Hi all,

been having a problem with RF brake caliper sticking on my 92 E350. It appears one of the pistons is sticking in the bore. I managed to get both pistons out, by removing the pads, and pumping the brake pedal. But managed to chip the edges of both pistons in the process - I didn't realise they were phenolic! Anyway, rebuild, or replace, what does everyone recommend? I am in NZ, so shipping can be costly, but have found NAPA and Centric calipers on Ebay, which will ship cheaply enough. Are these okay brands? I look forward to suggestions and feedback.

thanks Conrad

 

If the bores of the calipers look good you might want to just get new pistons and seals to save on shipping costs. NAPA parts from my experience are good quality, although more costly. And just to chime in on the sticking--it can also happen due to the rubber hose deteriorated internally, acting as a check valve. Calipers typically start sticking when the dust seal is torn.

 

Hi,
94,E350,5.8L

My own experience with remanufactured(which is what most local auto parts carry in the around here) calipers has been very bad. When the time came to replace what I thought was factory original Motorcraft calipers, I have gone through three sets of calipers in the last four years.

First set I got from Pepboys, right away I noticed that the breaks were sticking causing the rotors to overheat( I do have new brake hoses, by the way) For the second set, I did not go back to Pepboys for warranty replacement. I headed to O'Reilly to get a new set of Cardone remanufactured calipers which only lasted for a year before one piston on each caliper was sticking. O'Reilly replaced the bad calipers(very unwilling, I must say) and more than a year later I have the same problem with sticking calipers. What a pain... I hope you have better luck.

 

Conrod I've not heard of or have any experience with Centric calipers, NAPA definitely have used and would recommend. Just make sure they're the "premium" product line and not their cheaper stuff--they do offer both. When I'm not in a hurry I'll use Rockauto.com's catalog to learn the Motorcraft part number and then visit Amazon and eBay looking for that specific part. Comparing final costs is important but Conrod I'm curious what you'll do if core charges apply to your purchase?

HandyAl like you I've discovered the hard way using cheaper parts lends itself to problems either initially or in the short term. While I completely understand saving money I'm much more concerned with reliability and doing a job once than saving literally a few dollars. NAPA and Motorcraft are both top quality names and prices have greatly equalized between those brands and the Pep Boys/Cardone brands. If you have a bit of time to shop around on the 'net you'll be surprised just how affordable the Motorcraft brand can be.

I'm sure the cheaper parts houses have great return and warranty policies but honestly that's of little concern to me IF a part fails long before its expected. I hate downtime and doing a job more than once if I can avoid it. For the past 8 years I've used almost nothing but OEM or Motorcraft parts (brake pads an exception) and have rarely had any issues---a lot of those parts are still in use to this day.

Saving money is great but standing roadside due a failed cheap part isn't my idea of a good plan.

Good luck guys!

 

thanks guys. I had a blocked brake hose on another van (an old Transit) and it caused the front brake top stick on the LH side, so badly once I could not drive the van further! After a caliper rebuild, I realised it must be something else. I removed the brake hose, and tried to blow compressed air through - nothing! Obviously hydraulic pressure being higher would allow fluid through, but not back.

I had another play with the E350 brakes after posting earlier. Definitely a stuck piston. I removed the caliper and stripped it. Bores are good. I then removed the pistons, dust seals and piston seals. I pushed the pistons back in with light pressure, and one of them stuck hard! It was in the full retracted position, right where they normally sit. It appeared to be sticking around the point where the seal groove is. I sanded the piston lightly with some 280 grit (although no obvious buildup on it) an reinserted it - it moved freely after that. reassembled and rebled brakes, and seemed to be working okay.

I ordered a couple of Centric calipers off Ebay, complete with pads and sliders, and just over USD $200 including shipping to NZ. So lets see how long these last? I will keep the old ones just in case?

cheers for the help.
Conrad