Do I need new calipers?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 619
Likes: 0
From: winnipeg MB
Do I need new calipers?
was doing the brakes the other day and i noticed that on the front pads, the top half of the pads were almost worn to the rivets, but lots of meat on the bottom of the pads. The only explanation i can come up with is that the caliper pistons are not extending evenly or equally. Anyone agree with me that its time i put new pistons in my calipers? funny thing is both sides on the front are doing it at about the same rate... either they're both bad, or maybe thats a problem with the 80 vettes... (which i doubt considering they're the same calipers right from 68.)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 852
Likes: 0
From: Katy TX
Re: Do I need new calipers? (bloodvette80)
Sounds like the pistons have cocked in the bores. There was a recent thread on zero tolerance pistons, might want to take a look.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=601535
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=601535
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: Do I need new calipers? (bloodvette80)
THe calipers do not move like some cars do. One side can put pressure on the rotor while the other doesn't. That's not likely. Most likely the worn side isn't releasing fully. The calipers can be rebuilt IF you have no pitting in the bores or have stainless steel sleeved calipers. If the bores are pitted and they are not sleeved you will need new /sleeved calipers. That's why SS calipers are so good. Not likely to pit or corrode.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 852
Likes: 0
From: Katy TX
Re: Do I need new calipers? (bluevetteman)
One side can put pressure on the rotor while the other doesn't. That's not likely. Most likely the worn side isn't releasing fully.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
Re: Do I need new calipers? (PatG)
I would have to say that one of the following or all are is your problem. Bad rotor(could be warped), bent caliper mounting bracket, bad bearings, bent spindle, bad caliper. I see bent caliper mounting brackets all the time that come through my door and we do about 300 front and rear assemblies a month.
Just my .02
Dan-
Just my .02
Dan-
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Europe , Luxembourg
Re: Do I need new calipers? (Van Steel)
II see bent caliper mounting brackets all the time that come through my door and we do about 300 front and rear assemblies a month.
A good friend is doing vintage racing with his 67 Vette.
He realised similar pad wear and solved it by installing the J59 brackets.
This are the L88 type brake strengthening brackets that keep the outer end of the front calipers from floating under pressure.
Unfortunately, this brackets are hard to find and too expensive.
Any aftermarket source ??
Tried to get them copied in a mashine shop, but due to no schematics available with the measurements, this will be a very expensive undertaking.
Where would someone find this original sketches from GM ?
Any ideas ?
Thanks. Gunther :seeya
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