Caliper rebuild
06-01-2010, 03:28 PM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Caliper rebuild
My mechanic tells me you must replace pistons along with o-rings and seals - comes as a kit he says. Is this necessary? I can see that the seals need replacing and assume o-rings do too. But, I wouldn't have thought the pistons are as susceptible to wear and temperature. Is this something a rookie mechanic (me) should try to do himself? I am mindful that brakes serve a very important purpose!
06-01-2010, 03:33 PM
#2
Three Wheelin'
As I understand it, you either rebuild them on a regular basis (I've been told 10 - 12 HPDE events is a good measure) or you simply wait for them to fail. The former sounds more attractive than the latter.
I've been told it's not a terribly difficult process but I've always left the job to professionals.
I've been told it's not a terribly difficult process but I've always left the job to professionals.
06-01-2010, 03:35 PM
#3
Race Car
Unless the pistons are damaged (scoring, scratches etc) I just replace the o-rings and dust seals, you can by the seals and o-rings from any place that sells Stoptech brakes, their kits are quite a bit cheaper. I have bought here before http://www.zeckhausen.com/StopTech/c...les.htm#Rotors
06-01-2010, 03:37 PM
#4
Rennlist Member
Your mechanic gave you some sketchy advice. Lots of people replace just their dust boots and seals. Total of $200 for all four calipers. You can also buy a kit with pistons for like $350 to $400 for all 4 corners. Two sources:
http://www.paragon-products.com/Brem...-kits-late.htm
http://www.zeckhausen.com/Brembo/Consumables.htm
http://www.paragon-products.com/Brem...-kits-late.htm
http://www.zeckhausen.com/Brembo/Consumables.htm
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06-01-2010, 05:02 PM
#8
Rennlist Member
I've never seen a DIY. You need 3 things:
1. Good quality dental pick.
2. Block of 2x4 notched out so that it'll hold 3 pistons in place while you pop out the 3rd.
3. Air compressor or bike pump, with some jerry-rigged way of connecting it to your caliper.
When you re-install the pistons (with the proper grease) some won't go in by hand. Not sure if you need to use a press, or if you can sand down a bit of the outside of the o-ring. Ask somebody who knows.
1. Good quality dental pick.
2. Block of 2x4 notched out so that it'll hold 3 pistons in place while you pop out the 3rd.
3. Air compressor or bike pump, with some jerry-rigged way of connecting it to your caliper.
When you re-install the pistons (with the proper grease) some won't go in by hand. Not sure if you need to use a press, or if you can sand down a bit of the outside of the o-ring. Ask somebody who knows.
06-01-2010, 05:16 PM
#10
Burning Brakes
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Don't sand anything in there... They will go in just make sure they are square to the hole and be patient. I clean the groove where the inner O ring goes with a Q tip and get everything really clean.
Its easy and Ive rebuilt several. Just be carefull as when you put air pressure on the bleeder screw the pistons will pop out harder than you think the first time you do it. Don't get your finger in there. Just take your time and lube every thing with the grease they provide, clean everything really well.
Its definatly a DIY job.
Its easy and Ive rebuilt several. Just be carefull as when you put air pressure on the bleeder screw the pistons will pop out harder than you think the first time you do it. Don't get your finger in there. Just take your time and lube every thing with the grease they provide, clean everything really well.
Its definatly a DIY job.
06-02-2010, 11:52 PM
#11
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
thx for all the info. seems like it's worth a shot at diy. i'm starting to get some real satisfaction out of doing these things myself. thanks to you guys, I've been able to minimize the really stupid mistakes! ...at least so far.
06-04-2010, 12:04 AM
#13
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Thanks. I'll see what i can do. won't be able to work on it till Sunday afternoon (wedding in Texas wife says must attend). Plan to paint calipers too. Might as well go for it all!
