Question on brake
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 62
From: New Madison Ohio
Question on brake
I am planning on having my calipers powdercoated and have a question for you guys that have done this. I have done a search and haven't come up with any info. When removing the calipers from the brake lines how did you keep them from leaking brake fluid and getting air in the lines. When I did the ones on my 84 I painted and reinstalled the same day, but I let the lines open and kept the brake fluid reservoir full. But since this is going to be a few days wondering what was the best way to keep the lines from leaking and draining my fluid. Also plan on putting steel lines on as well. Any help would be appreciated.
I guess I didn't include that the calipers would be gone for a couple of days or so. So, with that being said how do I now keep the fluid from leaking out of the lines? Sorry for the wording...
I guess I didn't include that the calipers would be gone for a couple of days or so. So, with that being said how do I now keep the fluid from leaking out of the lines? Sorry for the wording...
Last edited by DA1984VETTE; Dec 30, 2015 at 09:03 PM. Reason: added wording
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 456
From: USA
I did my calipers when I rebuilt the motor in May of this year and I just caught the fluid in drain pans and then reinstalled the calipers and hooked up the lines and bled the brakes just like any other car. They came out just fine and I did not have to have the tech 2 to bleed them. 5000 miles since and no problems with the brakes. Good luck 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 456
From: USA
p
My calipers were gone for over 2 weeks and I did not have any problem bleeding the system
I did not lose that much brake fluid when I did mine. You could get some plastic caps and put on the fittings where the flex lines hook to the steel lines.
My calipers were gone for over 2 weeks and I did not have any problem bleeding the system
I did not lose that much brake fluid when I did mine. You could get some plastic caps and put on the fittings where the flex lines hook to the steel lines.
Last edited by zachaeous; Dec 30, 2015 at 09:35 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Go to Staples or some place that sells office goods and pick up some of those large clips that you squeeze and they secure large stacks of paper together.
Find some thin rubber sheet or cut up some plastic like is used on a butter tub top into pieces big enough to cover the hole on the fitting that bolts to the caliper (both sides). Use the clip to hold the plastic/rubber on the fitting.
That should be enough seal to get you by until you can reinstall the calipers
NOTE/WARNING/CAUTION:
When you reinstall the calipers,,,,, MAKE SURE that you install them on the proper sides of the car. If you don't, the brake bleeder fitting will be on the BOTTOM of the caliper and you will NOT be able to properly bleed the air out of the caliper!
Make sure that you properly service the caliper sliding pins. Purchase the correct synthetic caliper pin grease. Using the incorrect grease will result in calipers that stick and damage the pads. I use the Permatex Ultra Disc Brake Caliper Lube:
http://www.permatex.com/products-2/p...er-lube-detail
Find some thin rubber sheet or cut up some plastic like is used on a butter tub top into pieces big enough to cover the hole on the fitting that bolts to the caliper (both sides). Use the clip to hold the plastic/rubber on the fitting.
That should be enough seal to get you by until you can reinstall the calipers
NOTE/WARNING/CAUTION:
When you reinstall the calipers,,,,, MAKE SURE that you install them on the proper sides of the car. If you don't, the brake bleeder fitting will be on the BOTTOM of the caliper and you will NOT be able to properly bleed the air out of the caliper!
Make sure that you properly service the caliper sliding pins. Purchase the correct synthetic caliper pin grease. Using the incorrect grease will result in calipers that stick and damage the pads. I use the Permatex Ultra Disc Brake Caliper Lube:
http://www.permatex.com/products-2/p...er-lube-detail
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Fort Wayne IN
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I actually just did this to my car (removed the stock brakes) and though I'm replacing the lines, I didn't want the fluid to go everywhere and drain while I was taking my time. I used a silicone plug in each banjo bolt and haven't lost a drop of fluid yet. Been sitting that way for about four weeks now.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
I plugged my lines with rubber caps at the time to minimize leakage and getting brake fluid on the floor or car. It's really a moot point about bleeding after the reinstallation - you should absolutely bleed the brakes after disconnecting the lines from the calipers to be safe. Inevitably, a little air gets in the system when you disconnect lines from calipers. Just make sure you install the bleeder plugs facing up when you put the calipers back on the car. Use a Tech2 to bleed the entire system if you have access to one - this is the perfect time to get a new brake fluid charge in.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I plugged my lines with rubber caps at the time to minimize leakage and getting brake fluid on the floor or car. It's really a moot point about bleeding after the reinstallation - you should absolutely bleed the brakes after disconnecting the lines from the calipers to be safe. Inevitably, a little air gets in the system when you disconnect lines from calipers. Just make sure you install the bleeder plugs facing up when you put the calipers back on the car. Use a Tech2 to bleed the entire system if you have access to one - this is the perfect time to get a new brake fluid charge in.
. In fact, I would do the system bleed with the new fluid before you pull the system apart. That way you will have all new fresh brake fluid and NO air in the system once its back together.
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