rear caliper rebuild/leak info needed

[Jim T]

helping a buddy with a leaking rear caliper on a 914-4.

hard to tell exactly where its leaking from, but its definately the caliper (not the brake lines, etc).

i understand they commonly leak at some kind of seal on the adjustment mechanism.
is this true?

if so, is the seal available? if so, as detailed as possible a description of how to replace the seal would be hugely appreciated (assuming the caliper is off the car, we can get to that point!).

also, would it make sense to rebuild the entire caliper while we are there? if so, what does that exactly mean??? again, as much detail as possible would be hugely appreciated!!

[John Rogers]

I went through this several months ago and ended up getting calipers from another car. The leak is probably the seal for the p-brake adjusting mechanism and the rebuild kits don't include that one. I had two parts suppliers get kits from different companies and neither had the seal. Rebuilt calipers seem to be hard to find although some outlets can get them for about $200 or so each. New calipers are $1200 or so and that is pretty hard to accept. I finally ended up putting BMW calipers on the rear and using a mechanical parking brake. I'd try to find some used ones if at all possible. Good luck.

[Jim T]

hmm, tweeks has rebuilt rear 914-4 calipers for $99.
what suppliers did you try that could not get the seals? i heard that GPR may have them. thanks.

[bowlsby]

Just after I bought my 914 2 years ago, I had a leak in the right rear caliper. I ended up buying a rebuilt from Automotion...something like $250, but it has a 30 mo warranty. No problems so far.

Tweeks has them listed for $99 but they are notorious for telling you something is in stock when you order and then finding out weeks later it is back ordered. I recently cancelled an order for an item that I placed back in January for something that was supposedly 'in-stock'. Pelican gives the best service.

I have heard that Brad Mayeur, GPR and maybe AA have the kits with the e-brake seal, tho I can't verify it.

Before I dug deep for the automotion caliper(they were convenient, local and Pelican didn't have any in stock and I needed my car back) I worked for awhile trying to even get to the leaking seal and couldn't get to it. I didn't split the caliper case and maybe that has to be done.

Let us know what you discover.

Is it a simple o-ring or a special seal? I don't understand because I haven't seen one.

[prsche914]

theres a place in oregon that i ordered mine from called discount import i ordered 2 rebuilt calipers for $41 a piece

[John Rogers]

When I tried Automotion, Tweks, GPR, Air-cooled Racing, Autobahn, Stoddard and a couple of places, they all said none available, at that time. This was back at the end of May so things may have changed, at least I hope so.

[jmcleod]

prsche914, could you post the address of the discount auto parts place?

[prsche914]

okay the address is 15100 se. Mcloughlin blvd milwaukie OR. 97267 their phone # in 503-659-7444