Leaking Calipers
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Leaking Calipers
I found that my passenger side rear caliper is leaking. It was on the car when I got it and it appears to be a Vette Brakes caliper. What I am wondering is can I get the o ring kit and rebuild the calipers. Where do I come up with the o ring kits at. I want no leaks and keep a firm pedal.
Thanks for any help.
Thanks for any help.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 929
Likes: 5
From: Marietta GA
Re: Leaking Calipers (Eddie 70)
The o-ring kits will stop your leaks but I had a problem with the caliper pistons cocking in their bores because they modified a stock piston and there was too much piston to bore clearance. I bought Zero Tolerance pistons, and although pricey they are definitely a better fit. I know others on this forum have had similar experiences, you may want to search the archives.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 18,126
Likes: 174
From: WI
Re: Leaking Calipers (Eddie 70)
The only downside to the billet o-ring piston (Zero Tolerance or Precision) is that the stainless sleeves are rarely in the center of the original bore which means you must grind (with a dremel tool) the bottom of the bores or the pistons will not retract all the way, I had to do ALL 16 bores. If I was you I would strongly consider "Precision" as his stuff is only about 1/2 the price of ZTI and the quality is equal (in my opinion). Or you could just buy the VBP kit and be done with it. ...redvetracr
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: St. Pete Beach Florida
Re: Leaking Calipers (Eddie 70)
You can call us and order the kit. I will give a special price of $ 99.95. That will include pistons, dust covers, and half seals. Ask for Tony @ Vette Brakes & Products. 800-237-9991. Kit number is 11309 and 11310.
Tony
Tony
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Re: Leaking Calipers (Sport 718)
Anyone use Tonys kit? I ordered his special. Will let everyone know how it goes.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
From: Shoreline WA
Re: Leaking Calipers (Eddie 70)
I installed the 11309, Front O-Ring Caliper Conversion Kit, two weeks ago on my 78. Easy to do, but a little messy. Those bolts holding the calipers togther are torqued to 130 ft/lbs (at least according to the Haynes manual) so they take a little "muscle" to break apart and tighen up.
Had the normal vette problem with getting all of the air out of the system when bleeding but finally have firm brakes.
One of the front calipers was leaking, so I only purchased and installed the conversion kit on the fronts so far. Plan to do the rear calipers this winter when I pull the trailing arms to have them rebuilt. When it all goes back together, in addition to the rebuilt trailing arms and O-Ring converted calipers, I will also install the Bilstien shocks and poly adjustable struts I have already purchased.
I hope to see a noticable improvement in control and braking when I get this mechanical work completed.
Mike
Had the normal vette problem with getting all of the air out of the system when bleeding but finally have firm brakes.
One of the front calipers was leaking, so I only purchased and installed the conversion kit on the fronts so far. Plan to do the rear calipers this winter when I pull the trailing arms to have them rebuilt. When it all goes back together, in addition to the rebuilt trailing arms and O-Ring converted calipers, I will also install the Bilstien shocks and poly adjustable struts I have already purchased.
I hope to see a noticable improvement in control and braking when I get this mechanical work completed.
Mike
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 5
From: Lake Villa IL
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Leaking Calipers (Eddie 70)
I have VBP's O-ring kit. Check my website if you want to see how it's done.
I love the kit. It's not very expensive, it's easy to install, and the results are incredible. I have not experienced the issues other have described here. One key, is that you need to make sure the calipers are sleeved and in good shape.
After a couple thousand miles, my brakes have no leaks and feel good.
:cheers:
I love the kit. It's not very expensive, it's easy to install, and the results are incredible. I have not experienced the issues other have described here. One key, is that you need to make sure the calipers are sleeved and in good shape.
After a couple thousand miles, my brakes have no leaks and feel good.
:cheers:
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Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Re: Leaking Calipers (joeveto)
Got the two rears rebuilt and have them gravity bleeding right now. A lot easier task than I originally thought that it would be. Gotta run out and get more brake fluid though.
I am wondering why there are two torque settings for the calipers on these cars. I thought that all the calipers were the same. I torqued the rear halves together at 60ft.lbs. Is this acceptable.
I am wondering why there are two torque settings for the calipers on these cars. I thought that all the calipers were the same. I torqued the rear halves together at 60ft.lbs. Is this acceptable.