When to replace brake calipers??

[Gevans17]

1998 Expy with approx 110,000 miles. Next brake job will be due soon. Any suggestions as to when to replace the calipers? Mine are the original ones, and although they don't leak, they are getting old.

[Blu04XLT]

I don't replace as long as they don't leak and are applying even pressure showing good wear on the pads. Some folks may do it for peace of mind if they are keeping truck for a long time.......just costs money.

[ynevada]

yep, if they go in easy, and arent leaking, theres no reason to replace them.
unless ofcourse for piece of mind only.

[archangel]

Originally Posted by ynevada

unless of course for piece of mind only.

And for total piece of mind, replace the whole vehicle?

A rebuild kit only costs pocket change, and they should outlast any other part of the truck!

If you plan on keeping the vehicle and never selling it, go with DOT 5 fluid and replace the rear wheel cylinders, master cylinder, rebuild the calipers, and flush the rest of it out clean, and you'll never have to worry about the hydraulic portion of your brakes ever again, and all for about $125 total for parts.

The issue with standard brake fluid is that it's corrosive, and hygroscopic and only supposed to be used for a couple years before changing it, though it rarely ever gets changed.
That means it sucks up the water from the air lowering it's boiling point and eats away at the master and wheel cylinders causing the fluid to turn brown, and that's a sign it's time to toss the old fluid!

Dot 5 will not suck water from the air or eat away anything inside the brake system, also, if you spill it on the fender, it will only make it shine better.