Brake Caliper Replacement
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Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 76
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Brake Caliper Replacement
I have a leaky left front caliper and I purchased a replacement set of calipers for the entire front end. Now that I have the new set, I am wondering if I should replace both calipers even though only one is leaking. Should I replace both? I don’t want to “fix” anything that isn’t actually broken! Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 633
From: perth western australia
IMO the short answer is yes
If you do any WORK to your front suspension and brakes it should all be done on both sides , what I mean is I would overhaul that leaky caliper (new seals etc) then the other side will be done as well , so they are both refreshed at the same time . However I know my calipers were stainless sleeved.
If , for example one top A arm bush is shot , then all 4 top A arm bushes should be replaced .
In your case ,replace both front calipers because you already have them and send your old ones back for a core refund .Your obviously not worried about castings of the calipers ?
That's what I do anyway. except I rebuild the calipers with new seals etc.
If you do any WORK to your front suspension and brakes it should all be done on both sides , what I mean is I would overhaul that leaky caliper (new seals etc) then the other side will be done as well , so they are both refreshed at the same time . However I know my calipers were stainless sleeved.
If , for example one top A arm bush is shot , then all 4 top A arm bushes should be replaced .
In your case ,replace both front calipers because you already have them and send your old ones back for a core refund .Your obviously not worried about castings of the calipers ?
That's what I do anyway. except I rebuild the calipers with new seals etc.
Last edited by bazza77; Apr 15, 2020 at 09:26 PM.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 406
Likes: 46
From: Lebanon OH
I recommend you purchase a new seal kit for your calipers. You can get one for about $20 a caliper. The kit contains four lip seals, four dust seals, and two O-rings. I would consider replacing the bleeder valve while you're at it. You will need a torque wrench capable of 130 ft lbs and a bench vise (or equivalent) in order to put the caliper halves together. There is a brake caliper rebuild thread on my rebuild site. If you follow the link on my signature, and select the "Progress so Far" picture, you will see a link to "Brakes" next to the systems picture. That link takes you to a walk through of my caliper rebuild. Please let me know if there are any problems accessing the site or links. Good luck.
MajD
MajD
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 421
From: BC
I recently had a left front caliper fail with leaking seals. I replaced the caliper seals and it lasted about a month before it started leaking again. The front rotors were original and were still perfectly smooth so I had just replaced the caliper and pads. The fault was the rotor was slightly warped with about .015" rotor runout and it was causing the seals to go on the fixed calipers. Always check your rotor runout before you install those new calipers! Good runnout is .002" or less.
Last edited by CanadaGrant; Apr 16, 2020 at 03:54 PM.
