Frozen Caliper Pistons
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 9
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From: Levittown NY
Frozen Caliper Pistons
Guys, I,m new to forum so hello to all. Need some help please. I have a 92 Vette Coupe, 8800 mi. It is stored outside, no garage but is covered. Bought new in 1992 but doesn't get much use. Feels like front calipers are not working, very hard to stop in fwd. Brakes seem to work ok including ABS when in reverse. You can feel ABS pulsate only in reverse. In fwd. when car finally stops , it stops straight but pedal feels dead (hard),takes along time to stop and ABS does not kick in. Help!! I think pistons in front calipers are rusted frozen. Can pistons be replaced or do I have to replace calipers too. If calipers have to be replaced is there something better than GMC and still affordable and would I have to replace rotors too.
Tom S :confused
Tom S :confused
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 30
From: Oak Harbor WA
Re: Frozen Caliper Pistons (Chics LI)
You could try disassembling the calipers and replacing the rubber boots and honing the piston bores to clean any corrosion if found. But, before you do all that are you certain it isn't poor brake performance caused by what I am sure is lots of rust from the rotors?? Brake pads work best when clean and the rust will prevent that. Take off rotors and pads and clean them up with sand paper and retry test. You could inspect calipers while doing this as well. Don't expect to just hope in and drive a car that has been stored for long periods of time. Not good.... Good Luck. :)
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,130
Likes: 7
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Frozen Caliper Pistons (Goody)
A hard pedal is sometimes a bad brake booster.
I woud go with cleaning any rust off the rotors and pads and also seeing if the calipers can compress with a C clamp easily.
The brakes on these cars are very easy to take off and replace pads and rotors etc.
The booster is another story.
While I cant say whats wrong with your car by not seeing for myself, I can only suggest what to check for.
Im sure the other guys will chime in with more ideas.
:)
BTW welcome to the forum.
I woud go with cleaning any rust off the rotors and pads and also seeing if the calipers can compress with a C clamp easily.
The brakes on these cars are very easy to take off and replace pads and rotors etc.
The booster is another story.
While I cant say whats wrong with your car by not seeing for myself, I can only suggest what to check for.
Im sure the other guys will chime in with more ideas.
:)
BTW welcome to the forum.
