I was just wondering if there are any "special" tools needed to rebuild a set of front calipers. Do I need a hone? How about a seal installer? And last, my manual says to use "crocus cloth" is this the same as emery cloth? If not, what is it? I've never heard of it. Thanks for the help.

Kris

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Not sure about the fronts. I did the backs myself with the recall kit. New pistons/seals etc. I didn't use a hone. I used the crocus cloth and buffed it pretty good. No leaks. The rears didnt need any special tools, just placed the seal in. I really wish I knew if the frotns and backs were set up the same.

The crocus cloth is a very fine sandpaper of sorts. Mine was a light brown color with a cloth backing. It almost polished, versus sanded the metal. I had to find a mom and pop hardware store to find it though. don't know if it's the same as emery coth. VERY VERY VERY fine sandpaper basically. Someone else will chime in, I'm sure

I had a big problem with my left front caliper hanging up to the point where it would heat up and boil my brake fluid and ooops, no brakes! I tried to find a rebuild kit which I could not seem to do. I ended up just purchasing a rebuilt caliper at NAPA Auto Parts for about $55 dollars. You might want to consider doing the same thing. The caliper was like new, there was no guessing if what I did was correct and I was able to reinstall it in about an hour. I think it's a good alternative to messing around with finding parts and cloth that you never heard of. Good luck.

Crocus cloth and emery cloth are the same thing.

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AIM-jaxpac257

quote Originally posted by MikeTankosich: I had a big problem with my left front caliper hanging up to the point where it would heat up and boil my brake fluid and ooops, no brakes! I tried to find a rebuild kit which I could not seem to do. I ended up just purchasing a rebuilt caliper at NAPA Auto Parts for about $55 dollars. You might want to consider doing the same thing. The caliper was like new, there was no guessing if what I did was correct and I was able to reinstall it in about an hour. I think it's a good alternative to messing around with finding parts and cloth that you never heard of. Good luck.

Well, I would but I want to learn how to do this. I am the kind of person who likes to know how to do stuff myself. I have always been curious like this. Just one of my personality traits Anyways, inside the bore of the rear caliper it looks like it has some oxidization. Can this be repaired, or do I have to replace it? Does the piston even ride on the bore, or does it ride on the seal. (BTW these are corvette calipers for my 12" swap )

No special tools are needed to rebuild calipers. An air compressor is handy to pop the pistons on the fronts (be careful to keep fingers out of the way and use a rag or piece of wood to keep the piston from hitting the caliper bridge). The rear pistons are easier to remove. Just take off the lever and turn the acctuator screw to force the piston out. The screw can be used to draw the piston back in (rather than rotating the piston) by attaching a thin offset wrench and washers in place of the lever. The pistons should be replaced when doing a rebuild of the rear calipers cause there are internal seals and other parts that can't be easily replaced. Rebuild kits are usually just a piston seal and a dust boot. The rear kit also has an o-ring for the actuator screw and maybe a rubber check valve for the center of the piston. If the caliper bore has deep pits, it can't be rebuilt.

quote Originally posted by MikeTankosich: I ended up just purchasing a rebuilt caliper at NAPA Auto Parts for about $55 dollars. You might want to consider doing the same thing. The caliper was like new, there was no guessing if what I did was correct and I was able to reinstall it in about an hour. .

DAMN GOOD ADVICE.
Can you can detect a cracked or warped caliper?

Also-
Replace the Rubber Brake lines- You'll need a FLARE NUT WRENCH to loosen the threaded fittings (NAPA's got 'em). Open end wrench will round flat edges and Vice-Grips will tear them up. Ask me how I know.
TORQUE WRENCH- Not Optional. Get the Ratcheting BAR type that gives the audible -click- when you reach desired torque. The cheaper flexing one has the labeled guage pointing away from you.

G'Luck- Hoping you get it Right on the First Try.

Where can I find the kit for both front and back?

quote Originally posted by paulcal: Crocus cloth and emery cloth are the same thing.

...not quite, Crocus cloth is a very fine grit, emery cloth will just damage the bore with scratches.

I've never rebuilt a caliper. But I've replaced enough.

I dont trust myself to rebuild a caliper. I'm sure I could do it.... Brakes are so important, id rather be 100% sure they are perfect.

I did get a rebuilt defective left rear caliper from canadian tire!
I replaced both rears to fix my pakring brake.... So im getting the car inspected it wouldnt pass because it was pissing brake fluid?

I tore it out, replaced it... and was told when I brought it back that it was on the shelf too long and a seal may have dried out.

I dont know for sure what happend, either I was BS'd an it was a screwed up rebuild. Or the guy was right and it was too old.

[This message has been edited by zMacK (edited 07-09-2004).]

i tried rebuilding my fronts once, to no avail. ended up buying a pair of rebuilts from o'reilly's, for $15.99 each.

i did find that a dental pick (got mine at a gun show, $3) is excellent for fishing out rubber seals and o-rings.