Caliper Queston
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Joined: Apr 2011
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Caliper Queston
I posted this in another thread and didn't get much response, thought it justified a new one:
I found that must dust boots were completely melted off on on side's rear calipers last night, and about 95% gone on the other. I took the calipers off and was going to order a rebuild kit when I found this thread and several others like it saying that all of that was unnecessary as it would just happen again... SO:
1. Do I need to replace the "crush washers" on the brake lines before re-installing my calipers? if so would I be able to get them at auto parts stores or do I need to make a trip to the dealer
2. The pistons are definitely filthy. Do I need to pull the pistons to clean them? Once I pull them will I be able to re-install without needing a rebuild kit? what are the best methods for cleaning?
Thanks.
I found that must dust boots were completely melted off on on side's rear calipers last night, and about 95% gone on the other. I took the calipers off and was going to order a rebuild kit when I found this thread and several others like it saying that all of that was unnecessary as it would just happen again... SO:
1. Do I need to replace the "crush washers" on the brake lines before re-installing my calipers? if so would I be able to get them at auto parts stores or do I need to make a trip to the dealer
2. The pistons are definitely filthy. Do I need to pull the pistons to clean them? Once I pull them will I be able to re-install without needing a rebuild kit? what are the best methods for cleaning?
Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,235
Likes: 399
From: Bmore Maryland
I would replace the crush washer, they are not expensive. The piston boots shouldn't melt away. You should purchase a kit if you are going to rebuild the calipers. Your also could purchase new or rebuilt calipers if you don't want to do it yourself.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,430
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From: BEST Corn-Nation
2015 C5 of the Year Winner
I would get new washers and you should be able to get them at any parts store. I would also get the rebuild kit if you're going to be removing the pistons and have it apart. If you do that then the washers will come in the kit.
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I'm mainly looking for recommendations on what I should do about he piston. should I push the dirty piston back in like it is (seems like a horrible idea) clean it while still in the caliper? or pull it out? whats the best method of cleaning?
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 261
Likes: 3
From: Elizabethtown Kentucky
According to several Corvette Forum members who road race responding to previous threads melting the caliper boots off is both normal and unavoidable.
I've been told the washers do not come with the kit.
I'm mainly looking for recommendations on what I should do about he piston. should I push the dirty piston back in like it is (seems like a horrible idea) clean it while still in the caliper? or pull it out? whats the best method of cleaning?
I've been told the washers do not come with the kit.
I'm mainly looking for recommendations on what I should do about he piston. should I push the dirty piston back in like it is (seems like a horrible idea) clean it while still in the caliper? or pull it out? whats the best method of cleaning?
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Joined: Apr 2011
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Visit one of our local NAPA's, get a caliper rebuild kit. Take your calipers and use a air hose to blow the pistons out of the housing. Clean everything and check the piston for wear. Replace the rubber parts. They will also have the washers. But, I would recommend for the price just to buy new brake lines and they will come with washers.
I'm also wondering i I can rebuild the caliper and leave off the boot, or if it is built into the seal (looks that way) that way I don't have such a mess next time from them melting off.
I'm hoping I can get away with just pulling the piston...cleaning it and the caliper up, and reinstaling.
