Brake Calipers: Rebuild or buy new?

[Tim]

The maintenence never ends! I'm going to be going with the race concepts package of F/R slotted rotors, lines and pads, and while I'm at it I might as well treat the calipers to either replacement or rebuild.

The rebuild kit sounds very convenient since it is cheaper, but would it be more worthwhile to just replace the current ones with new/reman...

Would rebuilding them prevent seizing in the future?

I'm also thinking of getting some caliper paint and also painting them yellow, because it would give it a more exotic feel with a silver car.

[AFBeefcake]

If the pistons in your calipers are rusted on the out side then I would just buy rebuilt calipers. If the pistons are good then a rebuild kit should work fine.

[svx_commuter]

I think the stock pistons rust pretty fast. They are just made from iron or steel with a thin coating of plating. They would be a lot better out of 400 series stainless steel. After the piston rusts enough it can freeze up in seals and not move any more.

The guide pins and bushings can also wear. Do they replace these on rebuilt parts? The top pin is part of the bracket.

[mohrds]

Originally Posted by svx_commuter

I think the stock pistons rust pretty fast. They are just made from iron or steel with a thin coating of plating. They would be a lot better out of 400 series stainless steel. After the piston rusts enough it can freeze up in seals and not move any more.

The guide pins and bushings can also wear. Do they replace these on rebuilt parts? The top pin is part of the bracket.

There are no pins in the rebuild kit. The kit includes piston seals, pin seals, piston dust boots and grease. However, I don't recall the replacement caliper coming with new pins either.

I agree the pistons do rust fast, but I haven't found an unserviceable one yet. The only time you would need to replace them is if they have a gouge or if the rust goes into the boot seal indent.

Doug

Doug

[Tim]

I think I'd rather get a remanufactured unit. Autozone sells them at 55-70 dollars per caliper.

[lhopp77]

My southern cars have no rust on the caliper pistons.

Lee