VanKY
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Maryland
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Message Posted: May 26, 2006 2:29:17 PM
I've found some good writeups on the net about rebuilding calipers. This one:
http://www.installuniversity.com/install_university/installu_pages/donations/brake_caliper_rebuild.htm
shows a photo of a worn out rubber boot removed from one. See Figure 7 titled "Here is the reason why calipers are rebuilt". But who knows how many miles that boot has on it?
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VanKY
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Maryland
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Message Posted: May 26, 2006 2:20:09 PM
Sounds like good advice. Well, I can handle swapping out disc pads. I don't have a bearing puller, however. I'd have to borrow one, I guess. My advice to rebuild the calipers comes from a friend who is a pretty good mechanic, not from any shop that is trying to 'pump parts'. Remember, this is a big boy, a 1-ton van, and it's beefier than any 1/2-ton model. He made it sound like it is standard to rebuild the calipers when doing pads in these. I'll ask him to clarify. I'm wondering myself just how often they ought to be done.
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ckelly
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Missouri
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Message Posted: May 25, 2006 9:29:05 PM
OK, that clears it up a bit. I'm not convinced you have to do it. If the pistons aren't locked up or leaking, I don't see any reason you should have to rebuild them. Also, you can buy rebuilt calipers direct from most parts stores. But, like I said above, I don't see why this would be necessary if the calipers are working properly. Was it a shop telling you this? If so, they were probably just trying to make a quick buck (or couple hundred).
Remember that you should always purchase a new brake hardware kit and install new bushings and sliders whenever replacing the pads. Its cheap insurance against uneven brake wear and rotor damage. Also, you should always repack wheel bearings at this time. You may know, but I'm just pointing it out for everyone's sake.
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VanKY
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Message Posted: May 25, 2006 3:36:02 AM
That's a fair question. I did a lot of research on the internet. What gets rebuilt is the calipers. I shouldn't have said 'wheel cylinders'. Each caliper could have one or likely two pistons that push the disc pads against the rotors. The rubber boots and seals can go on them. Anyway, I was told that on my van, you don't just replace the pads, you also have to rebuild these calipers. Looks like it might be pricey if I have it done in a shop.
[Edited by: VanKY at 5/25/2006 3:37:52 AM EST]
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ckelly
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Missouri
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Message Posted: May 24, 2006 6:05:44 PM
Aren't wheel cylinders only in drum brakes? Fronts are usually disks. For rear drum wheel cylinders, I usually just purchase new ones, as they are usually only a few dollars more than the rebuild kits.
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