Rebuild calipers?
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,319
Likes: 89
Rebuild calipers?
Hey guys,
After 18 years my front right caliper locked up. I haven't taken the wheel off but i limped home 4 miles with heavy smell of burned rubber and burning brake and an increasing loss of brake feel. I was a afraid the brake would catch fire.
Anyway, I'm sure the fluid boiled and the caliper seals are damaged. Has anyone rebuilt a caliper? Worth the trouble compared to remanufactured? I'm trying to save some cash...
Id like to rebuild all 4. Maybe replace front flex lines as well.
Thx
After 18 years my front right caliper locked up. I haven't taken the wheel off but i limped home 4 miles with heavy smell of burned rubber and burning brake and an increasing loss of brake feel. I was a afraid the brake would catch fire.
Anyway, I'm sure the fluid boiled and the caliper seals are damaged. Has anyone rebuilt a caliper? Worth the trouble compared to remanufactured? I'm trying to save some cash...
Id like to rebuild all 4. Maybe replace front flex lines as well.
Thx
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 2,907
Likes: 788
From: Kinnula,Finland
I have rebuilt my rear calipers.
I have everything needed for front calipers too.
Shipping cost for calipers is too much for me,being in Finland.
Rebuild is a simple process,keeping all clean is important.
I say buy new ones,if you have a direct access to "new" rebuild calipers.
I have everything needed for front calipers too.
Shipping cost for calipers is too much for me,being in Finland.
Rebuild is a simple process,keeping all clean is important.
I say buy new ones,if you have a direct access to "new" rebuild calipers.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,647
Likes: 891
From: north of Minneapolis, MN
By the time that you discover that the phenolic pistons are brittle from the excess heat and swelled, causing them to stick in the bore....you will have wished you just got some remans.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
I don't bother, with the new ones being as cheap as they are. I have been using new ones from a company called Topaz. We get them at work through a distributor. They are also sold by several sellers online. No issues and perfect performance. The reman ones are hit and miss, mostly a miss.
Rear Caliper Set
Front Caliper Set
Rear Caliper Set
Front Caliper Set
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,712
Likes: 107
From: BoCoMo
imo remans. I have had over the years two brake calipers lock up (out). Left rear (twice) & front right. Talked to my diesel mechanic brother-in-law about self overhauling. He suggest NO WAY..... for these reasons.
1) unknow heat and bore damage that may rear its ugly head down the road and need another rebuilt or exchange.
2) I plan to keep the truck for many years to buy a 'life time' rebuild that I can exchange down the road if needed.
As it turned out I 'lost' my rear caliper a year or so after I replaced the first stuck/bad/jammed out caliper. The brake caliper was replaced at no cost because I had had the 'Life Time' replacement. Now to find out... 'Why did it go bad so fast'??? It was suggested to change out the rubber brake line hoses because to the rubber deteriorating and causing a 'flapping' and not allowing the brake fluid to back off when the pedal is not being used.
1) unknow heat and bore damage that may rear its ugly head down the road and need another rebuilt or exchange.
2) I plan to keep the truck for many years to buy a 'life time' rebuild that I can exchange down the road if needed.
As it turned out I 'lost' my rear caliper a year or so after I replaced the first stuck/bad/jammed out caliper. The brake caliper was replaced at no cost because I had had the 'Life Time' replacement. Now to find out... 'Why did it go bad so fast'??? It was suggested to change out the rubber brake line hoses because to the rubber deteriorating and causing a 'flapping' and not allowing the brake fluid to back off when the pedal is not being used.
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,319
Likes: 89
Thanks for your thoughts guys. I assumed it wasn't gonna be worth it or even cost effective. Looks like rebuild kits are as much as a remanufactured caliper.
I need pads and rotors in front as well. Amazon sells kits by Power Stop and Callahan. I'm more inclined to loaded AC Delco/Napa calipers or a known brand with matching brand rotors. Motorcraft too pricey.
Any suggestions? Rock auto has AC Delco parts but I don't know my gear ratio, in order to pick correct parts.
I need pads and rotors in front as well. Amazon sells kits by Power Stop and Callahan. I'm more inclined to loaded AC Delco/Napa calipers or a known brand with matching brand rotors. Motorcraft too pricey.
Any suggestions? Rock auto has AC Delco parts but I don't know my gear ratio, in order to pick correct parts.
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,319
Likes: 89
I don't bother, with the new ones being as cheap as they are. I have been using new ones from a company called Topaz. We get them at work through a distributor. They are also sold by several sellers online. No issues and perfect performance. The reman ones are hit and miss, mostly a miss.
Rear Caliper Set
Front Caliper Set
Rear Caliper Set
Front Caliper Set
Trending Topics
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,286
Likes: 263
From: North of Greenville
I've been using Napa Ultra Premium brake and suspension parts ever since I got the truck over 14 years ago (and on my son's '02, and my .03 Excursion). I pull out the slide pins about every two years (or so) and wipe them down with a new film of the Permatex Ceramic Extreme Brakes Parts Lubricant (24125). Absolutely no issues whatsoever with the calipers I've replaced.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,350
Likes: 5,945
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
The opinions and experiences on brake components varies wildly...
I just went through what you are contemplating now and based on my own personal experiences over the past 25 years of doing my own wrenching and traveling long distances, I made choices that give me 100% confidence in my brakes when towing a 5th wheel camper cross country.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...?highlight=806
My chosen parts list is here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post19461650
I just went through what you are contemplating now and based on my own personal experiences over the past 25 years of doing my own wrenching and traveling long distances, I made choices that give me 100% confidence in my brakes when towing a 5th wheel camper cross country.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...?highlight=806
My chosen parts list is here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post19461650
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 868
Likes: 84
From: Florida
Install quality parts and OEM's if you can. Stay away from the lower end garbage. Where you might think you are saving upfront, having to do them over in 2 years because they failed isn't worth it for me. Everything is built to a price so don't skimp when it comes to brakes.
PJ
PJ
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,319
Likes: 89
Install quality parts and OEM's if you can. Stay away from the lower end garbage. Where you might think you are saving upfront, having to do them over in 2 years because they failed isn't worth it for me. Everything is built to a price so don't skimp when it comes to brakes.
PJ
PJ
Anyone know how I fing my gear ratios?
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 10,750
Likes: 1,065
From: Douglassville, PA
Axle code on the production sticker on the door jam to start with. I had a page bookmarked with the codes but it looks like its gone 404. Someone here will know if you get that axle code though.