Can I put wheels back on sans calipers?

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

I would ask the Rennlist 993 guys about this, but after a 9-page flame war over painting non-Big Red calipers red, I'll return to my Pelican roots for friendly advice. Besides, we don't EVER flame here, do we?

After getting my 5 spoke wheels and having just helped another 993 buddy with his mini-Big Red paint job, I want to do this on my car now. Trouble is I have no garage and cannot bear the thought of keeping my 993 on jack stands without the wheels while my calipers are out getting powder-coated. To do that I'd have to stack my wheels in my kitchen (again) and that's not too far away from keeping a tranny in the bath tub. Besides, now I always have at least one 18 lbs. bag of rice and wok for my Chinese fiancee. So car parts don't fit in the kitchen too well anymore. Moving my aluminum floor jack out of the kitchen is where I draw the line.

So, can I take my calipers off, remount my wheels and let it sit for a week or two? Sounds easy enough. I assume the e-brake would still work. Any problem with this?

pbs911 · pbs911's Garage

I don't see why not. Just keep all brake lines and bolts clear of stationary items in case you want to roll it around. Also, just don't forget and go for a drive.

KTL · 05-04-2004, 10:22 AM

I don't see any problem with it. Sounds like a good plan to me.

ZCAT3 · 05-04-2004, 10:35 AM

Just remember not to drive it -

masraum · 05-04-2004, 12:31 PM

Rot 911 · 05-04-2004, 12:40 PM

Not a problem, but whomever is in the driver's seat when you move it will have to make a conscious effort not to push down on the brake pedal!

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Actually, I think I'll have a broomstick on the brake pedal to keep all the fluid from running out, running the m/c dry and then having to take it to a shop to have the ABS cycled with the Bosch Hammer tool.

bell · bell's Garage

you'll probably want to tape up the brake line when the caliper is off pretty good so fluid won't drip on your wheels and such........gravity can cause a mess

VincentVega · 05-04-2004, 07:52 PM

I'd suggest capping off the lines. You could rig a nut that's welded or at least JB welded shut or just some snug duct tape. Keep an eye on the fluid too, say every other day or so to make sure it's not running dry.

So, what do you call the new brakes, Lil' Reds?

klaucke · 05-04-2004, 11:55 PM

A quality rubber stopper put into the bango fitting can work well, just make sure the rubber you have isn't eaten by the brake fluid. I would also tape each line to the inside of a coffee can so that any drips will be contained.... brake fluid + paint = very bad.

KTL · 05-10-2004, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Richard LeSchander
Actually, I think I'll have a broomstick on the brake pedal to keep all the fluid from running out, running the m/c dry and then having to take it to a shop to have the ABS cycled with the Bosch Hammer tool.

I don't think you need the Hammer. The brakes are just like those on your old 87. Basic vaccuum assist, but with ABS. The cars that need the Hammer are the C4 or AWD cars which have the ABS system integrated into the AWD system?

My buddy Mark just did the brakes on his wife's 95 993 and bled them no problem with the Motive pressure bleeder.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

I've bled 993 brakes with a pressure bleeder many many times. But when ALL the fluid runs out of the m/c, (per the consensus on Rennlist anyway) I think an air bubble will get stuck and needs special tool assist. My Bilstein HD's just showed up a minute ago and I have DE in two wks. So the cosmetic stuff is gonna have to wait a while.