need help with caliper rebuild

vash · vash's Garage

ok, guys, S calipers on my car. i am doing the fronts first. everything came apart easy. bike pump works great pushing out the pistons. cleaned everything. new seals, pushed the calipers in at the correct 20 degree angle. now how the EFF am i supposed to get the dust boots back on. actually one went on ok, didnt hook the piston perfectly but it is on. the other bastard, just wont go in. i push in one side and go to push in the other and the previously pushed in side pops out. so i am just just chasing the thing around and around. kinda like a really bad 3 stooges routine. am i putting the wrong side in? actually it will not go in either way. i jacked up one dust boot already, so i will have to buy another rebuild kit in the morning.

please, please, please, thanks thanks thanks.

cliff. (i am using silglide as recommended by bob at pelican parts.)

vash · vash's Garage

i think this is when i type:

bump

tt_targa · 12-19-2003, 07:38 PM

I'm wondering if you have the wrong part?

The cover that I took off were shredded because they had come off the pistons. The new parts went on nice and tight and stayed on as the piston was pushed all the way back.

Talk to your part source is my recommendation

cab83_750 · 12-19-2003, 10:10 PM

Hmmm.....

I am not sure about what year your car is, but I just rebuilt my '83, the '86 911s and last week (unrelated somewhat) the LandCruiser.

Assuming I understood your issue correctly.......

Did you push the pistons 'ALL THE WAY IN???' When I do rebuilds, the pistons are pushed in, but have enough heights for me to slide the boots and clips over. As soon as I am done, I push it in farther.....just enough so that there is room for the pads to just slide in.

vash · vash's Garage

yes, i followed the instructions on the tech article and pushed it all the way in.

cab83_750 · 12-20-2003, 06:32 AM

I am hoping I am helping you out, but what I meant was to "NOT" push it all the way in.

All the way in only AFTER the boot and metal clip/ring/fastener have been installed (that is, "when you are done.").

Unfixed,
This would be my last entry until before X'Max. Hopefully, someone else can chime in if u continue to have problems.

Merry X'Mas to all.

Zeke · 12-20-2003, 07:39 AM

As soon as the piston is pushed down far enough to reveal the seat for the cover, it should go in. Yes, you end up chasing it around the seat to get it all down flush. It's just another one of those jobs meant to improve your dexterity.

Neilk · 12-20-2003, 09:14 AM

Check this post out.

vash · vash's Garage

neil, you are the man! now i have to go and buy some baby food. haha

Early_S_Man · 12-20-2003, 11:58 AM

unfixed,

The regular Gerber jar lid won't work on an 'S' caliper ... you may want to try one of the larger 'Junior' jars, such as Meat Sticks!

Are you using silicone grease on all of the seals?

vash · vash's Garage

thanks guys, i rummaged through the fridge with my seal in my hand. i matched up a lid from some horseradish, HA! much to my gfriend chagrine. i got the fronts done. thanks warren and friends, i did use a tiny bit of sil glide on the seals. the back caliper project got derailed when my gfriend told me she loaned my 19mm box wrench to her bro and also when i noticed a rubber brakeline that PP sent me was wrong. i have a personal rule, two negative omens in one day, means i call it quits. the third is usually a huge beotch!

cliff

vash · vash's Garage

hey guys, that lower bolt on the rear calipers looks like it is going to be tough. any words of wisdom? has anyone tried one of those ratcheting box wrenches from craftsman?

cliff