Anyone ever rebuild a brake caliper?

JoeyG85Z · Post by **JoeyG85Z** » 20 Sep 2018, 00:41

So, I went to replace my rear pads and rotors and found that my left outer caliper piston is seized in place. I can't budge it even with a c-clamp. I'm kinda broke at the moment but was able to get my hands on the seal kit. Does this sound like it might be repairable? I've only ever rebuilt calipers in class on a Buick LeSabre that had probably had its calipers rebuilt 100 time, so I imagine this will be more difficult.

Post by **abscate** » 20 Sep 2018, 05:08

You need to separate the rotorhalves to hone the cylinder as I’m guessing the cylinder is rusty as well as the piston. Piston will need replacing too, most likely. Most rebuild kits don’t be include either the pistons or the orings in between the caliper halves.

It will be a lot faster to get a cheap rebuilt and get a year or two out of it. FCP also warranty’s them for life, too.

JoeyG85Z · Post by **JoeyG85Z** » 20 Sep 2018, 07:57

abscate wrote: ↑20 Sep 2018, 05:08 You need to separate the rotorhalves to hone the cylinder as I’m guessing the cylinder is rusty as well as the piston. Piston will need replacing too, most likely. Most rebuild kits don’t be include either the pistons or the orings in between the caliper halves.

It will be a lot faster to get a cheap rebuilt and get a year or two out of it. FCP also warranty’s them for life, too.

That would be ideal, but I've got a road trip I leave for tomorrow. I suppose I can pick one up at work, if my boss will let me take it today and pay for it tomorrow when I get paid. I'm just not crazy about spending extra money for a crappy Cardone rebuilt caliper

Post by **abscate** » 20 Sep 2018, 08:11

They run 60 - 90 -180 80 and 180 bucks at FCP for crap, better crap, and OEM Volvo

(updated availability above)

If you don't want to be doing it forever, go Volvo.

Rear calipers are side specific and are used from 1994-2000 according to FCP, so any PnP P80 should work for parts. I would GUESS that the pistons are the same on the calipers but when we assume, we .....

You can also put the seized one back on and drive it gingerly so that the rear brakes never engage, and you won't wear down the pads any more. In NJ, that means 70 in the slow lane.

JoeyG85Z · Post by **JoeyG85Z** » 20 Sep 2018, 08:56

abscate wrote: ↑20 Sep 2018, 08:11 In NJ, that means 70 in the slow lane.

Not NJ, the Poconos.

Post by **abscate** » 21 Sep 2018, 07:21

JoeyG85Z wrote: ↑20 Sep 2018, 08:56
abscate wrote: ↑20 Sep 2018, 08:11 In NJ, that means 70 in the slow lane.
Not NJ, the Poconos.

75 in the slow lane...

Post by **cn90** » 21 Sep 2018, 07:58

I have some odds and ends (brake hoses, lugs etc.etc.)...I can send them to you for free (I no longer have the 1998 S70).

Search for the brake seal rebuild I wrote a while back. Reseal kit is available and you can rebuild in situ.

viewtopic.php?t=37721

Post by **cn90** » 21 Sep 2018, 08:07

Rebuilt Cardone is so so.

If you want a caliper piston, go to local junk yard and pull a good piston. Then buy the FTE Rear seal rebuild kit for $25 at FCPEuro.

Do NOT try to undo the pipe to rear caliper connection, chances are it is seized! Rebuild in situ. This is the approach that gives you the least headache.

Post by **abscate** » 21 Sep 2018, 08:45

Dimensions of internal caliper orings

Post by **rspi** » 21 Sep 2018, 09:37

Junkyard. NJ has a few.

Other than that, prevention is best. Replace the fluid ever few years.