SEIZED CALIPERS
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 14
From: Norfolk VA
SEIZED CALIPERS
My vette has been sitting for almost four years. I recently rebuilt the engine and it runs now. I went to check the master cylinder and I noticed that the resevior nearest the booster was bone dry with the resevoir fartherest away is full but is very dirty. I spun the RF wheel and the brakes appeared to drag. I then pulled off that wheel and noticed the surface of the rotor of course was rusted. Is this dragging due to to the caliper being seized?
I bought a master cylinder and hoses. Will I need to buy rotors, wheel bearings, pads, and calipers? Is there anything I can do before forking
major $$$ for the brake system?
[Modified by Oldguard 7, 2:54 AM 2/10/2004]
I bought a master cylinder and hoses. Will I need to buy rotors, wheel bearings, pads, and calipers? Is there anything I can do before forking
major $$$ for the brake system?
[Modified by Oldguard 7, 2:54 AM 2/10/2004]
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 17,102
Likes: 7
From: Fair Oaks, OK
Re: SEIZED CALIPERS (Oldguard 7)
It sounds to me like a piston seal problem in the caliper bore. This could be caused by a bad seal or pitting of the caliper bore itself.
You can purchase a caliper rebuild kit and a cylinder hone and attempt to rebuild the caliper. However, and especially if the calipers are original, this will only be a very temporary band-aid. Sounds to me like you should at the very minimum replace the master cylinder, flush the brake system completely, rebuild all 4 of your calipers, and bleed the system. After you are completely sure you have a solid pedal, drive the car short distances for a while and see if the rust is removed from the rotor. If the rust is gone, you can attempt to check for excessive surface wear, minimum thickness, and runout. If these are in spec, your rotor(s) is/are fine.
It is a very wise idea to purchase a set of rebuilt stainless steel sleeved calipers. $400 - $500 is not too much to pay to make sure the stop pedal works correctly.
You can purchase a caliper rebuild kit and a cylinder hone and attempt to rebuild the caliper. However, and especially if the calipers are original, this will only be a very temporary band-aid. Sounds to me like you should at the very minimum replace the master cylinder, flush the brake system completely, rebuild all 4 of your calipers, and bleed the system. After you are completely sure you have a solid pedal, drive the car short distances for a while and see if the rust is removed from the rotor. If the rust is gone, you can attempt to check for excessive surface wear, minimum thickness, and runout. If these are in spec, your rotor(s) is/are fine.
It is a very wise idea to purchase a set of rebuilt stainless steel sleeved calipers. $400 - $500 is not too much to pay to make sure the stop pedal works correctly.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Re: SEIZED CALIPERS (Oldguard 7)
Chances are your existing calipers are SS sleeved, as they probably aren't the originals that came with the car. If they are SS, go buy the VBP O-ring conversion kit ($120) and rebuild all 4 calipers. Your brake troubles will most likely be over for good.
If your MC-hoses-pads-rotors are good and your bearings are nicely lubed, you wont need anything more probably. Too bad we cant just lube up our rear bearings like the fronts huh!!
Brent...
If your MC-hoses-pads-rotors are good and your bearings are nicely lubed, you wont need anything more probably. Too bad we cant just lube up our rear bearings like the fronts huh!!
Brent...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 1
From: San Diego CA
Re: SEIZED CALIPERS (Stoge)
Go to VB at http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=125 Just bought the LF due to a leak on one of the outer pistons. It was older than the RF caliper and when I compressed the pistons to slip in the pad it let go. These were on my old 77 and lasted 4 years.
