FAQ - Rebuilding Calipers - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mattcrp1 · 01-25-2014, 04:47 PM

Hi all I thought I would post my caliper rebuild. I found that a rebuild kit was only three dollars. I wasnt trying to be cheap, but I dont have a lot of extra cash. I started by removing the piston,**DO NOT PUT YOUR FINGERS IN FRONT OF THE PISTON**. A little compressed air and POP, out if came. I used a block of wood and a rag to dampen the blow. I then removed the dust boot and looked inside. Yuk! a lot of nasty stuff in there.

mattcrp1 · 01-25-2014, 05:02 PM

After I cleaned up the caliper and piston I started the assembly proccess. If there are any scores, lines or pits on the piston do not reuse it. I used some 1200 grit sandpaper to polish the piston. It looked pretty good. I cleaned the caliper body and had to scrape a deposit out. I used a scotch brite pad to clean the inside bore of the caliper, mainly to remove any stains. I then used some fresh brake fluid on the new square cut oring and installed it into the caliper. I lubed the piston with brake fluid as well and pressed it into the caliper, before the piston was all the way down into the bore I installed the dust seal. Now that it done I can paint it and install it. Feel free to add to ask questions or crticizes. I just thought I would post this simple process, I noticed when doing a search that some guys were a little hesitant to rebuild a caliper. Hope this helps.

Matt

Chaplain · 10-07-2014, 11:28 PM

solidaxel · 02-26-2015, 12:16 PM

I guess there is a reason to flush break fluid every few years!
Thanks for the review, I forgot what was involved since I re built my 65 Delco-Moraine back in the 70's.
What is your view on Silicone brake fluid?

dirtyjim · 02-26-2015, 06:38 PM

I would definitely flush every couple years at the minimum and replace the brake lines if they show any signs of rust.
last time I bought calipers they were $17.00 each with a $10 core. I rebuilt a set years ago but now I think i'd just buy new unless I planned on powder coating or something.
I know I've been guilty of spending hours rebuilding something that can be replaced for a couple bucks more times than I can count

01-25-2014, 04:47 PM	#1
mattcrp1 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mountain House, CA Posts: 555	FAQ - Rebuilding Calipers Hi all I thought I would post my caliper rebuild. I found that a rebuild kit was only three dollars. I wasnt trying to be cheap, but I dont have a lot of extra cash. I started by removing the piston,DO NOT PUT YOUR FINGERS IN FRONT OF THE PISTON. A little compressed air and POP, out if came. I used a block of wood and a rag to dampen the blow. I then removed the dust boot and looked inside. Yuk! a lot of nasty stuff in there. Attached Images __________________ My Chevy habit is paid for by Ford diesels... Here is my SLOW LS install: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...55#post6456355 Caliper Rebuild: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=613748 Upper Control Arm Bushings: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=616974 IG mattcrp1

01-25-2014, 05:02 PM	#2
mattcrp1 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mountain House, CA Posts: 555	Re: 76 Caliper Rebuild After I cleaned up the caliper and piston I started the assembly proccess. If there are any scores, lines or pits on the piston do not reuse it. I used some 1200 grit sandpaper to polish the piston. It looked pretty good. I cleaned the caliper body and had to scrape a deposit out. I used a scotch brite pad to clean the inside bore of the caliper, mainly to remove any stains. I then used some fresh brake fluid on the new square cut oring and installed it into the caliper. I lubed the piston with brake fluid as well and pressed it into the caliper, before the piston was all the way down into the bore I installed the dust seal. Now that it done I can paint it and install it. Feel free to add to ask questions or crticizes. I just thought I would post this simple process, I noticed when doing a search that some guys were a little hesitant to rebuild a caliper. Hope this helps. Matt Attached Images __________________ My Chevy habit is paid for by Ford diesels... Here is my SLOW LS install: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...55#post6456355 Caliper Rebuild: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=613748 Upper Control Arm Bushings: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=616974 IG mattcrp1

10-07-2014, 11:28 PM	#3
Chaplain Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: TN Posts: 294	Re: FAQ - Rebuilding Calipers

02-26-2015, 12:16 PM	#4
solidaxel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cactus Patch So. Az Posts: 4,749	Re: FAQ - Rebuilding Calipers I guess there is a reason to flush break fluid every few years! Thanks for the review, I forgot what was involved since I re built my 65 Delco-Moraine back in the 70's. What is your view on Silicone brake fluid? __________________ 53 TuTone Extended Cab 350 4-Spd 3:08 (SOLD) 53 Chevy Moldy pearl green ZZ-4 4L60E 9" 3:25 55 GMC 1st Black Mll (ZZ4) ZZ6 TKO 600 5 sp 3:73 62 Solidaxle Corvette Roman Red (327 340hp 4spd 3:36) C4 & C5 suspension tube chassis LS 3 4L70E 65 Corvette Coupe 327 350hp 4spd 4:11 78 Black Silverado SWB (350/350) 5.3 & 4L60E 3:42 2000 S-Type 3.0 (wife cruiser) 2003 GMC SCSB 5.3 4L60E 3:42

02-26-2015, 06:38 PM	#5
dirtyjim Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: alvin, texas Posts: 622	Re: FAQ - Rebuilding Calipers I would definitely flush every couple years at the minimum and replace the brake lines if they show any signs of rust. last time I bought calipers they were $17.00 each with a $10 core. I rebuilt a set years ago but now I think i'd just buy new unless I planned on powder coating or something. I know I've been guilty of spending hours rebuilding something that can be replaced for a couple bucks more times than I can count __________________ 1967 C10 lwb two tone, 305 & rat fink style floor shifted 700r4, 20" steelies 2004 2500HD utility bed aka Brutus



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