Just a quick question. I believe these calipers are leaking from too much sitting. Is it possible the seals will seal up if I drive the car some? Thank You

 

Not likely. Seals, gaskets, packings, etc. tend to start leaking from non-use but not the reverse, unfortunately.

 

Thanks i I guess I’ll rebuild them again.

 

Are you using the original lip type seals or o ring type?

 

Just an FYI that lip (OEM original) versus O ring seals (aftermarket improvement) will not solve a problem generally like you are stating since the problem causing the leaks sounds like another issue all together. The aftermarket O ring seals supposedly are better for cars that sit for long periods of time (which almost every C3 does now) but can and do leak just like the OEM GM lip seals can.

FWIW-On My 78 L-82 4 speed, I changed all 4 calipers in 1985 (34 years ago now) to SS lip seal calipers (No O ring calipers back then) and all 4 calipers are still on the car, never have had an issue with leaks. The car sits 99.99% of the year (about 500-700 miles driven non snow season) and the car still has the OEM master cylinder, OEM brake booster, OEM brake lines, SS braided steel hoses, OEM brake proportioning valve, and OEM original rotors. I bleed the brakes with new fluid every 4-5 years...that is it.

The point is that O ring seals MAY (I have my doubts for the obvious reasons with my LIP seal experience) be better in some cases but I have found the OEM Lip seals to be almost perfect in all circumstances and would use them again if I ever need to. O ring seals will not necessarily fix a brake system that leaks if the problem is elsewhere in the system. Just an FYI

 

FWIW a lot of auto parts stores sell rebuilt calipers with warranties that are already sleeved. In the long run it ends up being cheaper than doing it yourself. Good luck

 

Thanks everyone for all the responses. I will order a o-ring conversion kit and hope for the best.

 

I had one of my rear calipers start leaking with very little miles after rebuilding with the lid seals this was over the winter from sitting after I pumped the brakes a couple times it did stop leaking and that was 3 years ago.. It may not be typical but it is possible. Some day I will replace my seals with the oring type.

I had a pad come off one of my front calipers and wedge the piston up damaging the sidewall... That is when I went to my local advance auto and bought a replacement caliper which seems to be superior to my original equipment in every way. its stainless (the entire thing) the pistons are stainless and the housing as well.. Its still completely new looking 3 years later reminding me I should replace the rest while they are still available and cheap but I wont..

 

you are correct its from sitting. After you rebuild them or replace them pump the brake pedal a few times every couple of weeks

 

Sorry guys but I never go out and step on the brake pedal when the car is not being used nor do others I know with Lip seal calipers with C3's that sit for months at a time....I honestly do not think stepping on the brake pedal every couple of weeks with the car sitting is going to be beneficial to preventing leaks and may make matters worse in some a cases........A properly functioning C3 brake system with calipers, rotors and lip seals (not o ring seals) will work correctly with no leaks for months and years at a time with little maintenance........

 

I guess I’ll rebuild them again. I’d hate to install new pads knowing that my calipers are leaking which may or may not go away. Thanks again for all the valuable information.