Brake Caliper Rebuilding

Thom71GT · 05-09-2002

Ok, you've convinced me. Ill drop the front end. Im replacing the bolts for the control arms anyway. They are on backorder at gtsource. Besides, Im sure it will be so much easier to change out the boots on the ball joints and tie rods with the thing out too.

Speaking of front ends and brakes, I read that I shoudl NEVER take apart the calipers. Is this correct? And if so, why?

oldopelguy · 05-09-2002

They are no fun to put back together, no fun at all. I';; sick to starters, generators, and alternators, and let the professionals repair the hydraulic system that may see 3000# of pressure and that my life depand upon daily. I'm a little funny though.

The brake work you need to do might be easier with the front end out too.

Dan · 05-09-2002

I don't really trust myself opening up any brake lines either. I have a couple of guys who I have bleed and change my brake fluid. I don't mind changing pads and rotor or shoes and drums, but when it comes to hydralic fluid I'm the same way.

Travis · 05-09-2002

The seals that go between the two halves of the caliper are supposedly not available. I've not tried to cross to another part but I'd expect something could be found.

-Travis

RallyBob · 05-11-2002

Yes, I've looked for new seals for the caliper halves. They're metric ID and OD, and are square-cut in cross-section (not round), plus they have to be able to withstand brake fluid. I've been able to find the correct size, but so far not the correct material. Off the record, I've rebuilt and split apart many calipers. I devised a method that, so far, has not leaked. One critical bit is the proper torque spec on the bolts retaining the halves....they are a stretch once-and-replace type bolt. I won't go into specifics on HOW to rebuild them using the old seals (liability rear it's ugly head), but it IS possible to do.

Bob

05-09-2002	#1 (permalink)
Thom71GT Life Long Opeler Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Metro Atlanta - Cumming, GA Posts: 667 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Unanswered: HA HA Ok, you've convinced me. Ill drop the front end. Im replacing the bolts for the control arms anyway. They are on backorder at gtsource. Besides, Im sure it will be so much easier to change out the boots on the ball joints and tie rods with the thing out too. Speaking of front ends and brakes, I read that I shoudl NEVER take apart the calipers. Is this correct? And if so, why?

05-09-2002	#2 (permalink)
oldopelguy Have Opel, Will Travel Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickens, SC Posts: 1,610 Classified Rating: 0% (0) Logbook Entries: 3 Provided Answers: 1	calipers They are no fun to put back together, no fun at all. I';; sick to starters, generators, and alternators, and let the professionals repair the hydraulic system that may see 3000# of pressure and that my life depand upon daily. I'm a little funny though. The brake work you need to do might be easier with the front end out too.

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05-09-2002	#3 (permalink)
Dan Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 237 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	I don't really trust myself opening up any brake lines either. I have a couple of guys who I have bleed and change my brake fluid. I don't mind changing pads and rotor or shoes and drums, but when it comes to hydralic fluid I'm the same way.

05-09-2002	#4 (permalink)
Travis Senior Contributor Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Temple, NH Posts: 779 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	The seals that go between the two halves of the caliper are supposedly not available. I've not tried to cross to another part but I'd expect something could be found. -Travis

05-11-2002	#5 (permalink)
RallyBob Project 1450 supporter... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pleasant Valley, CT Posts: 6,656 Classified Rating: 0% (0) Provided Answers: 4	Yes, I've looked for new seals for the caliper halves. They're metric ID and OD, and are square-cut in cross-section (not round), plus they have to be able to withstand brake fluid. I've been able to find the correct size, but so far not the correct material. Off the record, I've rebuilt and split apart many calipers. I devised a method that, so far, has not leaked. One critical bit is the proper torque spec on the bolts retaining the halves....they are a stretch once-and-replace type bolt. I won't go into specifics on HOW to rebuild them using the old seals (liability rear it's ugly head), but it IS possible to do. Bob

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