem is neglected brake maintenance. As Red said, ANY pits in the walls or any dirt in the caliper will eventually break the seal-to-bore surfaces and create leaking fluid and air/moisture entering the caliper and brake system. Stainless sleeves came in vogue because rebuilders had to mill out the bores to remove the pits and stainless sleeves installed to restore the original bore dimensions so original pistons and seals could be used. O-rings were developed as "improvements" to the lip seals, and some swear by them- others don't. Maintenance is essential regardless. Flushing the fluid every few years will preserve the integrity of the system by removing fluid contaminated with moisture (yes it gets in) and any foreign matter in the fluid. DIY rebuilding is not difficult, but, in my opinion, rebuilding is best left up to the professionals. It's really no fun installing calipers.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,658
Likes: 2,470
From: Indiana
i would go the rebuild yourself route after inspection. For sure if no other issues just bleed fresh fluid..
good luck
Last edited by interpon; Jan 3, 2020 at 01:38 PM.