Front brake caliper seal problem
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 155
Likes: 127
Front brake caliper seal problem
Hey everyone!
I'm doing a resto on a 1972, and decided to rebuild all 4 calipers. I completely disassembled them, media blasted them, powder coated them, and am in the middle of reassembly.
The rear 2 were no problem, seals popped right back in with a socket, and I reinstalled them.
The front 2 are killing me. I'll say that maybe 2 seals went in right out of the 8, most were deformed while trying to install. I don't really have a socket that's larger than the seal ring, but it's close.
Does anyone have any suggestions? Is this a known problem or am I missing something?
I'm doing a resto on a 1972, and decided to rebuild all 4 calipers. I completely disassembled them, media blasted them, powder coated them, and am in the middle of reassembly.
The rear 2 were no problem, seals popped right back in with a socket, and I reinstalled them.
The front 2 are killing me. I'll say that maybe 2 seals went in right out of the 8, most were deformed while trying to install. I don't really have a socket that's larger than the seal ring, but it's close.
Does anyone have any suggestions? Is this a known problem or am I missing something?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 1,559
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Does this help?
#1 Apply brake fluid to the new seals.
#2 Rest the seal on the caliper bore and gently, with a flat screwdriver, press the seal around the edge to guide it into the bore. Then, use light pressure to send the seal down.
#2 Rest the seal on the caliper bore and gently, with a flat screwdriver, press the seal around the edge to guide it into the bore. Then, use light pressure to send the seal down.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,815
Likes: 1,726
From: Summerville SC
I agree with Mr Peterbuilt. I just did mine. Lube up with brake fluid then gentlly start working your way around with the small screwdriver. By the time you get all the way around it will just pop in place. I even slid mine up and down once or twice just to make sure it didn't get jammed while installing it. Then lube up the center of the dust seal, slide over the piston and then using a socket for a tool, just drive it down into place. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,069
Likes: 220
Hey everyone!
I'm doing a resto on a 1972, and decided to rebuild all 4 calipers. I completely disassembled them, media blasted them, powder coated them, and am in the middle of reassembly.
The rear 2 were no problem, seals popped right back in with a socket, and I reinstalled them.
The front 2 are killing me. I'll say that maybe 2 seals went in right out of the 8, most were deformed while trying to install. I don't really have a socket that's larger than the seal ring, but it's close.
Does anyone have any suggestions? Is this a known problem or am I missing something?
I'm doing a resto on a 1972, and decided to rebuild all 4 calipers. I completely disassembled them, media blasted them, powder coated them, and am in the middle of reassembly.
The rear 2 were no problem, seals popped right back in with a socket, and I reinstalled them.
The front 2 are killing me. I'll say that maybe 2 seals went in right out of the 8, most were deformed while trying to install. I don't really have a socket that's larger than the seal ring, but it's close.
Does anyone have any suggestions? Is this a known problem or am I missing something?
Follow instructions as mentioned
I went through a few of them too being hasty.
Take your time
Make sure caliper half is in a vise
tap lightly to make the seal.
Then a firm tap and not a slam tap or you will warp the seal and start all over again
Grant
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4,247
From: US-PNW
If you're talking about the outer dust seal, I found a short section of conduit that matches the metal ring diameter of the seal. Place the conduit on the dust seal and tap the conduit with the hammer. Much less likely to dent and bend the dust seal's ring with this method. I'd think a section of PVC pipe would work too.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 143
Likes: 38
From: British Columbia Canada
Sorry can never get pic and message on same page. Anyways probably going to get laughed at but this is what I did.Top of serrated pill bottle fits perfectly in the outer seal groove.I cut the bottom out of it and put a zip tie around it to keep it round then shove the piston in from the caliper end it put it in place and push the piston in.Worked for me has been a year and no leaks.
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