Front brake calipers, rebuild or replace?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,171
Likes: 20
From: Denton, TX
Front brake calipers, rebuild or replace?
I've got one brake that is dragging harder than the other. The brake lines are about a year old.
I can get new piston seals and dust boots for about $7 each side, or remanufactured calipers for about $50 each side.
Either way will require a brake fluid bleed.
Anyone reseal their own and have thoughts on doing it again or not?
I can get new piston seals and dust boots for about $7 each side, or remanufactured calipers for about $50 each side.
Either way will require a brake fluid bleed.
Anyone reseal their own and have thoughts on doing it again or not?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 871
Likes: 6
From: Orcas Island, WA
I just did the front brakes on my F150 and went with rebuilt. My reasoning was based upon prior experience from when I wrenched on my own cars in the 70's and early 80's. I always hated rebuilding calipers or wheel cylinders because the inside was invariably rusted (pre aluminum) or pitted from moisture and was a royal pain to get cleaned up enough to successfully rebuild.
I bought Motorcraft remanufactured calipers from rockauto.com for $36.79 plus shipping with a $40 core charge. I figured it wasn't worth the $20 bucks to deal with a possibly corroded bleed screw and rebuilding.
Edit to add: if you can afford the down time takes things apart to see what you need to order. In my case I couldn't so I also bought new retaining pins and anti-rattle clips just in case old ones were bad.
Unless they are in great shape with plenty of pad left, you might want to change your pads while you're in there. It's a lot easier now.
Also, check your rotors carefully to see if they are still serviceable.
I bought Motorcraft remanufactured calipers from rockauto.com for $36.79 plus shipping with a $40 core charge. I figured it wasn't worth the $20 bucks to deal with a possibly corroded bleed screw and rebuilding.
Edit to add: if you can afford the down time takes things apart to see what you need to order. In my case I couldn't so I also bought new retaining pins and anti-rattle clips just in case old ones were bad.
Unless they are in great shape with plenty of pad left, you might want to change your pads while you're in there. It's a lot easier now.
Also, check your rotors carefully to see if they are still serviceable.
Last edited by Island Time; Oct 10, 2014 at 07:19 PM. Reason: Added more thoughts
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