Caliper question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 312
Likes: 6
From: Troy Al
Caliper question
I decided to change out the brake pads on my 93 coupe after hearing the dreaded metal scrapping against metal sound of spent pads on the rear. I had just recently done the front. I just couldn't squeeze the caliper down enough to fit the new pads in. I wound up replacing the caliper with a new one from AC/Delco. It was very hard to find. I could not get the parking brake cable off the unit. The only way to do so was to remove the 2 bolts holding the bracket. Broke one alan wrench trying. Got me a set of hex set a 3/8 drive socket, but they were very hard to get off. Set in with lock tight. I got it all back together yesterday. Time to move on to the other side. I can't believe Its the same story there. Do other C4 owners have to replace calipers every time they replace brakes? Is there any secrets or shortcuts to the process? There were no grease cups, aka dust caps, or dust covers on the right rear, then the left one didn't have one either. Does the car come with no rear dust covers? Whats a good source?Maybe someone has been into the rear wheels before I got the car. I've owned the car for 19 years 106k miles.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
IDK nothing really special about doing pad replacement. The dual pistons in the front are a minor challenge rears are awkward. I got a piston compressor to simplify service.
https://m.harborfreight.com/disc-bra....google.com%2F
https://m.harborfreight.com/disc-bra....google.com%2F
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,778
Likes: 580
From: Langley BC
No, I have replaced my rear pads before without to much issue. Make sure you don't have the E-brake applied. There are rebuild kits for the rear calipers (to keep costs down). Rebuilding calipers is not all that hard if necessary.
Here is a link for a rebuild kit:
https://www.zip-corvette.com/88-96-r...-seal-kit.html
I would suggest a barke caliper expander tool though.
Let us know how it goes.
Here is a link for a rebuild kit:
https://www.zip-corvette.com/88-96-r...-seal-kit.html
I would suggest a barke caliper expander tool though.
Let us know how it goes.
Last edited by DMITTZ; Apr 29, 2019 at 01:44 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 532
Likes: 104
I decided to change out the brake pads on my 93 coupe after hearing the dreaded metal scrapping against metal sound of spent pads on the rear. I had just recently done the front. I just couldn't squeeze the caliper down enough to fit the new pads in. I wound up replacing the caliper with a new one from AC/Delco. It was very hard to find. I could not get the parking brake cable off the unit. The only way to do so was to remove the 2 bolts holding the bracket. Broke one alan wrench trying. Got me a set of hex set a 3/8 drive socket, but they were very hard to get off. Set in with lock tight. I got it all back together yesterday. Time to move on to the other side. I can't believe Its the same story there. Do other C4 owners have to replace calipers every time they replace brakes? Is there any secrets or shortcuts to the process? There were no grease cups, aka dust caps, or dust covers on the right rear, then the left one didn't have one either. Does the car come with no rear dust covers? Whats a good source?Maybe someone has been into the rear wheels before I got the car. I've owned the car for 19 years 106k miles.
Thanks!
Thanks!
If they still won't compress, with a C clamp, remove the rotor and then mount the bracket and caliper back on the spindle without the rotor. Tighten the C clamp so it is tight on there then open the bleed screw with one hand while you continue to screw in the C clamp with the other. That should work to compress the piston.
