16 replies to this topic

[babsbrown]

Good evening guys, I am trying to understand the concept of a brake caliper as I'm rebuilding my brakes.

Do both caliper pistons move within the caliper when breaking? Eg all 4 pistons move to squeeze the brake disc? Or does one piston move each side and push the pad into the disc? And the other piston is static?

Thanks in advance Luke

[cal844]

All pistons SHOULD move

[babsbrown]

Ahh cheers, I did test them with a grease gun and only one side of pistons moved ,I initially thought both SHOULD move but wanted to double check before I replace the calipers :)

[Stiggytoo]

You don't necessarily need to replace them. They can be rebuilt.

[babsbrown]

I know I have seen the caliper refurb kits however I don't feel confident that I could do it sucesfully, especially with something so important as brakes

[cal844]

I know I have seen the caliper refurb kits however I don't feel confident that I could do it sucesfully, especially with something so important as brakes

You are the same as me! I dont mess around with rebuild kits(had a remanufactured caliper seal fail on the test drive,i wasnt braking hard either!)

[babsbrown]

**** hope your were alright! Not worth the risk is it :) plus its a good excuse for me to buy a conversion kit ;)

[Icey]

Breaks are one of the more simple systems on a car, there really is no need to fear them. While I understand why people are wary of working on them; strip an old calliper down - you'll soon realise how little there is to them.

With modest tools and good working practises you can easily rebuild both callipers and master cylinders reliably.

 

Of course, if you don't feel comfortable doing it, don't but I'd recommend at least taking something apart before writing the whole task off as too risky. If you ride motorbikes through winter you get to know the inside of your callipers quite well (or maybe that was just my old Bandit!).

[Dusky]

Hmm, put them up for sale, sure someone will buy them ;)

[Ethel]

It'd be rare for all pistons to have the same resistance. I hope I'm stating the obvious that you need to hold the moving piston to see the next freest move.

[dklawson]

+1 to Ethel's and Icey's comments.

 

Do not fear working on brakes.  Follow the instructions in the service manual, ask questions here, and above all... work cleanly.  

 

When buying "professionally rebuilt" calipers you are assuming that the person and company who undertook the task did not cut corners to make a profit.  On the other hand, if YOU rebuild the calipers, you know you want the job done right and you will take the time to do the job correctly.  If you compare this to buying "new calipers" you are assuming that the new parts were made correctly by craftsmen devoted to quality and you are reaching a lot deeper into your wallet for the convenience.

[AndyR]

++1 to the above

 

I bought a pair of "Professionally" rebuilt 4 pots about 10 years back.  When they went on the car they pissed brake fluid passed the seals.  Having never rebuilt brakes at the time i was a bit dubious to the task.  But set about it methodically, and as stated they are very simple.  The brakes worked first time without a hitch.  I now have the skills to rebuild and check the brake system for correct safe function.  Always a good skill to have owning a classic car!

 

Andy

[Dr s]

All for the get stuck in ethic but there is something to be said for knowing your limits too

[babsbrown]

Ahhhh Thankyou very much for the feedback, I am definitely going to buy the seal kits now. I was just very weary of being safety cautious but as you quite rightly say, it's much better being able to trust your own work, and have piece of mind, than rely on the workmanship of others, going to give it a go, no harm in trying thanks again, luke

[Carlos W]

take photos on a digital camera or mobile phone, keep everything clean and take your time.

 

As above, the pistons may not move at the same time, add some resistance to the one that's moving to see if the other one moves