C3 Rear Brake Calipers
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Joined: Jan 2005
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C3 Rear Brake Calipers
I have a rear brake caliper that is leaking badly. I would like to replace the two rear calipers. From reading other posts, I know I should probably be avoiding cheap knock-offs and Chinese calipers, and I know they don't make Delco calipers anymore. I can't afford Wilwood, or any other high end aftermarket products. My problem is I can't find any replacements. Where would be the best place to look for some good reman Delco calipers.
Anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks in advance,
Jim
Anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks in advance,
Jim
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: New Kensington pa
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Virginia
My 79 has a full set of Delco Moraine casting rebuilds, stainless sleeved with O-Rings, from Lonestar via Zip Corvette. They've been great, too.
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I may try to rebuild it. It would be nice to learn how, and this would be a good way to do it. When I pull the caliper out, and tear it down, what am I looking at to know it is currently a lip seal vs an o-ring seal?
Last edited by Quick 8; Mar 3, 2020 at 06:21 AM.
Thread Starter
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I am guessing that the seals on these pistons are the lip seals, while the o-ring seals are normal circular cross section o-rings. Is that the case?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-1982-C...wAAOSwWxJeKL3q
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-1982-C...wAAOSwWxJeKL3q
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2020
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I am guessing that the seals on these pistons are the lip seals, while the o-ring seals are normal circular cross section o-rings. Is that the case?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-1982-C...wAAOSwWxJeKL3q
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-1982-C...wAAOSwWxJeKL3q
I just did mine with new lip seals.
In the above ebay ad you can see the lip style on the pistons which are sitting on top of the box. The seals are "flared" outwards. As long as each bore is in good shape then there is no reason the lip seals can't work.
The pack I got came with just the seals, I reused the pistons and springs.
It will also come with a small o ring for the crossover where the two caliper halves join, I can't see that in the ebay ad you posted, I'd definitely want that included.
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Thanks. I appreciate the reply. I'll take mine off this morning and check them out. My biggest concern is the condition of the bores. I guess I'll find out the answer to that question when I get them torn down.
Le Mans Master
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From: Indiana
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...e-rebuild.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...82-please.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
Yes, I would definitely try and rebuild your rears, yourself, as long as the bores are Stainless Steel sleeved and in good shape, no pitting. Supposedly, the marketing hype claims that the O ring seals are better for cars that sit most of the time (Which is just about all of our cars) versus the OEM lip seals but I have never bought into that theory since not only do I know many C3 owners with SS rebuilt lip seal calipers with many many years of theses calipers on their cars with no issues but my own personal experience with my lip seal calipers.
I replaced my 4 calipers with VBP SS lip seal calipers in 1985 and i have not had an issue in 35 years and my car sits 99.9% of the time, in New England and near the ocean (just covering the conditions). Changing your brake fluid often every 3-5 years is vital maintenance to a reliable working C3 brake system. AND NO you don't need to go out to the car and every week to step on the brake pedal to ensure no leaks...wife's tale..............Use Lip seals...they work great in a properly maintained and functioning C3 brake system.
I replaced my 4 calipers with VBP SS lip seal calipers in 1985 and i have not had an issue in 35 years and my car sits 99.9% of the time, in New England and near the ocean (just covering the conditions). Changing your brake fluid often every 3-5 years is vital maintenance to a reliable working C3 brake system. AND NO you don't need to go out to the car and every week to step on the brake pedal to ensure no leaks...wife's tale..............Use Lip seals...they work great in a properly maintained and functioning C3 brake system.
Last edited by jb78L-82; Mar 4, 2020 at 06:09 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Temple Terrace Florida
Rebuilding a caliper with lip seals is easy. I obtained the stainless steel sleeve insert for the front and back caliper. You need one of each.Once the caliper is thoroughly cleaned, I put the lip seal on the piston using clean brake fluid for lubrication. I insert the spring in the caliper bore, push the piston into the sleeve insert, put the sleeve over the caliper bore and push the piston down the sleeve into the caliper. Doing it this way is like using a ring compressor on a piston while inserting it into an engine block. Next I seat the outer seal on the piston and caliper and seat it on the caliper with a plastic puck and gently hammer it into the caliper. O-rings don't need the insert as they can be pushed into the bore easily. Jerry
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Kernersville NC
I got CSSB o-ring calipers several years ago. I have had no issues. Lone Star is very reputable also. Check Ecklers for any sale prices. CSSB was their supplier when I got mine and they were on sale. They did not hesitate to share who the vendor was.