Brake Calipers

[hotwheels1981]

I have this ongoing problem with bad calipers. I get from 50 miles to 500 miles if I'm lucky. Has anyone had problems with calipers and if so how did you fix the problem. I have put at least 4 sets on the front and 2 on the back. Any suggestions..since the front is gone again and I need to FIX the problem again. They leak and then the brake pedal goes to the floor. When that happens at least 1 caliper is shot. When they are changed(both sides) the caliper is so very badly pitted. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You
hotwheels1981

 

[WhalePirot]

I am happy with the calipers I got from Muskegon Brake.

http://www.muskegonbrake.com/

What happens to your calipers? Where are you getting the replacements?

 

[Twin_Turbo]

Did you ever check the rotor runout or the wheel bearing? Both can cause the disk to wobble wich makes the caliper act as a pump (causred by the V-seal), moisture and air will get into the system.

 

[69MyWay]

I have this ongoing problem with bad calipers. I get from 50 miles to 500 miles if I'm lucky. Has anyone had problems with calipers and if so how did you fix the problem. I have put at least 4 sets on the front and 2 on the back. Any suggestions..since the front is gone again and I need to FIX the problem again. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Thank You
hotwheels1981

Hey Hotwheels, how long does the car sit between use? If it is sitting for long periods of time, you may want to make sure you are upgrading to the stainless steel sleeved units vs. the standard stock replacements.

Also, when you remove them, you are not by any chance sperating the caliper in half are you?

 

[Yoda]

hotwheels1981 ~ Welcome to the Corvette Action Center Community ~

WhalePirot, Twinnie & 69myway provided some good advice and suggestion, I'm just here to Welcome You to our Community We have a seach feature available that may help too. Just plug in a key word and pick the Forum years you want CAC to seach in and bingo.. lot's of past posts about subjects.

Or just ask here and we'll do all we can to help

I also wanted to let you know about the The L81 Vette Registry we have a bunch of L81 owners here at CACC.

Welcome aboard, and Enjoy the Ride!

 

[GerryLP]

4 sets of calipers or sets of brake pads?

Hotwheels,

I suspect you are refering to sets of brake pads. How is your braking action on the road? Is the car leaning forward more than it used to?

The easy checks that everyone mention should be done, but if you have the above symptoms, then I would also suggest a stuck proportioning valve.

Do you find yourself applying too much pressure on the pedal? The brake booster should required a light touch on the pedals when is working properly. However, I don't see how this would cause excessive brake pad wear -it just makes you work harder at the brakes. :L

Just trying to help...

p.s. Welcome to the forum

 

[JohnnyJ]

Wearing out of calipers

I'm not an expert, but I would be changing the master cylinder. If for some reason the master cyl. will not release, it culd hold pressure on the brakes which would surely cause wear. Since your problem is with front and rearnit can't be anything to do with the individual calipers. Good Luck, Johnny J

 

[vigman]

Could you give a detailed play by play?

Seems like somethings fishy here!

Any brake calipers that have NOT been changed yet?

All your rotors good?

Who is supplying these calipers?



Vig!

 

[ChuckG]

Glad to help, but what's the problem? Calipers leaking ?, rotor runout causing air in the system ?, brake pads.....?? I also don't understand why you're having to replace the calipers....if it is in fact the calipers....so often.

SS sleeved units are excellent... O ring pistons can and will prevent air pumping.

You aren't buying those cheesy rebuilt calipers from any of a number of chain auto stores, are you??? They offer a lifetime guarantee giving you "free replacements" But you invest a lifetime of your labor replacing them...for free. Chuck

 

[69MyWay]

But you invest a lifetime of your labor replacing them...for free. Chuck

Wow! I could have not set it better myself. That is the TRUTH!

Especially some of the electrical parts sold through the mass chain stores.

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Welcome Hotwheels!

Welcome to CACC, as you can see, we have many friendly and helpful members here! Come back often and tell us about your vette.

My suggestion:
I'm planning on replacing my entire brake system. Parts and pieces are 25 years old and I want an entirely new system. I will purchase through a "corvette brake supplier".
Funds dictating WHEN, of course!
Heidi

 

[vigman]

BTW

I have 1 word

STAINLESS

It's the ONLY way to go... no it could be argued on the type of seal... but it's a will it die in 10 or 12 years issue.

I got my 4 from Lone Star calipers in texas..

and it was a SLAM DUNK to install... unlike the vac booster.

So that's the deal...

Waiting on details!

Vig!

 

[JohnZ]

Why are you replacing them? What's going wrong with them? What are your symptoms? Can't help you unless we know these things!