To replace or not to replace rear calipers

[efeinsmith]

I am in the middle of a V8 conversion on my 914. The complete front end has been upgrad-ed to 911 parts with A calipers. I'm getting ready to work on the rear and need to decide what to do about the rear brakes. Though I don't see any leakage around either rear caliper and the park brake mechanism moves the piston out, they are 25+ year old parts with original seals in them. I am leaning toward either rebuilding them myself (I did the fronts) or replacing them with rebuilt units. What would be a reasonable life expectency of caliper seals and boots? Thanks.

Eric

[HMeeder]

Eric:

My $.02? Rebuild them. If you have all new seals everywhere else in the braking system, I'm guessing the 25 year old seals will be the first to go. See the Tech Article on the site here, it covers the process and I go into some of the things to watch for.

Also, if they are the older style with the RIBE style bolts, I suggest replacing the bolts with standard 5mm hex head bolts.

Make sure that you have the correct kits before you start. PP doesn't currently offer the complete kits. Wayne follows the company guidelines which doesn't include some of the seals that may need replacing. Search for some old threads on this subject and you will find that some some guys have bought kits and then pulled the calipers only to find out afterward that they don't have all they need. This has ended up in lots of frustration and lost time.

Seems also like you may be a good candidate for replacing the prop valve with a simple 'T' fitting. This will greatly improve pedal feel.

E-mail me if you have any questions!

Good Luck!

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Herb
'72 1.7 Tangerine 'Teen
'74 2.0 Red Rustmobile

[efeinsmith]

Herb, the T is already in place, as is a new 19mm master cylinder.With approx. 275HP on tap, I definitely want it to STOP!