Caliper Replacement - Been a while...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 230
Likes: 7
From: NJ
Caliper Replacement - Been a while...
Hello thanks for taking time to read and thanks for any input!
Its been several years since I have changed the calipers on a car, I recently bought a 91 vette because its a very nice car, and like to spend time working on it even if it is just general maintenance.
Now my question, I will be replacing the front calipers this weekend because when I tried to bleed the brakes after I bought the car the bleeder valves were totally stripped and one was broken off! No big deal I thought I will just replace the calipers on the brake hose. Now since the new hoses are not in yet and wont be until possible next weekend can I just re-attach the old brake hose to the new re-built caliper? Will I need to replace the washer that sits between the brake caliper and the hose end?
If so where can I buy the washer?
THANK YOU!!
Its been several years since I have changed the calipers on a car, I recently bought a 91 vette because its a very nice car, and like to spend time working on it even if it is just general maintenance.
Now my question, I will be replacing the front calipers this weekend because when I tried to bleed the brakes after I bought the car the bleeder valves were totally stripped and one was broken off! No big deal I thought I will just replace the calipers on the brake hose. Now since the new hoses are not in yet and wont be until possible next weekend can I just re-attach the old brake hose to the new re-built caliper? Will I need to replace the washer that sits between the brake caliper and the hose end?
If so where can I buy the washer?
THANK YOU!!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,427
Likes: 604
From: Minneapolis Mn
Brakes
I would suspect you can get a new washer at the GM dealer or any good brake shop. Assuming your new calipers match the old ones, the hose should mount up just fine for now but if you're getting new hoses I'd just wait till they come in, you won't have to bleed the system but once.
Mine already had the hoses replaced when I bought it. The PO had used braided stainless steel reinforced hoses. They look good and should be stronger than strictly rubber hoses.
Mine already had the hoses replaced when I bought it. The PO had used braided stainless steel reinforced hoses. They look good and should be stronger than strictly rubber hoses.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,660
Likes: 22
Those can also be found in the "help" shelf of generic parts at most parts stores....
As mentioned, NOW might be a good time to upgrade to braided hoses since it will be d/c anyway. The steel braid will give the pedal a much more solid feel and there will be less "mush" when stomping the brake in an emergency stop. besides, these rubber hoses are known to separate inside and cause that wheel to NOT work when the brakes are applied. Remember, they ARE 20+ yrs old now..... Good reason to change ANYTHING that's semi apart and accessible. It's ALL good maintenance.
Good luck !
As mentioned, NOW might be a good time to upgrade to braided hoses since it will be d/c anyway. The steel braid will give the pedal a much more solid feel and there will be less "mush" when stomping the brake in an emergency stop. besides, these rubber hoses are known to separate inside and cause that wheel to NOT work when the brakes are applied. Remember, they ARE 20+ yrs old now..... Good reason to change ANYTHING that's semi apart and accessible. It's ALL good maintenance.
Good luck !
