Calipers, Rebuild or Replace ??

kmhemi · 02-21-2005, 03:40 PM

One of my front calipers is sticking a little. Should I just clean it up and rebuild it or will it fail again soon?
Rebuild or Replace??

Evans, Marv · 02-21-2005, 03:47 PM

Rebuild. It's cheap and easy. Do both sides "while your're in there," and you'll know the real condition of your brakes.

Emission · Emission's Garage

Rebuilt both sides, flush and fill with quality fluid. Most likely, you'll never have to do it again!

kmhemi · 02-21-2005, 03:52 PM

Ok so rebuild it is, Are there any tricks to these that I need to know beforehand?

Emission · Emission's Garage

Tip: Order the re-build kits with the O-rings and gaskets.

Tip: Replace the flexible brake line while you are at it.

Tip: Be careful when you remove the old O-rings from the caliper, you don't want to scratch or score the piston or casing. I used a sharp plastic tool.

Trick: I soaked my calipers in a big bucket of hot water and laundry detergent (yes, like TIDE) for several hours. Afterwards, I used an old toothbrush to scrub and all the gunk came right out. Amazing!

masraum · 04:06 PM

Since there are two pistons, getting the pistons out is not exactly easy if you don't think about it ahead of time. I'm sure there are better methods, but I used a pair of C-clamps and used brake pressure. Put the C-clamps on so that there is some slack in both. press the brakes, and the pistons should come out until they hit the clamps. Then loosen the clamps some more and do it again, etc.. until the pistons are out. You want to do both evenly, because if you get one piston out while the other is completely in getting that second one out will be a pain.

Do a search and you'll find several other methods.

Definitely do both sides, hell, all 4 if you have the time. If one is grungy the rest probably aren't spotless. It's also probably a good idea to replace all 4 rubber lines and flush the fluid too unless you know the last time the rubber was changed. Might as well make it all right since you're going to be in there.

I bet the one that is dragging is the front right, right? It seems to be the one that always starts dragging.

masraum · 02-21-2005, 04:05 PM

PS The pistons have a weird "stepped" edge to them. That edge is very important. You need to either get the tool or make a tool to get the cutout at a 20* angle to the correct surface. It's there to make sure your pads wear evenly and don't squeal.

The Bentley shows this. Waynes 101 may also have it as well. I can't remember. It seems to have everything else, so it probably does.

kmhemi · 02-21-2005, 04:08 PM

YEP, right front. You guys sure know your stuff. It's nice for a newbie like me to have these rescources. I see different kits. A kits and M kits. Am I correct that I need the A kit for my 78 sc or is there something I need to look at once the calipers are off?

kmhemi · 02-21-2005, 04:11 PM

I Did buy the 101 projects book but my wife cleaned house and I havent seen it since... she's a clean freak. That is not a bad thing though, just a pain sometimes.